Walk to Arillas (off road)
( via Elpitha Bistro 1.44km approx 30 minutes each way )
( via Golden Beach Hotel 2.75km approx 1 hour each way )
Arillas is a quiet holiday village facing the Ionian sea, which, makes it an ideal choice for a relaxing beach holiday. Should you fancy baring all then the far end of the beach is dedicated to nuddies!
We will visit Arillas by taking you along the two of the most scenic off road routes. The first is the quicker route of the two and starts with a very steep walk up to the top of the cliff and is perfect if you just want to get to the beach quickly.
The second is a slow scenic route, which follows a cliff top path with fantastic views across to San Stefanos to your left and with distant views of Petrokaravi Island and Afionas to your right.
Both walks meet up at the "STOP" sign placed at the top of the cliff and then follow the same decent into Arillas. You will notice as you walk, there are various paths that you can use to join or leave these routes if you wish and no doubt you will find your own preferred walk after a couple of days.
Both start at the Barras Apartments, which are situated at the San Stefanos end of the main street.
From the main street turn right at the T junction just past the Barras Appts, passing the Asteria, two stars on your right and the Little Prince taverna on your left continue walking towards the beach. You will soon reach San Stefanos travel and the Margarittas supermarket.
If you're following the quick route then once you get to San Stefano Travel you are looking for the first sharp left hand turn, which almost takes you into a U turn and is signposted to the Elpitha Bistro.
Turn left up this path keeping the beach behind you. This road takes you up a very steep tarmac road, passing some local villas and gardens on the way. Continue walking past the white appartments until you reach the "STOP" sign at the top of the cliff (see both routes below for your next instruction).
If you're following the longer of the two routes then continue on the flat road as it bears round to the left passing San Stefano Travel, but keeping the beach to your right and continue to walk along the road, passing the Nafsika Hotel and the Taverna O Manthos.
Just before the Golden Beach Taverna, you need to walk up a small slope towards a public telephone and continue to walk up the hill along side the taverna keeping the public telephone behind you.
About half way up the hill, at a concrete post! a lane to your right leads you via a steep gravel path to the top of the cliff, passing a lonely house on your right hand side, you will soon see a small chapel at the very top of the hill. This path is steep and mainly consists of loose sand and gravel, and should only be attempted in strong shoes "no flip flops"!
Follow the path along the top of the cliff and you will be treated to some breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and sandy beach of San Stefanos to your left and towards Arillas to your right.
A slight de-tour to visit the small chapel at the peak is recommended.
Follow the path along the cliff top after a few minutes, looking for a "STOP" sign at the top of the cliff, a small path will appear to your left. This path leads down to the town and joins the main road at the corner behind the Tourist information office (route one).
Continue along the uphill path, keeping the sea to your right and San Stefanos to your left until it starts to descend towards a group of houses. This is a great place to stop for a rest and enjoy the view towards Arillas.
Follow the path to your right This path winds its way down the hill towards your destination Arillas. The path has been slowly eroding into the sea over the last few years, and can be slippery and difficult on your feet especially if its wet!
If this is a concern then turn left from the resting point between two villas and follow the road to your right hand side. The road goes slowly downhill past some lovely local properties until you reach a junction. Cross over the road and continue on to the next T junction. Turn right at this junction, towards a local supermarket and follow the road downhill. The road meanders down hill passing a bakery and many local shops.
At the next junction there is a restaurant called the Armouada it is usually covered in flowers and looks an amazing site in the summer. Turn right at this junction an just follow the road down to the sea. This brings you out at the Marina Hotel by the jetty.