What to expect
Fantastic Walks
Four fully guided walks discovering Corfu
Exclusive Property
The Aronda House is exclusive to Solos guests
Pantokratoras Mountain
Discover Corfu’s highest point
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About this trip...
About the trip
Corfu is a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers alike. The island offers great hikes, the blue sea is never far away and you will always be rewarded with stunning views. Our four exclusive hikes are perfect for a week of Solos hiking. Grade: MediumActivity Level:
What's this?What's included?
Return flights & transfers-
Airport taxes & charges
Twin bed room for sole use
Breakfast daily-
2 x dinners & 1 BBQ at the Aronda
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3 x picnic lunches
Welcome drink
4 x exclusive fully guided walks
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully Financially Protected
What's extra:
Extras
- Insurance click here
- Climate Crisis Resilience Fee payable locally €1.50 per night
- Air conditioning - €9.00 per day, payable locally
- In-room safe deposit box €7.00 per week payable locally
Itinerary
- Arrive in Corfu
- Dassia Hike & Corfu Town
- Coast to Coast
- The Unexplored South
- The Heart Of The Island
- Day at Leisure
- Day At Leisure
- Departure Day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Corfu
Arrive in Corfu and transfer to the Aronda House.
Day Two: Dassia Hike & Corfu Town
Dassia Hike & Corfu Town
After breakfast we set off for an introduction hike around Dassia and get ourselves familiarized with the area. After a short stroll over the beach, we’ll explore the green hills behind Dassia. The route follows narrow paved roads, ideal terrain to test your walking shoes and get used to the climate. At the turning point our reward is the stunning view. On the crossroad at the village Kato Korakiana we can stop for a coffee before returning back to the Aronda in Dassia.
Late in the afternoon we’ll visit the historic and popular capitol Corfu Town for our guided walk. The island has been conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and the British each leaving their own historical mark on the capital. The British, who were in charge after the defeat of Napoleon until 1864, left a cricket pitch on in Spianada Square. The old town, also called Kastropolis (city of castles), is characterised by the many narrow streets, beautiful mansions, cosy squares and lively boulevard. The medieval centre with its churches and Jewish quarter is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. After our guided walk you will be able to explore the town at leisure perhaps for a spot of shopping or visiting one of the many museums.
Dassia Hike
- Walking Distance 7km
- Walking Time 3 hrs
- Ascent/Descent 150m
- Walking Distance 2 km
- Walking Time 1 hrs
- Transfer to/from accommodation – Kerkira 25 min each way
Day Three: Coast to Coast
Today we’ll set off for a lovely hike. We take our private bus to the village of Skripero and will leave this charming village over a narrow paved road. Our path continues over a track, overgrown by ferns, bellflower and buttercup. We will pass by Sven’s House, home of a character in the Durrell’s. A serene spot, with view over a valley, which is an important wetland and ideal to have a break for a picnic. Through this area we take narrow tarmacked roads and unpaved tracks, zigzagging between the hills and passing by the secluded lake of Kounoupina, a protected area with rare and protected flora and fauna. With one more hill to negotiate our days walk finishes back at the Aronda in Dassia
- Walking Distance 13 km
- Walking Time 4 hrs
- Ascent 201m/Descent 316m
- Transfer to Skripero 25 min
Day Four: The Unexplored South
Corfu welcomes many visitors of which most stay in the north of the island. The south is usually skipped, which is a missed chance as it shows a different Corfu; less busy and more laid back, here time has stood still. The south is less mountainous dotted with endless sandy beaches, dunes and traditional villages. For todays walk we take our transfer to Linia and from here we’ll set off for a long loop around the Lagoon of Korisson. The lagoon and the coast is a Natura 2000 protected area. The beach and sand dunes are covered with a forest of prickly juniper, reed beds and groves of tamarisk, white water lilies and many species of orchids. The lagoon is habitat to hundreds of endangered bird species, with the pink flamingos being the most striking. The first leg of the walk runs in between the sea and lake. A wooden plank-bridge crosses over a canal, which is actually the only (sea)water source of the huge lake. We’ll continue along Issos beach, once a film location for James Bonds’ For your Eyes Only.
The returning route runs through vineyards and olive groves. The chapel of Agios Onofrios is an ideal spot to have a break and to enjoy your packed picnic. The hike ends where we began, and perhaps take a well-deserved refreshment at Alonaki Bay.
