More about the route
Although the daily distances are moderate, the terrain is hilly, so we recommend that you have a good basic fitness. If you need a rest day in between, the hike can be alternated with a beach walk. The focus of the trip is the beautiful scenery, the cosy atmosphere and the tranquillity.
Easy cancellation up to 35 days before departure
This tour is covered by our special easy cancellation policy up to 35 days before departure.
Itinerary
Here you can see the program for the week.
Arrive at Zakynthos airport or port, where you'll be met and transferred to your first hotel in Alykes. The trip takes about half an hour. Then you can let the relaxed atmosphere of the island wash over you and perhaps take a dip in the swimming pool.
Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel
Your first hike is an easy one, starting at the endless vineyards just behind your hotel. Today's destination is the small church of Saint Nicolas, which is beautifully situated on a hilltop surrounded by the village of Ano Gerakari and from here you can enjoy a great 360-degree view of the whole of eastern Zakynthos. The village is also the perfect place to enjoy a Frappe´ (cold Greek coffee) and get an even better feel of island life. The walk back to the hotel is through olive groves along paths that are only used during the harvest.
Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel
After breakfast you will hike to the village of Katastari and the further up you go, the better the views. You reach an altitude of about 300 metres. The trail rounds the hilltop of Psili Krorifi before descending again. Enjoy the total silence, disturbed only by the whistling of birds. The tour's next stop is the 16th-century monastery of Saint Ioannis Prodromou, a gradually forgotten building where today only a single monk guards the relics. The path now descends across the salt plains of Alati, where locals still harvest salt from the sea. The route ends on the beach at Alykes.
Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel
You pack your luggage and leave your bags at reception before setting off on the day's beautiful hike. The first part of the route zigzags through the vineyards of the central part of Zakynthos. You wander from town to town, always with the next church tower to steer for. The route follows ancient paths that connect the towns of Kalithea, Skoulikado, Drakas and Agia Marina. This green and lush part of the island is dominated by cypresses, walnut trees, pomegranates, herb gardens and vineyards. When you arrive at your hotel, your luggage will already have been taken to your room. The hotel is a charming newly restored mansion, well hidden behind small trillium vines - a stunning example of old Venetian architecture.
Hotel (example): Anatoli Labreon
Today's short hike takes you to the ruins of the ancient village of Agio Pantes. The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the swimming pool while enjoying the great views of the entire central part of the island.
Hotel (example): Anatoli Labreon
Now it's time to change hotels again. As you walk, your luggage is taken to your next destination. You start by being driven to Romiri, from where you begin the hike. The route heads south along the side of Magalo Vouno mountain. First stop is the abandoned town of "Old Lagadakia". Here time has stood still since the earthquake of 1953 and the only witnesses of that time are now the very photogenic buildings. The trail continues through thick coniferous forests adorned with wild strawberry bushes. Halfway you meet the village of Lithakia, where you can take a break at the local taverna in the shade of the trees. A narrow path leads you on to the marshland of Limni Keri, today's destination.
Note: You can also choose to cut 7km off the route by taking a taxi to Old Lagadakia and walking from there.
Hotel (example): Porto Tsi Ostrias
In Limni Keri you can choose to go on your last hike in Zakynthos or you can choose to go on a tour.
For example, you could choose to go on a turtle-spotting trip to the uninhabited island of Marathonisi. The outline of the island looks like a turtle. Coincidentally, the "turtle island" is also the breeding ground of the Caretta Caretta sea turtle. The most spectacular way to end your visit is a kayak tour, which is also suitable for beginners. Discover and explore the beautiful Keri coast with your guide and instructor. The tour takes you along the coast, into caves over crystal clear waters and to hidden beaches.
If you choose the hike
Today's optional route is a spectacular one. You can choose between a challenging 19km walk or an easy 14km walk. Limni Keri is in a valley, so the only way to go is up. The path goes up to 400moh. This area can only be reached on foot, so you can expect to have the area pretty much to yourself. The wild herbs smell wonderful as you walk. Halfway you reach the mountain village of Keri, where the local café is a perfect place to stop for a lunch break and perhaps sample the local dish of wild rabbit. You continue and pass the ancient church of Panagia Keriotissa, which has a majestic bell tower. The route now becomes more and more beautiful as there begin to be flowering thyme, roses and other flowers along the path. The island ends abruptly with a dramatic limestone cliff that drops 200m straight into the sea. You return to Limni Keri when you have finished admiring the view.
Hotel (example): Porto Tsi Ostrias
Now the tour is over and you will be driven to Zakynthos airport or port in time to catch your flight or ferry. It is also possible to extend your stay, so please contact us if you would like to know more about this.
Photos from this tour
Prices and dates
Price includes
- 7 nights in carefully selected hotels
- Breakfast every day
- Carefully elaborated route descriptions maps and other materials
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Access to the route in our GPS-app which works offline while you walk
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
- Half board (7 dinners)
- Single room
- Transportation to/from Zakynthos
- Handling fee (€20)
- Local tourist taxes (if necessary)
- Use of air conditioning in hotels
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Zakynthos are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-3 working days)
- You arrange your transportation
Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio
On this trip you will stay in 2- and 3-star hotels and breakfast is included every day.
In the itinerary you can see examples of the hotels we use most often on this trip. If there are no vacancies in the hotels when you book the trip, we will book hotels of equivalent quality.
On this tour breakfast is included every day.
It is also possible to buy half board (7x dinner). The dinners consist 3-dish menus and is sometimes served on restaurants close to the hotel. See the bookingform to buy half board. Dinners will be served at local restaurants. As there are many restaurants to choose from, half board is really only suitable if you know you don't want to choose where to eat.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
This journey has difficulty level 2
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
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