Bering's grand Ionian adventure

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 (exampel): Zante Dolphin Hotel
Hotel (exampel 2): Eleni's Garden

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 (exampel): Zante Dolphin Hotel
Hotel (exampel 2): Eleni's Garden

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 (exampel): Zante Dolphin Hotel
Hotel (exampel 2): Eleni's Garden

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 (exampel): Anatoli Labreon

Etter frokosten blir dere kjørt til Loucha, en liten fjellandsby, kun 15 minutters kjøretur fra hotellet. Ruten starter høyt og ender lavt, så det er hovedsakelig nedoverbakke. Først tar dere en gammel asfaltert sti ned mot den pittoreske landsbyen Loucha, et malerisk sted med ca. 100 hus og 50 innbyggere. Stien fortsetter gjennom en fruktbar dal, som er øyas grønnsakshage, og hvor det er en brønn på hver mark. I en tett furuskog kan man ta en liten sløyfe til det ensomme klosteret Iparagathos. Deretter følger en lang nedstigning fra fjellene med en fantastisk utsikt over resten av øya med fastlandet i horisonten. Kirken Agia Marina er synlig langt borte, langs fjellsiden ender dere ved hotellet.

Hotell (eksempel): 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 (exampel): 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 (exampel): Porto Tsi Ostrias

Today is an exciting day, because today starts a week of island hopping. First, you'll be taken to the harbour in Zakynthos Town. Here you'll board a ferry to the mainland, with a change of ferry in Kilini, you'll reach the green and lush island of Kefalonia. The ferry journey takes approximately four hours.

After arriving in Kefalonia, you'll be driven to your hotel on the other side of the island. The journey itself is an adventure in itself, a beautiful route with stunning views, over high mountains and through the heart of Kefalonia. At the hotel you can take a dip in the pool or in the sea. Or, if time permits, take a walk around the village to get to know the surroundings.

You'll pass by the Melissani Caves, which is actually a bucket list attraction if you're in Kefalonia (entrance at your own expense). It's a lake with crystal clear water in a cave with an opening in the ceiling. The sun's rays shine through and create a prism in the deep clear water; a truly photogenic sight. Our recommendation for tonight is to have dinner at the Karavomilos taverna, romantically located by the sea.

Hotel (exampel): Mirabel

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the beautiful harbour of Agia Efimia. Here you can buy some supplies for today's long walk. The first stretch is along a quiet tarmac road. In the village of Drakopoulata, time has stood still since the 1953 earthquake, with the Venetian ruins as silent witnesses. The only signs of life are goat bells on the mountainside. The route immediately heads uphill, steeply, but not for long. You follow an old path through a narrow valley. The descent follows through a shady gorge before reaching another village ruin, Palia Vlaghata.

This abandoned village is even more impressive with bakery ovens and the mayor's large mansion, overgrown but still visible. New views soon emerge with wide panoramas of the fertile delta of Karavomilos and Sami with tall cypress trees poking out of a green carpet of vegetation. Eventually you'll reach the coast, where the azure sea tempts you to go for a swim.

Hotel (exampel): Mirabel

Today's circular route takes you through the nearby hills. First, the path goes up from Sami to the top of Agios Fanentes, where there is a ruin of a Byzantine monastery. Next stop is the Acropolis of Same; a unique archaeological site hidden between ancient olive trees. The site is not utilised and you can freely move around and climb the ancient Mycenaean entrance, which is still intact. The descending path continues through a dense pine forest with native mastic trees. At sea level, the route follows the boulevard and ends where you began.

Keen walkers can continue walking by adding a loop starting at the Acropolis. A descending path leads you to Antisamos. This trendy beach is the place to be, see and be seen. To get back, follow an asphalt road and pass the Monastery of Agrilion, where hopefully the priest is home and the doors are open so you can visit the beautiful church.

Hotel (exampel): Mentor

Today is another exciting day. It starts with a brisk morning walk to the harbour in Sami as you walk to the ferry where your luggage will be transported. Once on board, you'll wave goodbye to Kefalonia, but it's not a final farewell. Upon arrival on the island of Ithaca, a taxi will take you to Vathi. This intimate capital is wonderfully sheltered in a natural bay, making it a safe haven for many sailboats moored along the boulevard. Enjoy this charming city and explore the many narrow streets.

Keen walkers can head to the secluded beach of Gidaki, a paradise that can only be reached on foot. The first part follows a quiet tarmac road that goes past Minimata and over Skinios beach. The road turns into a path and continues through a shady, dense forest of pine trees. The road smells of wild herbs such as sage, anise, oregano and thyme. Suddenly, a stunning view of Gidaki Beach appears. A snow-white beach contrasting with the azure sea and grassy green hills - it's a picture postcard view, so don't forget your camera for a good selfie. In the evenings, Vathi is a lively village and you can enjoy freshly caught fish in one of the traditional fish taverns on the quay.

Hotel (exampel): Mentor

Today you can explore the southern part of the island. The entire area around Marathia is privately owned, you have the right to walk there and it is pure nature without any human activity. First, you'll be taken by taxi to where the road ends and continue on foot. After an hour, consider an extra two kilometres to Spiliotissa, a hidden church in a cave and a peaceful place to enjoy pure silence. Via an old path that has recently been made passable again, the route slowly descends along the mountainside. On your right, you'll have stunning views of the Ionian Sea with the high peaks of the mainland on the horizon. The paths meander through dense forests of tall cypress trees and pass through the village of Perachori.

At the local café, Spiridoula makes her own walnut cake and it's definitely worth a break. Next stop is the old Byzantine church of Theotokou, a listed monument with interior parts of ancient frescoes. Finally, the route ends in the square of Vathi, where a cool drink is well deserved.

Hotel (exampel): Mentor

A day to take it easy, to relax on the balcony or to enjoy the beach. There are several beautiful beaches within a short distance. Filiatro beach is where the locals hang out to see and be seen, Dexia beach offers natural shade from overhanging olive trees and Loutsa is an intimate sandy beach. Or you can explore the charming town of Vathi and enjoy a cold Greek frappé coffee in the main square and watch the slow island life pass by. If you feel like exploring, you can hire a small motorboat to reach the most deserted beaches. But the best way to visit such beaches is by kayak. Jorgos is the only kayak instructor on the island and he'd love to show you the amazing coastline.

Hotel (exampel): Hotel Astir

To get from Kefalonia to Zakynthos you need to take the same ferry as last week, from Poros port via the mainland back to Zakynthos. The final hike is a walk through the town. You'll visit the hill Lofos Strani, a place with a lot of history and where the Greek national anthem was composed. The hill Bochali has a fantastic view and is a good place to have a coffee. From the Venetian fortress, a winding road leads back to the city. Our recommendation is to celebrate your last night at one of the traditional taverns, where Kantades are sung. These local songs celebrate the beauty of the Ionian Islands; with all you've seen, feel free to sing along.

Hotel (exampel): Strada Marina

At the end of your trip, you'll be driven to Zakynthos Airport or the port in time to catch your flight or ferry. It's also possible to extend your stay, so contact us if you want to hear more about this.