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Walking holiday in Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaca

Wonderful walking holiday on the beautiful Greek islands of Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaca. Get an insight into real Greek island life in the stunning scenery.

8 Days / 7 Nights
Moderate

For centuries, the green and lush island of Zakynthos has been called ‘Fiore de Levante’ (Flower of the East). With its stunning coastline of long sandy beaches and a fertile plain at its centre, the island is an ideal hiking and relaxation destination. In spring, everything is in bloom and the ancient olive groves are lit up with a palette of colourful wild flowers. In autumn, the sea is still warm and you can enjoy the rich variety of beaches.

Kefalonia is one of the largest islands in Greece, but relatively unknown to visitors. The islanders like to keep their home a secret and you won't find mass tourism with huge hotels; authentic Greece still exists here. The island is simply stunning; high mountains, secluded bays, cypress forests, endless vineyards and colourful fishing ports. The neighbouring island of Ithaca is a pristine paradise, with barren vegetation and only shy mountain goats disturbing the silence. The island is famous thanks to the classic poem ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer; every traveller should visit Ithaca once to follow in the footsteps of this epic story.

In eight days, you'll see the best of these three islands.

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  • Two authentic Greek islands
  • Great routes in stunning scenery
  • Hospitable hosts in the towns and small hotels
  • The delicious Greek food

 

More about the route

The hikes mainly take place along so-called ‘kalderimia’, old donkey trails that run through remote areas. The routes lead you along narrow paths and go down and up. If there are days when you don't feel like hiking, there are plenty of other things you can do. Relax by the pool, visit the local market or hunt for bargains in the local shops. Here you can really enjoy the island atmosphere; zero stress, peace and quiet, friendly people.

Itinerary

Here you can see the programme for the week.

Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver who will take you to the first hotel in Alykanas. You can adjust to your new surroundings by taking a walk to the beach or enjoying the swimming pool. At check-in, you'll be given your ferry timetable, which is crucial for your upcoming island hopping adventure.

Perhaps you'll arrive early enough to do a hike today and we have an easy route that's an ideal way to get to know the area and test the terrain. Once you leave Alykanas, you'll leave the hustle and bustle behind. A path winds through vineyards and zigzags up through groves of ancient olive trees. Once you reach the top (75m), you'll have a great view of the sea. The final stage follows the long sandy beach of Alykanas.

Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel

Your first hike is an easy one and the route starts at the endless vineyards that lie just behind your hotel. Today's destination is the small Saint Nicolas church, beautifully situated on a hilltop surrounded by the village of Ano Gerakari, from where you can enjoy 360-degree views 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 sense of island life. The walk back to the hotel takes you through olive groves along paths that are only used during the harvest.

Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel

 

Today is an exciting day, because today the island hopping starts. The best connection to Kefalonia is the ferry to the mainland with a stop at the harbour in Kilini. Ferry times change frequently and you'll receive your ferry timetable once you've arrived in Zakynthos.

Upon arrival in Kefalonia, you'll be transferred 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 great photo opportunity. Our recommendation for tonight is to have dinner at the Karavomilos taverna, romantically located by the sea.

Keen hikers can do a lot more walking today, a circular route will take you through the nearby hills if time permits. First, the path climbs from Sami to the summit at Agios Fanentes, where there is a ruined 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 started.

If you want, you can continue walking by adding a loop starting at the Acropolis. A downward path leads you to Antisamos. This trendy beach is the place to be, see and be seen. To get back, follow a tarmac 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.
Overnight stay in Karavomilos

Hotel (example): 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 (example): Mentor

Today is an 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 (example): 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 (example): Mentor

 

To get from Kefalonia to Zakynthos, take the same ferry route as a few days ago, from Poros harbour via the mainland and back to Zakynthos. The final hike is a walk through the town. You'll visit the hill of Lofos Strani, a place steeped in history and where the Greek national anthem was composed. The hill Bochali has great views and is a great place to have a cup of coffee. From the Venetian fortress, a winding road leads back to the city. We recommend celebrating your last night at one of the traditional tavernas where Kantades are sung. These local songs celebrate the beauty of the Ionian Islands and with all that you've seen, you'll be able to sing along.

Hotel (example): Strada Marina

 

Your walking holiday in Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaca is now over. You'll be driven back to the airport in time to catch your flight.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Price includes

Optional extras available
  • Half board (7 evening meals)
  • Single room
Not included
  • Transport to Zakynthos
  • Ferry costs (approx. 60 euros per person in total - payable at the ferry)
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Administration fee (145,-)
  • Any tourist taxes at the hotels
  • Air conditioning costs (payable locally at each hotel)

Praktisk information

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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:

  1. Choose your desired start date
  2. Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
  3. 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.

To get to Zakynthos. Flights are not included in the trip 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:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-4 business days)
  3. You arrange your transportation

Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.

On this trip, you will stay at 2-3-star hotels (Category B). It is possible to upgrade to 4-star hotels (Category A).

When booking, you choose whether you want accommodation in a double room or a single room. Please note that if you are traveling alone, you must select "single room."

In the itinerary, you can see examples of the hotels we typically use for this tour. If these hotels are fully booked when you make your reservation, we will arrange for hotels of equivalent quality.

Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find both lunch and dinner in the towns along the route.

Half Board
It is possible to choose half board for the trip. If you select this option, 7x 3-course dinners are included in the trip's price. Beverages are not included with the dinners. The dinners will be served at local restaurants. Since there are many restaurants to choose from, half board is really only suitable if you know you do not want to choose where to eat yourself.

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.

This trip has difficulty level 2-3, which means that most hiking days are level 2, with a few at level 3.

Grade 2
Easier hikes on reasonably good trails. Daily hikes will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in generally good physical condition can participate. Luggage is transported, and you only carry a light daypack. Requires well-fitting footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.

Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.

Read more about our grading system here.

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.

On this journey there is a discount for children and people sharing a room with "two fully paying adults". The amount of discount depends on age; thus:

Children under 5.99 years: free
Children between 6 and 11.99 years: 50% discount
Children between 12 - 14.99 years: 25% discount
People from 15 years and up: 10% discount

Example 1
You are 2 adults and 1 child. Here it's very simple because you're staying in the same room. The child gets a discount compared to the prices above.

Example 2
You are 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5 and 13). Here you have two options. If you want to stay in two double rooms, it will be full price for all participants. If you want to stay in the same room (e.g. a family room), then both children will get a discount (free and 25% discount respectively).

Example 3
You are 2 adults and 3 children (age: 7, 13 and 15). In this case, you will probably need two double rooms where the youngest child sleeps with the parents. Therefore, there will only be a discount for the youngest child aged 7, who will receive a 50% discount.

Example 4
You are 3 adults who want to sleep in the same double room. The extra adult will receive a 10% discount.

Please note
It is important that you understand that it is your own responsibility when you choose to bring children on the tours. You should check the descriptions of the difficulty levels and decide whether the specific tour is suitable for your child.

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.

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

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