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8 – 15 October 2027
Island of the Wind
Quick trek info (click here)
Guide: Minas Foundis
Trekking type: basecamp hiking (we always sleep in the same place)
Difficulty: intermediate (it alternates easy stages with more challenging ones that involve some elevation gain to overcome)
Accommodation: family-run hotel and studio
Single room availability: yes, but in a limited number
Meeting point: Milan Malpensa Airport (other on request)
Trip: flight to Athens and further connection flight to Karpathos.
Karpathos is a Greek island located in the Dodecanese archipelago.
It remains one of the most pristine and lesser-known islands—a special place for those still seeking traditions that are increasingly being stifled by modernization. Here, you will find an island with a traditional feel, a place to discover peace and tranquility. Its landscapes, rustic atmosphere, and beaches make it a truly unique destination. Karpathos is long and very narrow, with 160 kilometers of coastline, and is quite mountainous. We will explore the northern part—the wildest area, filled with trails that, combined with the magical colors and scents of authentic Greece, are sure to capture our hearts forever!
| Cost in CHF* | Cost in EUR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | Fr. 1330.- | EUR 1350 |
| Single room charge | Fr. 150.- | EUR 160 |
| Small group charge 6-7 PAX | Fr. 100.- | EUR 110 |
| Travel insurance | on request | from EUR 45 |
*rate in CHF may vary according to rate exchange CHF/EUR
RATE include:
- accommodation with breakfast and dinners
- guided excursions as per the itinerary
- local transport by bus and boat
not included:
- flight to Karpathos (quoted separately)
- drinks during dinners (to be paid for on-site)
- travel insurance
- packed lunches
- anything not specified as included in the program
8 october: flight to Karpathos
Meeting at Malpensa Airport, from where we depart in the morning for Athens, continuing on a connecting flight to Karpathos. We arrive in the evening and take a minivan transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
9 october: Avlona – Vroukounta – Vananda
Breakfast. Transfer by minivan to Avlona. The hike begins in the settlement of Avlona, then continues to the archaeological site of Vroukounta, home to the cave church of Agios Ioannis and a Byzantine-era pool, before returning to Diafani on foot via Vananda beach.
Distance: 14 km – 5 hours of walking
Elevation gain/loss: +367 m / -369 m
10 october: Tristomo – Diafani
Breakfast. We depart from Diafani, heading toward the abandoned settlements of Tristomo; along the way, we will see a natural fjord offering an incredible view. We then reach Tristomo beach, where a boat will pick us up for the return trip to Diafani by sea.
Distance: 13.8 km – 5 hours of walking
Elevation gain/loss: ±440 m
11 october: Olympus – Profitis Ilias – Diafani
Breakfast. Transfer by minivan to Olympus, the most traditional village on the island and one of the most beautiful and photographed in Greece. Visit the charming streets, then we will climb the Mount of the Prophet Elias (730 meters above sea level) with breathtaking views of the entire island. We will do a circular tour, since the path is circular, and we will return to Diafani on foot.
Distance: 11 km – 4.5 hours of walking
Altitude difference: +544/-770m
12 october: SArIA island hike
Breakfast. Today, we will embark on what is arguably the finest excursion on all of Karpathos: we’ll take a boat from Diafani to the island of Saria, which we will then traverse on foot. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to see a stunning sea cave—and, weather and sea conditions permitting, we’ll be able to swim in its turquoise waters. Once on Saria, we’ll make our way across much of the island, following secluded trails past beautiful bays and taking in magnificent views, eventually emerging through a striking gorge where we’ll stop for a barbecue. We will then return to Diafani by boat.
Distance: 8 km – 3.5 hours of walking
Elevation gain/loss: +/-350m
13 october: argoni – olympus
Breakfast. Transfer by minivan to the Argoni area, from where we will set off on a hike to the village of Olympus. Throughout the route, we will enjoy stunning sea views; in Olympus—and subsequently in Argoni—we will visit a river inhabited by frogs, the only one of its kind on the entire island. Return to Diafani by minivan.
Distance: 11.1 km – 4.5 hours of walking
Elevation gain/loss: +357 m / -416 m
14 october: towards forokli
Breakfast. We head out by minivan to a spot just past Olympos and begin our hike toward one of the most beautiful beaches on the island: Forokli.
Along the way, we will walk through a lush, green gorge with plenty of running water, and we’ll cool off with a refreshing swim. We return via the same trail and head back to Diafani.
Distance: 7.5 km – 2.5 hours of walking
Elevation gain/loss: ±290 m
15 october: flight back home
Breakfast, followed immediately by departure for the airport. Check-in formalities and departure for Milan, with a layover in Athens. Arrival in the late afternoon. End of the tour.
| Difficulty level | Intermediate. The route involves distances of 10–15 km, with moderate elevation changes. Even so, a reasonable level of fitness is required, and it is advisable to go on a few training hikes before setting off. |
| Group size | Max. 15 |
| Hiking trails | The route follows dirt paths, occasionally crossing rocky sections and forest tracks. There are a few short stretches of asphalt with little to no traffic. |
| Gear | Trekking shoes—ideally ankle-high, water-repellent, and featuring a good, well-treaded sole—are recommended. Bring technical hiking apparel that is breathable and quick-drying. Trekking poles are highly advisable. Also, pack a lightweight rain jacket (or a poncho/umbrella) in case of spring downpours. A small backpack (approx. 18–25 liters) for day hikes, complete with a rain cover, is essential. Include some warm clothing for cool evenings. Before your departure, you will receive a comprehensive list of what to pack. |
| Climate | Very pleasant, with relatively warm and sunny days—ideal for hiking. Daytime temperatures hover around +23–25°C, while evenings and mornings are cool, with the possibility of wind. |
