Compare Athens SUP weekend by Personality Journeys vs Secret Cyclades: Hiking Holidays in Kythnos island by Trails Beyond
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 3 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 404 | $ 630 |
| Price Per Day | $ 135 | $ 126 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included |
2 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches |
4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners |
| Description |
Surrounded by mountains and sea, Athens is basked in year-round sun and perfect conditions for SUP (stand up paddle boarding). Paddle around magnificent locations such as Vouliagmeni – the highlight beach town of the Athenian Riviera – and stunning cape Sounio and visit the temple of Poseidon - god of the sea. Our expert professional instructors will guide you to a weekend paddling adventure of a lifetime. This trip is offered on a private basis only and can be tailor made to fit your travel needs. |
Would you like to explore one of the renowned Greek islands, but you wish to avoid the tourist masses? The secluded island of Kythnos is your perfect choice! Although it is one of the first islands to be reached by ferry from Athens, the island of Kythnos has remained an unexplored paradise, a truly gem of the Cyclades islands. Traditional villages with Cycladic architecture, a superb coastline with more than 90 beaches, a significant history dating back to the Mesolithic era, agricultural fields, hot springs, numerous hiking trails, one of the largest caves in Greece and the delicious local cuisine will undoubtedly offer you the best authentic active holidays on a Greek island. If you are looking for tranquility, simplicity and authenticity, yet at the same time you wish to combine your summer holidays with some walking, hiking and interesting cultural encounters, this is the right exploration for you! Plus, you can combine it with a visit to the surrounding Cyclades islands or as an ideal getaway from your stay in Athens. Located at the West Cyclades, Kythnos is easily accessible by ferry either from the port of Piraeus (3 hours) or from Lavrio (1:40 hours). You can decide on your departure port depending on your holiday’s schedule. What we can assure you of is that you will enjoy a truly authentic, active and fun vacation! |
Day 1: Welcome to Athens!
Your airport transfer will take you to your hotel where our meeting and first briefing by your guide will take place. Athens, the classical beauty, is where history meets the modern day in a mishmash of the ancient and the chaotically new. The evening is yours to explore the city or relax at the hotel.
Day 2:
After a scenic 50’ road trip across the Athenian Riviera, we will arrive at Sounio where the awe-inspiring Temple of Poseidon, god of the sea, is located. We will paddle around this sacred region, where according to Greek mythology, Aegeus, king of Athens jumped off the cliff after mistakenly believing that his son Theseus had died.
We will have lunch at local taverna serving delicious homemade food and will return at the hotel at around sunset.
Day 3:
Vouliagmeni is the most beautiful region of the Athenian riviera, located a mere 30 minutes’ drive from Athens center. Our SUPs will be tuned and waiting for you to paddle around crystal waters with stunning views of the peninsula. We will take lunch at a beach tavern and after a quick shower we will transfer to the airport.
Day 1: Athens – Kythnos
Meals: Dinner
Traditional Guesthouse
On the first day, you will take the ferry either from Piraeus or from Lavrio port and within 3:10 or 1:40 hours respectively you will reach the beautiful island of Kythnos.
After check in at your hotel, you will have the day free* to relax by the sea or stroll around the village’s narrow alleys and shops! In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour leader and your fellow travel companions, having a first taste of the local cuisine and discussing the program of the coming days.
*The program of this day is free of activities, since we don’t know your exact arrival time (depending on the ferry schedule). We can, however, organize a hike or other activities, if you arrive early in the morning.
Day 2: Hiking to Vryokastro – Apokrousi – Kolona
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Total Hike Duration: 3 hours / 4-5 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: ≈ 5.5 - 6.5 km
Our hiking trail today will takes us to the island’s ancient capital, Vryokastro, and then to the probably most stunning beach of the island, Kolona! A short hike up will take us to the hill of Vryokastro, a currently abandoned archaeological site and one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean. Archaeological research has brought to light findings dating back to the Mesolithic Age. According to the findings and underwater excavations, that town was constantly inhabited from the 10th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D.
