Copyright Charlotte McDonnell 2013
- Fluent English & Greek Spoken
- Qualified Physical Education Professional
- Accredited First Aider
- Experienced Advanced Hiker
- Speciality: Out Of Doors Adventures
- First hand knowledge of all the trails of Hydra
- Private Hikes (1-6 people)
- Open Hikes (Max. 6 people)
'King of the Castle' offers professional, guided hiking on Hydra Island to help you find the more obscure paths in the countryside of Hydra including hikes to some of the most pristine beaches of Hydra Island Greece as well as to the top of Mount Eros the highest point of Hydra where you will feel like the 'king of the castle'!
"I love the countryside of Hydra and hiking is my passion. And I love to share these pleasures, which is what prompted me to get organised and start "King of the Castle - Hiking On Hydra".
I am Vasilis Kastritseas. After qualifying from college as a physical education teacher I gained my experience working for Trekking Hellas and REI Adventures where I was awarded my Advanced First Aid Qualifications and in-depth hiking experience and qualifications as a hiking guide and also as a specialist in out-of-doors activities.
Be energised, get fit and build up an appetite.
Relax, unwind and de-stress.
Get out into the clean fresh air of Hydra's beautiful countryside on one of my guided hikes on Hydra. You'll marvel at the beauty of the dramatic hills, mountains and deserted beaches.
And there will be plenty of time to photograph the wildlife, forests, monasteries and sights you will see along the way.
Having a guide will give you peace of mind too if you're not an experienced hiker.
There are many sign-posted Hiking Trails on Hydra but my hikes are a little more off-the-beaten-track to give you a more unique experience.
Any Day of the Week
1 trek a day
Most days of the year, weather permitting
EXCLUDING JULY & AUGUST
(It's just too hot!)
Private hike bookings
(Standard hikes or adapted to you and your group 1-6 people)
I hope you enjoy looking at my suggested hikes.
All hikes can be extended or adapted to suit your requirements and preferences.
I hope you will join me during your next visit to Hydra Island Greece.
Some Suggested Hikes
Please note that all of my hikes are of a medium to advanced standard. It is assumed that all participants have a reasonable level of fitness and will be able to keep up with a steady pace of approximately 4 kilometres per hour. The durations stated are for the return journey, which starts and finishes in Hydra Town or at a place to be agreed. Our standard hikes are not suitable for children under the age of 12. However, we are happy to adapt hikes for private groups to take the limitations of participants into consideration.
Name your own hike - please let us know if you would prefer a different destination and we will send you route details and a price.
Prices:
All hikes are priced between €60 - €80 per hike for up to 6 people (depending on the distance and proposed duration).
Hike 1 - Pevges
Duration: 2 hours
From Hydra Town following trail up zig zag to Ag Fotini, then below Ag. Matrona to the small farming area of Pevges with stops along the way for photography.
(Please note that this trek can be extented to include a visit to Ag. Matrona and to hike to Ag. Nikolaos returning down via Mandraki - this will double the duration of the trek.)
Hike 2 - Episkopi
Duration: 4 hours
From Hydra Town taking coastal road to Palamida then inland to Episkopi, the oldest village on Hydra where Hydriots still have summer homes, with stops along the way for photography.
Hike 3 - Mount Eros
Duration: 6 hours
From Hydra Town taking central road to Ag. Konstandinos then towards Profitis Elias then going behind the monastery up to the top of Mount Eros the highest point of Hydra where you can take fantastic photos of the whole island laid out before you.
Hike 4 - Hidden Cove in Limnioniza Bay
Duration: 6 hours
From Hydra Town, zig zag route up to Ag. Fotini, follow path towards Ag. Matrona, pass Ag. Trianda and turn towards north-west passing Ag. Nikolaos, over the back bone of Hydra and descend through pine forest into Limnioniza Valley. Time to swim in the crystal clear sea at the hidden cove. Lots of photography stops along the way. 1 hour is included in the duration for a swim, so don't forget your bathing costumes!
Hike 5 - Zourva Monastery & Lighthouse
Duration: 7 hours
This is a fast paced hike along the back bone of Hydra Island heading north east to the remostest Monastery of Hydra Island takinig in views above the Lighthouse.
Safety
With King of the Castle - Hiking on Hydra, your safety and well being is my primary concern. This is why I insist that all hikes start in Hydra Town where we can complete a registration and health checklist for each participant taking part in a hike. Some of my questions when you book and when you complete registration may seem a little personal but I really need to know about any allergies you have and what your physical fitness level is before you hike so that I can look after you properly.
For every hike I carry a rucksack with:
Professional First Aid Kit (including splints, bandages and rehydration packs)
2 bottles of water
A fully charged mobile phone in case of emergencies so I can call the National Emergency Number.
Hiking has an inherent risk that you may fall over and could be injured. Please note that by using my service you accept that risk and agree that I, operating as 'King Of The Castle - Hiking on Hydra', will not be liable for injury or damage to property.
I, therefore, recommend that you ensure that you have an adequate medical cover with your travel insurance. I also reserve the right to refuse to take a person on a hike, on the day, if in my opinion, the hiker would be putting themselves or others at risk due to physical disability, behavioural or attitude issues, or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What you should wear and bring with you:
- Everyone MUST wear sensible walking shoes/boots or trainers (absolutely no flipflops or summer sandals)
- Long trousers are more sensible even in summer to avoid nettle stings and scratches by donkey thistles or prickly gorse bushes.
- In the summer please wear a hat and sunglasses.
- In the summer you MUST bring a good sunblock with you to renew while on the hike.
- From October - April you will definitely need warm clothing and water & windproof jacket.
- Everyone MUST bring a small rucksack with:
- 1.5-litre bottle of water
- Small snacks as preferred (nuts, energy bars and fruit are good boosts)
- Tissues/wet wipes (handy if you need to go 'behind a bush')
- A small carrier bag to use for any rubbish you need to take 'home' and dispose of.
- Your own tube of antiseptic cream and a packet of plasters in case of blisters or grazes.
- Your own tube of anti-histamine in case you get stung by nettles or bitten by mosquitoes. (Wearing repellant is a very good idea, and bring it with you to use during the hike.)
- Your swimming costume & lightweight towel if a beach is part of the hike.
- A pair of socks (in the summer it helps to prevent blisters, and in the winter in case the pair you are wearing get wet.)
- Please note that parents will have to ensure they have all provisions for their children in their own pack if the child cannot carry them.
REGISTRATION & Safety Check
All hike participants will be required to complete my registration form when we meet at the start of each hike.
You can preview the form here:
Hiking Registration Form.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [80.8 KB]
Meeting Point
Please note that all hikes start in Hydra Town at a place to be convenient for everyone. This is so that you can fill in your registration form before we set off, which as a precaution in case of emergency.
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