Walk to Afionas
( 5km approx 1hr 30 minutes each way )
Afionas provides a fantastic view of the bay of Agios Georgios, together with magnificent views of the Diapontian Islands and Gravia island "ship island" looking back towards Arillas. On the headland there are faint remains of defensive walls, which date from about 500 BC. Excavations in 1912 uncovered traces of a Neolithic settlement dating to c 3000 BC.
This is a long hard walk from San Stefanos which should only be attempted if you are used to walking and or reasonably fit. A strong pair of shoes are essential certainly no flip flops. Remember to take plenty of water with you as once you pass Arillas the shops are few and far between.
This walk was discovered on one of our many walks to AG Georgios just by taking a different turning one day.
Firstly you will need to walk or drive to Arillas, the next bay along the coast from San Stefanos. See other walks.
The walk starts at the Marina Hotel by the jetty, follow the road which runs alongside the beach. Keeping the sea to your right, follow the road towards the Tavernas and holiday apartments, passing the Mirage, Sea Breeze, Spiros and Poppy bars until you reach the Thomson Hotel Bardis Sun. Follow the road round to the left, the road you are looking for is on the right hand side opposite the Vila Feakes Appts, don't go past the sign for Mon-Amour Taverna!
Turn right onto a tarmac road leading into the olive groves and be prepared for a long walk up into the hills, the path twists and turns on its slow ascent up into the hills, at times it seems never ending, but don't worry it will be worth it in the end.
The path continues to wind up into the hills turning back on itself when it gets very steep. There are a number of vantage points on the way, at which you may wish to stop for a drink and enjoy the view.
Especially when you reach the top of the hill, look back towards San Stefanos, you can just about make out the small chapel at the top of the hill and the path winding down to Arillas.
Continue to follow the path until you reach the road, turn right remembering where you left the path for the return journey. Keep on this road, passing the graveyard to your right until you reach a junction with a sign leading down to the beach at A G Georgios.
Walk past this junction and carry on up the hill, passing a number of restaurants, bars and a bakery "Panarama", "Three Brothers" each with an excellent view of Arillas or the Ionian Sea.
The road twists and turns as it continues to climb uphill. You will soon reach a steep "S" bend just before the final ascent, which is the last steep climb before you reach Afionas.
The road comes to an end at the church square, look for the chapel with the lovely bell tower to your left and a craft shop to your right.
From here you have two options: The first takes onward from the square to the headland and the second to the Dionysos Taverna.
Continue by going up a narrow slope to the right of the craft shop signposted "To Sunset" 200m.
This path takes you through a narrow paved street passing some traditional whitewashed properties that are always a mass of flowers in the summer. Old feta cheese and olive tins are used as a planters, filled with colourful flowers.
Follow this path onto the headland where you will find bench seats and a wonderful view back towards Arillas, ship island and San Stefanos.
A sign on the left hand wall of the craft shop guides you down a side street to the Dionysos Taverna.
This taverna has breathtaking views across the bay of AG Georgios and is certainly worth a visit, a great opportunity for photos and a good place to eat.
Before visiting the Dionysos Taverna follow the road round to the right, passing the entrance to the taverna car park, follow the path as it begins to narrow through the bushes. Continue on this path until you reach a wide stone path.
Follow this path onto the headland where you will find bench seats and a wonderful view back towards Arillas, ship island and San Stefanos.
For more information and photos of Afionas then visit www.agiosgeogios.co.uk via our
" Useful Links " menu.