Arillas Heritage Walk
The Arillas heritage walk takes you on a 1km walk through Kitikia Farm where the clocked has been turned back to the years before the tourists arrived.
A barn, olive press, watermill, vehicles and the original farm buildings are all exhibits on this walk.
Apparently Kitikia is still a working farm run by a retired priest and his wife.
The heritage walk can be reached from the centre of Arillas (route 1) or by following the beach road (route 2).
From the Marina Hotel start walking towards the centre of Arillas, keeping the sea behind you. Pass the restaurants, bars and shops go straight on at the Aroumoudas Taverna (usually covered in flowers in the summer), ignoring the sign to Aviolotes, passing the Brouklis Taverna on your left.
Stay on this road passing the plastic greenhouses on the right, a bakery on the left until you reach a bridge, bear right and you will soon reach a T junction.
Turn right and continue along this road until the next junction, you will pass a tricycle on scaffold poles that marks the exit of the heritage trail. Walk past this exit and turn left at the next junction signposted Afionas.
The walk climbs uphill until you reach the entrance of the "Heritage Trail" which is marked by a collection of old vehicles and a boat.
The walk starts off by continuing to follow the road which runs alongside the beach. Keep the sea to your right, follow the road towards the Tavernas and holiday appartments, past the Sea Breeze the Spiros and Poppy bar until you reach the Thomson Hotel Bardis Sun. Follow the road round to the left, passing the Mon Amour Taverna and Marias supermarket.
Continue along this road ignoring the junction to the left and follow the road signposted to Afionas.
The walk climbs uphill until you reach the entrance of the "Heritage Trail" which is marked by a collection of old vehicles and a boat.
We don't really need to provide directions for the "Heritage Walk" as it is pretty well marked with a series of homemade arrows. Here is a short summary to wet your appetite:
Passing the collection of old vehicles the first building you will see is an old barn to your right laden with various farm tools, fishing equipment andwine vessels on display.
Follow the signs past the priests house and vegetable garden. keep to the garden path and you will soon reach the original Kitikia farm house looking just like it did in the 1960's.
Around the house are many household items on display with old valve radios, lamps and hand made tools.
The walk then continues alongside the olive groves, into a small valley crossing a creek and climbing up the other side.
The walk finishes at the olive press, which is still in working order and driven today by a harnessed horse or donkey just like it was many years ago. You return to the Arillas road down a steep path with the tricycle marking your exit.
Entry is free but voluntary contributions would help with maintenance and upkeep.