On Foot on the Island of Evia

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    [title] => Arrival Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Welcome to Hotel Anastasia. Unpack and settle in.
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    [title] => Walking through time
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    [description] => 
Today’s walks introduce the rich history of the island. Both options are in the vicinity of Castello Rosso. The ‘Red Castle’ is perched on top of Montofoli Hill overlooking the Bay of Karystos. This 13th century castle was built on top of Byzantine foundations and was then developed further by the Franks, Venetians and Turks. After our walks are complete we will visit a beekeeper to learn about honey production on the island and have a chance to sample some sweet local produce and and perhaps purchase a souvenir from your trip.
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                            [title] => Ancient Quarries
                            [content] => 
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 1,500 feet (450m)
In summary: The walk begins in the village of Myli, ascending to a Roman quarry to marvel at the enormous columns left behind in the 2nd century AD. Stand in the footsteps of those masons and admire the views down to the Castello below and Karystos Bay beyond. 
Highlight: Spectacular views of Castello and Karystos.
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                            [title] => Walking through time: Lala and Castello Rosso
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Distance: 5 miles (8km) 
Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: The walk meanders through the villages occupying the lower slopes of the Mt Ochi Range that dominates the northern skyline. Ascending to the Castello Rosso, dating from the Byzantine period, via the pedestrian gateway of ancient times to offer extensive views back toward the Greek mainland. The route descends through the village of Lala.
Highlight: The extensive views from the Castello Rosso.
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    [title] => Mt Ochi  and it's Environs
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Mount Ochi (1,398m) is the highest peak in southern Evia. On its slopes is an excellent specimen of a Dragon House. Built with large slabs of inter-locking stone, these buildings are something of a mystery. It is not certain how old they are or why they were built. The other building of note here is the church of the Prophet Elias, a pretty chapel built in traditional style.
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                            [title] => Mt Ochi environs and the Chestnut Forest
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Distance: 4 miles (6½km) 
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (390m) 
In summary: Our journey, one of the longest of the week, offers not only great views, but provides an opportunity for the easier walk to reach a very remote location. Our walk follows a section of the old road, before heading eastward to ascend to a shepherd’s hut. A sense of remoteness is achieved, with little evidence of human habitation to be seen. The track passes through the ancient chestnut forest of Kastanolongos, the only remaining chestnut forest in south Evia and a place for quiet contemplation before rejoining the awaiting bus at the foot of Mount Ochi.
Highlight: The ancient chestnut forest of Kastanolongos.
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                            [title] => The Dragon House of Mt Ochi
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Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In summary: The walk begins at the road terminus below the higher slopes of Mount Ochi, soon to pass the mountain refuge. Our ascent is steady, and the final stages are on the rock slabs that surround the summit. The chapel of Profitis Ilias is discovered in the final approach to an imposing Dragon House. The summit lies beyond, and the views are ample reward for those last few steep steps. The return is to the south via open tracks with extensive views to the village of Myli encountered earlier in the week.
Highlight: Breathtaking views.
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    [title] => Dragon Houses of Styra
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Styra is 25km northwest of the hotel, but soon reached via the newly constructed highway. Ships left from this city-state to aid the rescue of Helen of Troy. This region contains a number of ‘Dragon’ Houses; the walks explore three of these and nearby quarries before descending to Styra and its main square where there are several tavernas.
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                            [title] => Dragon Houses and the Castle of Armena
                            [content] => 
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 2,200 feet (660m)
In summary: The walk ascends from the outskirts of Styra to explore the Dragon houses before continuing upwards through the nearby quarries to the little church of Ag. Nikolas below the Mount Kliosi fortifications. Leaving the church to explore the ruins above, we then descend through the majestic limestone framed portal down to disused ancient quarries and on to the square of Styra.
Highlight: Discover the theories behind the construction of the Dragon houses.
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                            [title] => The Dragon Houses of Styra
                            [content] => 
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (390m)
In summary: The walk starts in the village of Zoodochos ascending on tracks and Kalderimi (paved mule tracks) to the Dragon houses and quarries beyond. There is time to explore this area, and add to the speculation of origin and purpose of these structures before descending on good tracks to Styra.
Highlight: Discover the ancient Dragon houses.
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    [title] => Free Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Your free day offers the chance to explore the waterfront, shops and harbourside cafés in Karystos. Have a lazy day relaxing by the pool or walk to the main beach and have a swim and then take lunch at one of the many restaurants/cafés in Karystos. Later this afternoon, for those wishing to join us, we will meet at the hotel and walk with our guide to the Montofoli winery to enjoy a tour and tasting, returning in time for dinner this evening.
You could also join an optional boat trip, which takes in views of Karystos Bay and the nearby Petali Islands towards Marmari. This exhilarating excursion offers a mixture of sightseeing and a short stop on a secluded beach. It may be possible to enjoy a short introduction to snorkelling too. Please ask your leader for further details
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    [title] => Petrokanalo Pass to the Sea
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
The Petrokanalo Pass marks the start point of a walk through the beautiful and diverse Dimosari Gorge. This richly vegetated opening in the rocks leads downhill to the small village of Lenosei and then on to the beach. It is thought that people have been walking here since before the Middle Ages; the remains of an old cobbled surface can be seen in places.
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                            [title] => Dimosari Gorge
                            [content] => 
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
Total descent: 3,800 feet (1,140m)
In summary: After following the same route as the easier group, the route continues on Lenosei's access track then descends to an abandoned mill on the bankside, and follows the river bed to the sea.
Highlight: Discover the impressive Dimosari Gorge with its majestic waterfalls.
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                            [title] => Dimosari Gorge
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Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Total ascent: 250 feet (80m)
Total descent: 2,700 feet (810m)
In summary: From the Petrokanalo pass, the entrance gate to the Dimosari Gorge path is soon found. The route through the gorge was the only route from the north of the island peninsula to the port of Karystos, and today sections of the original stone cobbles can still be seen. The path descends steeply, sometimes with made steps, to meet the stream, soon to become a river. Even in the height of summer, water continues to flow. The path follows the gorge beneath chestnut and plain trees, passing majestic waterfalls through to the small hamlet of Lenosei and its church.
Highlight: One of the most beautiful trails in Greece.
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    [title] => Bridges, Poseidon’s Temple and Riverside Paths to Potami Beach
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Today we will explore the eastern shores with the chance to enjoy a communal meal at a delightful beachside tavern with stunning views.
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                            [title] => Poseidon’s Temple and Riverside Paths
                            [content] => 
Distance: 4 miles (6½km)
Total ascent: 500 feet (150m)
In summary: Starting in the village of Platanistos we descend to the restored packhorse bridge, featured in most postcards, crossing the stream whose source is in the ancient chestnut forests explored earlier in the week. The descent is interspersed with an exploration for the remains of Poseidon’s temple, before descending through the river meadows and olive groves behind Potami beach.
Highlight: Opportunity for a swim or a wander along the seashore.
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                            [title] => Waterfalls, Bridges, and Artefacts
                            [content] => 
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (190m)
Total descent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: From Platanistos we continue inland to visit one of the few waterfalls of the area, before continuing downstream to join the route of the easier walk from the packhorse bridge.
Highlight: Picture-postcard scenery on our route.
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    [title] => Departure Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
We hope to see you again soon.
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