Afterwards, we’ll descend to the white sandy beach of Apokrousi, where we’ll make a stop to relax and swim. Next comes one of the island’s highlights, the unique beach of Kolona. It is actually a strip of sand joining Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas, creating a landscape of unparallel beauty! Once there, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, as well as lunch at the only tavern on the beach (if open) or snack lunch.
You will later be transferred back to your hotel.
Traditional Guesthouse
Day 3: Hiking Loutra – Castle of Oria, the Thermal Springs & Pottery lesson
Meals: Breakfast
Total Hike Duration: 3 - 4 hours / 4.5 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: 8-10 km
Traditional Guesthouse
Today’s breathtaking hike will offer you amazing views and authentic encounters with the island’s history! After breakfast, you will be transferred to the north part of the island and specifically to the village of Loutra, a popular stop over for sailing yachts. Once there, we will follow an ascending path in order to reach the striking Castle of Oria, located on a steep hill at the northernmost tip of the island. This fortified acropolis that overlooks the Aegean Sea was the capital of the island during the Byzantine times and the Latin occupation; but it seems that it had already been inhabited since prehistoric times. 100 chapels flourished there during the Venetian Rule, of which only two still stand today.
You will have time to relax, enjoy the panoramic views and take some wonderful photos, before we return back to Loutra from the same path. You will have the afternoon free to relax at the Thermal Springs of Loutra, known for their therapeutic qualities. You can also enjoy your lunch and/or coffee in one of the seaside restaurants/cafes.
Later on, a short hiking trail will take us from Loutra to Chora, the island’s capital. Chora is a fine example of traditional Cycladic architecture, with white-washed houses, stone-paved mule paths and arcades which will drive you to endless walks in narrow alleys ending to small squares and churches. Once in Chora, you will also enjoy a pottery lesson* by a local artisan in Chora and you will have the chance to create your own pottery clay!
Early in the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
*The pottery lesson is available until the end of September.
Day 4: Hiking Dryopida – Kanala, cave exploration & cooking class
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Total Hike Duration: 2.5 hours / 4 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: 6.5 - 7 km
Traditional Guesthouse
Enjoy a good breakfast today, as we will explore hiking the best of Central and Southeast part of the island! You will be transferred to Dryopida village, one of the most picturesque and traditional settlements of Kythnos. Once there, we will follow a hiking trail that will soon take us to the peaceful beach of Kalo Livadi, decked with a small church on a rock. A large beach with stone slabs, pebbles and golden sand, as well as big and very old cedars create the ideal setting for a stop and of course sunbathing and swimming in the summer. The sound of the waves will be most probably the only sound you will hear in this pristine scenery. Behind the few houses that make up the small settlement, a fertile little meadow spreads out planted with fig trees, vineyards and a few groves that gave its name to the homonymous settlement.
Our next and last stop of today’s hike is the well known coastal village of Kanala that took its name after the monastery of Panagia Kanala, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Here you will also find the only pine forest in the island. The monastery hosts the miraculous icon of Our Lady which, according to tradition, was found by fishermen floating in the narrow channel between Kythnos and Serifos and is said to have healing powers. Once our hike is completed, you will be transferred back to Dryopida village, where another surprise is waiting for you! Get ready to explore Katafiki cave, one of the largest caves in Greece, most of which remains unexplored to date. Located at the edge of Dryopida village, at an altitude of 190 meters above sea level, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 17 degrees and is considered to cover an area of 3.500 sq.m.
Once we explore this hidden gem, you will participate in a cooking class and learn how to prepare some traditional local delicacies, such as “sfougata”, Greek salad, “tzatziki” and much more!
Day 5: Departures – Kythnos to Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Today you are free to enjoy your last morning on the island the way you wish, before boarding the ferry back to Athens (or other nearby islands).
Depends on your schedule
