Last weekend, we headed to South Evoia for a camping trip that was full of surprises. If you are looking for a mix of beach time, hiking, and adventure, this hidden part of the island is a great choice. Here’s what we did and some tips for anyone that is planning to explore this wild area.

01.

Camping at Dimosari Gorge

We started by setting up our tents near the Dimosari Gorge hiking trail, actually in the beginning of it. This spot is great for free camping, and it’s close to Kallianos beach, about 5′ walk. There is a small kantina  by the beach that was super handy for snacks, toilet, and even shower!WOW!. It stays open until 23:30 at night, so you can grab a snack or a drink whenever you want.

02.

Hiking and Swimming in Ayios Dimitrios Gorge

• Distance from Kallianos Camping Area: 14km 
• Driving Time: 30 minutes
• Details: The drive from Kallianos Beach to the starting point of the Ayios Dimitrios Gorge hike takes you through rural roads. We started the trail from the kantina of Ayios Dimitrios Beach “to faraggi”.  

03.

Dimosari Gorge: A Challenging but Rewarding Hike

We originally planned to start our hike into Dimosari Gorge right from our campsite at Kallianos Beach. However the trail was blocked as we were informed, by fallen rocks, making it unsafe to proceed. Instead, we took a different road to access the gorge.

Starting point:

• Begin at Lenosaioi Village or the point marked near the Dimosari Gorge. 
• Reach Dimosari Lakes: After about 1.5 -2 hours of hiking (depends on your pace and your starting point), you will arrive at the famous natural pools (Vathres). These pools are perfect for a swim, with clear and refreshing water. You can find along the side of the water, some wild oregano that you can collect and use it to your Greek salad! What is better than this?! The pools are surrounded by rocky cliffs and forest, making them a peaceful spot to relax. Mind that the water is cold because of the altitude as well. 

Tips: 

• Proper Footwear: The trail can be slippery in parts, especially near the lakes, so wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Wind Caution: South Evoia is known for being windy, which might affect your hike. Always check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
• Water and Snacks: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike is physically demanding in certain sections, and there are no facilities once you are on the trail.

05.

The off-road to Kapsouri Waterfalls.

As we left Dimosari Gorge we decided for our next stop and to continue our hiking experience in South Evoia’s wildness, to head to Kapsouri Waterfalls. Getting there was not an easy task at all! The road was incredibly rough (we almost broke our own car) full of rocks and dumps. If you plan to go, please my advise is to make sure you have a 4×4 vehicle. What we though it would be a quick and fun trip turned into a nightmare and a six hour off0road adventure! Though we didn’t make it to the waterfalls, we finally reached Karystos and enjoyed a well deserved meal at Honi taverna. Amazing views and really tasty Greek plates. 

What to Expect in South Evoia

South Evoia is beautiful but wild and remote. It’s a great destination if you love nature and adventure, so that’s why it is really important for you to come prepared.

Few tips to share and that I wish I knew before this trip: 

• Check the wind! It can get very windy in South Evoia, as we experienced during our trip. the winds were strong every day, which made swimming at the beach impossible. The gorges however, were more sheltered, and the water perfect for swimming. 
• Be Ready for Off-Road Driving: If you are planning to visit places like Kapsouri Waterfalls, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle. Mind that most of the road on the south part of the island is off-road. 
• Respect Nature: South Evoia is still largely untouched by tourists, so be sure to keep it that way by leaving no trace. Clean up after yourself and respect the environment.