- Walking Distance 17 km
- Walking Time 5 hrs
- Ascent/Descent 115m
- Transfer to Chalikounas 60 min each way
Day Five: The Heart Of The Island
For our last hike we’ll take our bus to the village of Troumpeta, at the foot of the mighty Pantokratoras. If the sky is clear we’ll enjoy captivating views over the entire east-coast. A sloping path leads us to Sokraki, this traditional village is rarely visited and off the beaten track. It’s a great spot to wonder around the cobbled, narrow streets and admire the old stone houses. Our path continues, through dense forests, along a narrow valley to the lake of Katapino. A short, but challenging, descent brings us to the next forgotten village, the beautiful Venetian houses and ruins of Agios Markos, protected as a cultural heritage site. From here our route takes us along an old donkey trail meandering through a narrow valley, towards the coast.
The path continues to wind further down where holm oaks thrive signalling, we’re getting closer to shore and the end of the hike. At the beach of Ipsos, we can celebrate and toast the end of our hiking adventure on this beautiful island with a cool well deserved drink.
- Walking Distance 13 km
- Walking Time 5 hrs
- Ascent 371m / Descent 686m
- Transfer to Troumpetas 30 min / Ipsos to Accommodation 10 min
Day Six: Day at Leisure
Perhaps have a leisurely breakfast and take the bus to Corfu Town Breakfast
Day Seven: Day At Leisure
Perhaps have a leisurely breakfast and take advantage of a local excursion Breakfast & BBQ Dinner
Day Eight: Departure Day
It’s time to say “Ya Sou”! After transferring to the airport, we will board our flight home
Accommodation
Aronda House
Our property is surrounded by lush gardens. The location allows convenient access to Dassia Beach, as well as a promenade of shops, bars and restaurants.
Facilities include
Facilities include a swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas, taverna/small pool bar (open to the public), TV, safe and free Wi-Fi in the bar and pool area.
This hotel has no lifts/no lift access.
Room includes
Our rooms feature twin beds, air-conditioning (at extra charge, payable locally), satellite TV, kettle, fridge, hairdryer and safe deposit box (at extra charge, payable locally). All rooms come with pool views and have either a balcony or small terrace furnished with a small table and 2 chairs. Pool/Beach towel is provided.
Dates & Prices
Frequently asked questions
Transfer Time
The transfer time from Corfu airport to Aronda House is approximately 30 minutes
Walking Schedule
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium and you can expect to walk between (9 to 17km per day, with ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved.
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
Dassia Hike & Corfu Town - Walking Distance 7km / Walking Time 3 hrs / Ascent & Descent 150m
Corfu town – City of Castles Walking Distance 2 km / Walking Time 1 hrs
Coast to Coast - Walking Distance 13 km / Walking Time 4 hrs / Ascent 201m Descent 316m
The Unexplored South - Walking Distance 17 km / Walking Time 5hrs / Ascent & Descent 115m
The Heart Of The Island - Walking Distance 13 km / Walking Time 5 hrs / Ascent 371m / Descent 686m
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking. You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it.
Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
What to Wear
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive.
The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
More to Explore
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Some operate on a seasonal basis therefore full details and availability will be given at the Information Meeting. The prices and excusrions quoted, are a guideline only, as these can vary, depending on availability and numbers etc. All tours should be paid for in Euros and are only payable by cash. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you.
- Private Mini Island Tour (minimum 10 guests) – Prices to be advised in resort.
- Asteras Boat Tour along the prestigious NE coastline involves swimming in coves and caves, a fabulous beach BBQ and all day drinks – Prices to be advised in resort (extra costs may be incurred for Vegetarian or Pescatarian).
- Massage treatments are available in the comfort of your own room. Prices are dependent on treatment – Please enquire in resort.
- Optional cruises to Albania – Prices to be advised in resort.
- Super Grand Island Tour – see Mouse Island, Bella Vista and North Corfu (minimum 10 guests) – Prices to be advised in resort.
- Sailing trips or other private tours can be arranged locally – Please speak with your Tour Leader.
Tourist Tax
- Climate Crisis Resilience Fee payable locally €1.50 per night
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters, and hotel staff of approximately €25 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
Currency
Euro
Passport & Visas
To enter Greece mainland or the Greek Islands your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
- less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
Health Requirements
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Greece
Electrical Appliances
Voltage 230v
Travel adaptor type C (EuroPlug)
