Programme of Walks, 2012
(walks are conducted in April, May and June and again in September and October)

I have selected the following programme of walks to show you as much of the island as possible. There are many others! If you take a look in my book and would like to make any of these alternative walks, either on Alonnisos or the surrounding islands, please just let me know. The walk across the southern half of the nearby island of Peristera is always a delight.

All walks start at 0930 from the port police cabin in the centre of Patitiri harbour.

Saturday
The South West Coast Walk
Patitiri – Tsoukalia Beach and Archaeological Site – Chapels of Aghii Anarghiri – Tourkoneri Beach - Patitiri
Distance: 12 kms
Time: 5 hours approx
Swim Stop: Yes with packed lunch on the beach
Taverna: No
Walking shoes recommended. Shorts ok. Take swimwear.

On the north west side of Alonnisos, 3.5 kms from Patitiri, lies the beach of Tsoukalia, one of several designated archaeological sites on the island. The two small chapels of Aghii Anarghiri are situated on a cliff at the edge of the pine forest and are approached by one of the prettiest forest trails on the island. This walk will take you to some of the most secluded and peaceful spots on the island.The walk is on established paths and is therefore relatively easy and a good introductory walk.

Sunday
Across the Centre of the Island
Melegakia – Xouria - Ayios Konstantinos - Kokkino Agortza- Megalo Chorafi – Kastrakis -Lefto Yialos Beach
Distance: 14 kms
Time: 6 hours approx
Swim Stop: Yes at the end of the walk
Taverna: Yes at Lefto Yialos, open normally from June.
Walking boots or shoes recommended. Shorts ok for most of the route but take long trousers or zip-offs for the scratchy bits. Take swimwear and snack for en route.

If I had to choose a favourite walk, this would be it. As always there are ups and downs but generally this is not too taxing a walk.

Monday Evening
Sunset Walk
Patitiri- Forest of Kato Chorafi –Vouno - Patitri
Distance: 6km
Time: 3 hours
Walking sandals or shoes recommended, shorts ok.

Tuesday
The South East Coast Walk
Patitiri – Rasoum – Votsi – Spartines – Isomota - Ayios Petros - Steni Vala
Distance: 15 kms
Time: 6 hours approx
Swim Stop: Yes at the end of the walk.
Taverna: Yes at Steni Vala.
Walking shoes recommended. Shorts ok for most of the route but take long trousers or zip-offs for the scratchy bits. Take swimwear.

This route will give you a wonderful days walking through coastal fishing villages and open countryside. We will arrive at the lovely harbour of Steni Vala in time for a refreshing swim at Glyfa beach and a relaxing lunch.

Thursday
The Gorge Walk
Ayios Yorgos Church - Kastania Gorge - Strovili Beach – Mourtitsa - Ayios Dimitrios Beach
Distance: 12 kms (the gorge itself is 4kms)
Time: 5 hours approx
Footwear: Due to the terrain, boots or sturdy walking shoes are essential. Shorts are ok.
Swim stop: Yes at the end of the walk
Taverna: Yes at Ayios Dimitrios (June-Sept)

This should present no problem to walkers of reasonable fitness but does involve a fair amount of clambering over boulders in the gorge. The start point is at around 300m elevation down to sea level so it is nearly all downhill. This walk is totally different from anything else on Alonnisos and you will walk through countryside covered with strawberry trees, judas trees, tree heather, Montpelier Maple and wonderful olive groves. Along the way we will almost certainly see Eleanora’s Falcons and where the gorge meets the sea at Strovili, a pair of Bonelli’s eagles nest in the cliffs every year.

 

The Alonnisos Marathon
The Alonnisos International Marathon was inaugurated in 2005. In 2006 Alonnisos Walking Club participated and created 10 km and 21km walking routes, the objective being not to race but to help participants enjoy a wonderful day's walking in good company. The walks are along established paths and are therefore relatively easy. You will walk through lovely open countryside, olive groves and pine forests to the south west coast, and stop for a swim and lunch at one of the more remote beaches.