The trip in short
Zakynthos has an incredible number of flowers, plants and herbs in all possible scents and colors;
a Mediterranean flora with varied species, depending on the composition of the soil and the difference in altitude. As soon as spring comes, flowering starts from the coastal areas.
The most common flowers are bougainvilleas, cyclamen, irises, wild orchids and roses.
This trip is all about the beautiful flora, with a special focus on discovering wild orchids along
the hiking trails.
See also this blog post with a video impression of the last Spring tour
Day to day program
1
North East
Pick up from the hotel, for a nice walk nearby, around the village Ano Gerakari, located on mountain top.
Above the village is a church that is visible from all around the area.
The view from the church is absolutely amazing - either the main ridge on Zakynthos, the bay of Alikes or endless olive groves. Hike about 5 km.
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2
North West
A hike at the Keri area, ± 7 km. Keri is a charming, authentic mountain village. Part of the houses date from the period before the great earthquake of 1953. The village has been restored in a traditional way.
Afterwards we walk to Marathia to enjoy the view and lunch in local coffee place. Marathia is one of the most beautiful locations of Zakynthos, without mass tourism From Agios Sostis we then sail by boat to Marathonisi (turtle island) and the Keri caves.
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3
South East
A hike at Gerakas (± 6 km). Gerakas is located on the Vassilikos peninsula south of Zakynthos town. A beautiful sandy beach, located in a semicircular bay and surrounded by rock formations.
Gerakas beach is one of the beaches of Zakynthos where Caretta-Caretta turtles come to lay their eggs.
Afternoon: Lunch in a tavern at Dafni beach, located picturesque in a cypress forest; one of the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos. It overlooks the Gulf of Turtles and is part of the Marine Park. This is also a nice day to take a swim at one of the beaches.
4
Central mountainous area
To Gyri, one of the oldest villages on the island and one of the highest. It is located at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level and close to mount Vrachionas, the highest point of Zakynthos (756 m). Hike in the area ± 7 km; nice views and visits to a cheese factory, an old traditional house and a cave.
Afternoon: Walk to the sea at Korakonissi, and enjoy a unique creation of nature: a rock formation creates a huge arch that is more than 20 meters high.
The arch hides a small bay in which you can swim.​
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5
The north mountainous area
Tour in the area of Orthonies, a traditional mountain village, located on the slopes of Mount Vrachionas, in the middle of a green area with olive groves and grape groves. Visit to the most famous sight in Orthonies, the historic monastery of Spiliotissa (16th century).
Afternoon: See the world famous ship wreck (‘Navagio’, one of the most photographed locations in all of Greece)
and the blue caves.
Lunch at Botega café and historic olive press museum.
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6
Zakynthos town
Visit Zakynthos town by e-bike. The city is a bustling port town and rebuilt after a wildfire destroyed everything that has been left by the earthquake in 1953. It has a traffic free shopping street with Venetian-style loggias, nice squares and interesting churches and north of town a long beach, populated mainly by the locals during the week end.
Afternoon: cycling from Zakynthos town to Macherado and end up at Bohali, see the Venetian Castle there and enjoy the great views on Zakynthos town.
7
Zakynthos town
Morning: no program.
Afternoon: sunset hike ± 7 km at Agalas, a very beautiful route with amazing views; a fantastic way to say goodbye to the island!
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Price of the tour
From € 650,- incl. domestic transport and overnights in cozy small scale accommodation in Alikanas. This is the price based on a double room. Additional charge for a single room is € 125.
Excl. flights, meals and e-bike rental (for the optional cycle tour; €25).
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​Tours on an individual basis starting from 2 people.
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​Tour dates for groups (starting from 4 people) in 2024​:
Friday 27 Sept until Friday 4 October
​Visual impression:
In cooperation with
