Syros & Tinos walking holiday

"Walk on deserted ancient trails, enjoy stunning mountain views and dramatic coastal scenery… come across ravishing flora and fauna…"

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Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME AND HISTORICAL WALK IN MEDIEVAL ANO SYROS
Arrival at the island of Syros and transfer to our traditional, family-run guesthouse at the coastal town of Ermoupolis. Orientation and introduction on the history and culture of the island of Syros. Ermoupolis is full of Venetian and neoclassical buildings which make it one of the most beautiful towns in the country to walk around.

In the evening we’ll start our walking adventure from the elegant marble square. We’ll walk through the narrow alleys of this “mysterious” town towards the quarter of Vaporia, an architectural splendor with beautiful neoclassical mansions, cobbled streets and arches. We’ll continue to the top of the hill Dili reaching the famous Orthodox church of Anastasi, standing opposite to the Catholica church of St. George, a symbol of the harmonic co-existence of the two religions, where you can enjoy mind-blowing views of the harbour and Ano Syros.

We’ll continue towards the medieval town of Ano Syros, built by the Venetians in the 13th century, and the surrounding rural area. Innumerable steps between narrow marble streets and old stoney, white-washed houses with coloured doors lead to the top of the town. The Catholic basilica of San Giorgio dominates. You will enjoy a panoramic view of the Ermoupolis and the neighbouring islands of Tinos, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Andros and Naxos. You’ll watch the colourful sunset and then enjoy local delicacies and traditional island music at one of the island’s oldest taverns.

Walking time: 2 hours. Actual walking time: 3-4 hours. Grade: easy.
DAY 2: COASTAL TRAIL TO THE AKROPOLIS OF KASTRI
Today we’ll make our way from the outskirts of the town of Ermoupolis onto a beautiful coastal trail towards the akropolis of Kastri, very famous because of its findings from the early-Cycladic civilisation (3200-2000 B.C.) During our walk you’ll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the wild north-east coast of Syros and the surrounding islands and go through the traditional settlements of Platy Vouni and Richopo. The smell of herbs will accompany you and depending on the season you’ll be able to gather thyme, oregano, lavender, sage to name a few. Around April and May wild flowers including rare species and orchids are abound.

We’ll stop for a swim, snorkle and lunch at one of the most isolated beaches of the island, Glysoura. We will then walk towards the ancient settlement of Katri where you’ll have a break to admire its magical atmosphere. You’ll end our day’s walk at the village of Chalandriani and its local tavern with a drink and a meze.

Walking time: 3,5 hours hours. Actual walking with lunch and stops: 6 hours. Grade: moderate.
DAY 3: WALK TO CAPE DHIAPORI & THE MOST REMOTE BEACHES
Today we’ll take you to a very lonely part of the island of Syros, it’s northern tip, Cape Dhiapori, and the most remote beaches of the island, Gria Spilia and Grammata. We’ll start from the valley of Kambos and follow the beautiful trail to Dhiapori. You’re likely to spot on the way birds such as Cory’s shearwater, Eleonora’s falcon, Bonelli’s eagle, Audouin’s gull, the European shag, to name a few exciting sightings you could make during spring and autumn migration.

After a short break at the cape to admire the stunning rock formations and deep blue of the Aegean, we will continue towards Grammata beach where you’ll enjoy a swim and snorkle at its crystal clear waters. After a short walk we’ll stop at the shaded beach of Gria Spilia for lunch and a rest before returning. In the evening we’ll explore the little village of St. Michelle and have supper enjoying the most impressive sunset

Walking time: 3 hours. Actual walking time: 5 hours. Grade: moderate.
DAY 4: ANCIENT TRAIL WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS
Today we’ll make our way towards the traditional settlement of Papouri and from there we’ll take the ancient trail towards the beach of Varvaroussa, that is ranked amongst the islands’ nicest beaches. You can have lunch and swim at the bays’ secluded, turquoise waters. Our guide will be happy to take you snorkeling around the rocks of a little island inside the bay of Varvaroussa and introduce you to the unique underwater biodiversity of the East Med.

From Varvaroussa we will then enjoy a walk along the coast to the beach of Delfini and then further to the bay and settlement of Kini. The trails are very beautiful, the panoramic views are marvellous… We will end the day with supper at one of our favourite local taverns.

Walking time: 2,5 hours. Actual walking time: 5 hours. Grade: Moderate.
DAY 5: REST DAY
Ferry to Tinos. Opportunity to rest or explore the main town of Tinos, its numerous beaches and villages. The options are endless and we’ll be happy to offer you advice.
DAY 6: HIKE THROUGH TRADITIONAL VILLAGES TOWARDS INCREDIBLE 'LUNAR' VOLAX
Our hike starts from the picturesque village of Steni and passes through some of the most beautiful villages of Tinos. We’ll first walk up to Dyo Choria, and then continue our exploration around the villages of Triandaros, Arnados, Tzadros, Kehros and Falatados. These villages will impress you with their medieval air, architecture and lovely views of the southern part of the island and the neighboring Cycladic islands. The houses built amphitheatrically on lush hillsides with running water, squares with trees and flowers, springs and fountains, narrow streets and alleys, arches, terraces… all characterize the villages. It’s hard to choose from the many spots where to stop to rest, relax and have a snack.

We’ll then continue our hike to an area of outstanding natural beauty towards the village of Volax. Large, almost perfectly round grey rocks dot the plateau and slopes around Volax, creating a stunning sight and unique geological phenomenon. Its unique surrounding of big round rocks gives the whole landscape a lunar appearance. We’ll have supper at one of the oldest taverns of the village where you will have the chance to try their own cheeses, vegetables, meat and of course raki! Perfect ending of the day.

Walking time: 3,5 hours hours. Actual walking with lunch and stops: 6 hours. Grade: easy.
DAY 7: CROSS FERTILE VALLEY TO REACH REMOTE LIGHTHOUSE & SOLITARY BEACH
Today we’ll begin our walking adventure from the traditional settlement of Falatados. We’ll take the ancient stone-paved path that crosses the Livadha valley, follow a riverbed characterized by its rich vegetation, mainly of plane and oak trees. There are remains of old water-mills and picturesque chapels along the path where we can stop to rest. We’ll reach the solitary beach of Livadha which stands apart because of its sculpture-like rocks and fine sand. Perfect place for relaxing, swimming and a picnic.

We’ll continue our walk towards the lighthouse on the northeastern tip of Tinos where you will have the chance to admire the magnificent views to the deep blue of the Aegean sea and surrounding Cycladic islands. You’re likely to spot on the way many sea birds, predators and passerines as the Aegean islands are a stopover on the long migratory journey of birds. Farewell supper and exchange of experiences.

Walking time: 4 hours. Actual walking time: 6 hours. Grade: moderate.

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