Lesvos walking holidays
| country: | Greece |
| location: | Lesvos |
| trip type: | Moderate walking holidays (single centre - independent) |
| departures: | Any time in April, May, June, September or October |
| price: | From £550 (7 days) excluding flights and insurance, based on twin share. NO Single room supplements NO local payments for taxis |
the amazing things you'll be doing
The location
The beautiful and tranquil island of Lesvos, lying off the coast of Turkey in the north Aegean, is the third largest of all Greek islands. Unlike many other Greek islands, it has remained unspoilt by mass tourism, preferring instead to focus on ecotourism in its untouched countryside. It is the ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience the authentic Greek island life.
Lesvos is home to an unrivalled variety of landscapes with dramatic volcanic rock formations, coastal scenery and lush green forests of pine trees and olive groves, as well as a surprisingly large number of wild flowers, orchids and exceptional birdlife, as it lies on a major migratory route.
Tucked away in the southwest corner of Lesvos, overlooking the Aegean Sea, lies the pretty village of Vatera. From here we have excellent access to walks, whilst Vatera’s Blue Flag beach, stretching for 8km, is a welcoming rest stop at the end of our day walks.
Walking
Independent walking holidays give you maximum flexibility of when to go, to walk at your own pace, choosing when and where to stop for lunch also taking time out and planning the day around your own personal agenda if you wish. We provide comprehensive walking route notes – regularly checked and updated by us – as well as maps, schematics and GPS co ordinates so you need never worry about getting lost.
From Vatera our walks follow ancient mule tracks through the southwest corner of the island to the pretty inland villages of Vrisa, Polichnitos and Lisvori. One route ascends through olive groves and pine woods, where we have spectacular views back to Vatera and Agios Focas, and crosses a ridge before reaching the church of St. George, high up in the peaks. With the help of transport (at extra cost) we explore further east from the traditional village of Agiasos in the Mount Olympos peaks. Added interests are the numerous archaeological sites dotted around the island, bird watching sites, flowers and thermal springs. Many of the walks pass or end at quiet beaches and coves where there are good opportunities for swimming.
Accommodation
Our family hotel is located in a unique position in the heart of Vatera, with shops, bars, tavernas and the best beach of Lesvos (Blue Flag award) only 3 minutes' walk away. It offers spacious apartments with panoramic sea and country views. They are comfortably furnished and well equipped (with en suite facilities, TV, mini bar, hair dryer, hospitality tray, air-conditioning / central heating) thus providing "home from home" comforts and atmosphere. Watch the sun go down from the fabulous stone terraces at the back of the apartments which enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from east to west, or relax in the shade of the tiled terrace by the palm trees and flower borders with a cooling drink in your hand served by your obliging hosts. Enjoy the delicious breakfasts served at the cosy breakfast room and picnics especially prepared for you by your host, Dimitra. Your evening meals are arranged at hand picked tavernas, serving authentic traditional home-cooked dishes.
The beautiful and tranquil island of Lesvos, lying off the coast of Turkey in the north Aegean, is the third largest of all Greek islands. Unlike many other Greek islands, it has remained unspoilt by mass tourism, preferring instead to focus on ecotourism in its untouched countryside. It is the ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience the authentic Greek island life.
Lesvos is home to an unrivalled variety of landscapes with dramatic volcanic rock formations, coastal scenery and lush green forests of pine trees and olive groves, as well as a surprisingly large number of wild flowers, orchids and exceptional birdlife, as it lies on a major migratory route.
Tucked away in the southwest corner of Lesvos, overlooking the Aegean Sea, lies the pretty village of Vatera. From here we have excellent access to walks, whilst Vatera’s Blue Flag beach, stretching for 8km, is a welcoming rest stop at the end of our day walks.
Walking
Independent walking holidays give you maximum flexibility of when to go, to walk at your own pace, choosing when and where to stop for lunch also taking time out and planning the day around your own personal agenda if you wish. We provide comprehensive walking route notes – regularly checked and updated by us – as well as maps, schematics and GPS co ordinates so you need never worry about getting lost.
From Vatera our walks follow ancient mule tracks through the southwest corner of the island to the pretty inland villages of Vrisa, Polichnitos and Lisvori. One route ascends through olive groves and pine woods, where we have spectacular views back to Vatera and Agios Focas, and crosses a ridge before reaching the church of St. George, high up in the peaks. With the help of transport (at extra cost) we explore further east from the traditional village of Agiasos in the Mount Olympos peaks. Added interests are the numerous archaeological sites dotted around the island, bird watching sites, flowers and thermal springs. Many of the walks pass or end at quiet beaches and coves where there are good opportunities for swimming.
Accommodation
Our family hotel is located in a unique position in the heart of Vatera, with shops, bars, tavernas and the best beach of Lesvos (Blue Flag award) only 3 minutes' walk away. It offers spacious apartments with panoramic sea and country views. They are comfortably furnished and well equipped (with en suite facilities, TV, mini bar, hair dryer, hospitality tray, air-conditioning / central heating) thus providing "home from home" comforts and atmosphere. Watch the sun go down from the fabulous stone terraces at the back of the apartments which enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from east to west, or relax in the shade of the tiled terrace by the palm trees and flower borders with a cooling drink in your hand served by your obliging hosts. Enjoy the delicious breakfasts served at the cosy breakfast room and picnics especially prepared for you by your host, Dimitra. Your evening meals are arranged at hand picked tavernas, serving authentic traditional home-cooked dishes.
how this holiday makes a difference
 Our base for this holiday is a locally owned and run hotel which operates it's own environmental policy. The hotel encourages guests to use energy efficiently and keep water consumption to a minimum. Low energy lights and solar lights in the gardens and terraces are in use. During the day the water is heated via solar panels thus further reducing energy consumption. Vegetable and garden matter is composted and bottles from the bar are returned to the original supplier. At peak times the hotel and tavernas employ local staff to help out. The Ingredients for the meals are sourced mostly from local suppliers and farmers. The hotel uses environmentally friendly cleaning products. Walking by its very nature is a low impact activity however our routes follow established trails and clients are advised to keep to existing paths to ensure as minimal as possible impact on the natural environment. Each client is provided with the weekly programme and daily Road Books with detailed walking instructions, maps, schematics and GPS co ordinates (if requested). Supporting information is also provided for an intimate knowledge of the area, native flora and fauna as well as cultural interests and sensitivities. All transport required within the itinerary is carried out on local taxis. |
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