The Venetians called this southern most Ionian island Fiore di Levante, the Flower of the East. Its nobility and fertility made this delightful island a jewel of their empire. Join us on a week’s exclusive fully guided walking holiday to explore and discover why the Venetians held this island in such high esteem.
Grade – Easy to Medium
Extras
Arrive at Zakynthos Airport and transfer to the Angela Studios.
Our exclusive, specially designed walks will give us the opportunity to enjoy and experience the island’s stunning coastal and fertile inland scenery along with a chance to cook and have lunch with the locals. Adding to the adventure, the week includes a private boat trip to view the island from a different perspective and the chance to spot the island’s famous turtles.
The first hike is a beautiful route on narrow paved lanes through lemon groves and vineyards. Immediately after leaving our accommodation, you’ll be walking underneath the shade of ancient olive trees. In the distance you will be able to see the spire of the small Ano Gerakari church, proudly built on top of a hill. This summit is our goal. We take a shaded path which meanders uphill and with every step the views become more spectacular.
After breakfast, we set off for our three short hikes. Zakynthos offers three types of fantastic scenery – the mountains, the fertile plain and long sandy beaches. In one day, we’ll encounter it all. The first stop is the hamlet of Giri – the highest village on the island, tucked away in the hills. The route runs through rugged terrain where we suddenly discover amazing views over the entire island. We continue through forests of tall cypress trees and fields with wild flowers. Our next hike starts in the traditional village of Agia Marina. Our route zigzags through olive groves, descending along paths only used during harvest time. Here we experience the heart of the island, a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the islands coastal resorts. For the third hike, we’ll be brought to Kalamaki where we walk through the dunes with eucalyptus trees. Our route ends on a long sandy beach, where we can walk barefoot along the surf.
Perhaps relax by the pool with your favourite book or take a stroll to the nearby beach. Or if you are feeling active, try out kayaking on a Sea Kayak Tour (Approx €60 pp payable locally). Alternatively, visit Smugglers Cove & the Blue Caves (minimum 8 clients approx €50pp payable locally). Make sure you build up an appetite for the included evening meal at a local taverna.
Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.
After breakfast, we’ll be picked up by our coach and taken to the hidden valley of Loucha. Firstly we will stroll through fields of wildflowers with the scent of thyme, oregano and aniseed dominating the air. Taking unpaved paths through a forest of tall cypress trees, we’ll leave civilisation behind us with only the silence as a companion. A descending trail, with spectacular views over the entire island, ends at the ancient central road, now overgrown and forgotten. The route runs in between the ruins of a hidden village, where time has stood still since being abandoned after an earthquake. The buildings are covered with moss and nature has taken over, giving a fairytale feel of serene beauty.
Today this spectacular walk begins on the west coast edge of the island where the dramatic high limestone cliffs drop down into the dark blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Those with a feel for heights can have a peek over the edge of the bluff and take some fantastic clifftop photographs. We then follow the traditional goat herder trail that meanders upwards, where just after the summit of Mt Skopos, suddenly a spectacular panorama greets us, spanning over the south side of the island with the bay of Laganas. Via a walk along the coast line of Marathia we’ll finish in the small harbour of the village of Limni Keri. Here we rest and have lunch (not included).
Take the opportunity to catch the local bus or a taxi and visit Zante Town and discover a selection of museums, churches and perhaps a spot of shopping. Make sure you are back in time for our last night, farewell Taverna dinner.
It’s time to say “Ya Sou”! After transferring to the airport, we will board our flight home.
Our small, simple and friendly family-owned property is ideally located in a quiet corner of Alykanas, surrounded by pine and olive trees and just minutes from the sandy beach. There are a number of bars, restaurants, convenience shops and a supermarket all located nearby.
Facilities include a private outdoor swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas, poolside changing room with toilet and shower. Breakfast and lounge area, honesty bar and common outdoor gardens complete this lovely property.
Hotel Advisory
Lifts are available at this property. Please inform us if you have mobility issues so that we can assign a room accordingly. Ground floor rooms cannot be guaranteed.
Our pleasant rooms feature Air Conditioning (payable locally) a kitchenette with fridge and safety deposit box. The sleeping area is equipped with an LCD TV and a private balcony furnished with a small table and chairs. A number of hairdryers are available to hire (with an additional charge, payable locally) Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Pool/Beach towel is provided (€10 refundable deposit).
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Zakynthos Airport to our hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Easy to Medium and you can expect to walk between 10 to 15km per day, with some ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved.
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
Olive groves & Vineyards
Distance 12km
Ascent 665m 25% (till 150m)
Descent 665m 50%
Plateau 25%
Walking Time 4hrs
Top 3 Walks of Zakynthos- Giri, Agia Marina & Kalamaki
Giri Walking distance 4 km
Ascent 73 m 30%
Descent 73 m 30%
Plateau ± 40 %
Walking Time ± 75 min (walking time)
Agia Marina – Loucha Walking distance 7 km
Ascent 99 m 15%
Descent 246 m 65%
Plateau ± 20 % duration
Walking Time 2 hrs
Kalamaki Walking distance 3 km
Ascent 0 m
Descent 10 m 2 %
Plateau 98 % duration
Walking Time 45m
Loucha Valley & Views & Cooking with the locals
Walking Distance 13 km
Ascent 5%
Descent 70%
Plateau 25 % duration
Walking Time 4 hours
Cliffs, Coves & Turtle Island
Walking Distance 10 km
Ascent 15 %
Descent 60 %
Plateau 25 %
Walking Time 3 ½ hrs
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solos Holidays cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive.
The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
There will be plenty for you to see and do during your own leisure time during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your Tour Leader. Please note that prices shown may vary according to numbers. Full details will be given at your Information Meeting. All tours must be paid for in euros only. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you and explain where you will need to go but may not necessarily accompany you.
Please note:- Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.
Euro
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €20-€25 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Greece Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 14 °C | 8 °C |
| March | 16 °C | 9 °C |
| April | 19 °C | 11 °C |
| May | 23 °C | 14 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 18 °C |
| July - August | 31 °C | 20 °C |
| September | 28 °C | 19 °C |
| October | 23 °C | 16 °C |
| November | 19 °C | 12 °C |
| December | 16 °C | 10 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
