8-Day Self-Guided Walking Tour of Athens and Kea Island

Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Explore Ancient Athens

You have today free to explore the wonders of this historic city that conceived democracy. Wander the streets or visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and be sure to sample all the amazing local delicacies you come across!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Athens
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Walking Culinary Tour of Athens

If you didn’t visit the Acropolis Museum yesterday, be sure to stop by this morning. Your walk today begins around three in the afternoon, in time to see the changing of the guards in Syntagma Square.

You’ll then begin a progressive dining experience that takes you through the famous sites of Athens, including the Olympic Stadium, the Dionysos theater, the temple of Zeus, and the Roman and Greek Agora. Along the way, you’ll stop at designated restaurants and tavernas to enjoy a different course of traditional Greek cuisine at each stop.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Athens
Distance: 6 hours, 5km, 150m of ascent, 150m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 3 Take the Ferry to Kea

This morning, your driver will collect you from your hotel and drive you on the scenic coast to Cape Sounion. You’ll have some time to stop and visit the temple of Poseidon or to enjoy a coffee and magnificent views.

Then, you’ll travel to the Lavrio port and take the ferry to Kea. In the town of Ioulida, the island’s capital, no cars are allowed, so you’ll feel immediately relaxed in the quiet island atmosphere.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kea
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Walk the Ancient Paths of Kea

Today you’ll walk from Ioulida along the historical paths that used to be the only roads to navigate the island. Follow these ancient paths to the carving of a lion that dates back to 600 B.C.

Your walk will take you through hills and valleys until you reach the sandy beaches of Otzia Bay. You can decide if you want to take the public bus or a taxi back to Ioulida.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kea
Distance: 2 hours, 6.6km, 120m of ascent, 380m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Explore the Ruins at Karthaia

You’ll take a taxi to the hamlet of Stavroudaki to begin your walk today. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Greeks as you walk along the kalderimi, which are cobblestone paths built hundreds of years ago.

You’ll find your way to the secluded beach of Poles and the site of Karthaia. Here you’ll find ancient ruins including the temple of Athena and Apollo. Take some time to explore before you start the return circuit to Stavroudaki.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kea
Distance: 2.5 hours, 7km, 350m of ascent, 350m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Walk to Korissia

Today, you’ll be exploring the lush green valley of Mylopotamos on your way to Kea’s port. Along your route, you’ll visit the remains of ancient water mills and the well of Flea. Enjoy the downhill route and the scenic views as you arrive in Korissia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kea
Distance: 3 hours, 9km, 350m of ascent, 600m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Follow the Kalderimi and Climb Profitis Ilias

You’ll find yourself walking the historic kalderimi again today as you begin your walk up Profitis Ilias. The views from the top of Kea’s highest mountain stretch across the water to nearby islands- worth a photo or a few!

If you like, you can take a side trip to visit the Monastery of Episkopi, where you can see the church next to the ancient remains of the original temple. When you’ve reached Ellinika, it’ll be about time to turn around and take the dirt path that leads back to Ioulida.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kea
Distance: 5 hours, 14km, 500m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Return to the Mainland

Take the ferry back to the mainland, where a driver will meet you at Lavrio port to take you to the Athens airport. Depending on flight plans, you may need to depart Kea the night before or spend an additional night near Sounion or Athens. These hotels can be added depending on your plans for onward travel.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:

Departure on April 1^st – 24^th, 2024:

Solo traveller: $1,425 USD
Single room (group of 2+): $1,250 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $875 USD
Sharing a triple room: $695 USD

Departure on April 25^th – May 25^th, 2024:

Solo traveller: $1,575 USD
Single room (group of 2+): $1,395 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $950 USD
Sharing a triple room: $750 USD

Departure on May 26^th – June 24^th, 2024:

Solo traveller: $1,725 USD
Single room (group of 2+): $1,550 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,025 USD
Sharing a triple room: $795 USD

Departure on June 25^th – July 26^th, 2024:

Solo traveller: $1,825 USD
Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,050 USD
Sharing a triple room: $825 USD

Departure on July 27^th – August 29^th, 2024:

Solo traveller: $1,875 USD
Single room (group of 2+): $1,725 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,095 USD
Sharing a triple room: $850 USD

Departure on August 30^th – September 24^th, 2024:

Solo traveller: $1,650 USD
Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $975 USD
Sharing a triple room: $775 USD

Accommodation on the Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour

This tour is based in 3-star hotels. Both hotels offer comfortable rooms with great locations. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travellers will pay a supplement.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed price.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Night 1-2

See Tripadvisor Reviews

Acropolis Hill Hotel in Athens ★★★★

This modern hotel has small but comfortable rooms. It is in a lovely green space within walking distance to the Acropolis.

Night 3-7

See Tripadvisor Reviews

Serie Guesthouse in Kea

This cozy family-run guesthouse is a perfect choice for your stay in Kea.

What’s Included in Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Athens are not included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transport for you and your luggage is included from Athens to the Lavrio Port, and from the Lavrio Port to the Athens airport.

Also Included

24-hour emergency telephone assistance
Walk & Dine tour in Athens, includes 4 courses with each course at a separate restaurant
Route guide and maps
Ferry from Lavrio to Kea
Ferry from Kea to Lavrio
Digital route notes and maps
GPS App
Walking map of Kea

Not included

Tourism tax to be paid locally at each hotel (amounts range from 0.50 to 3 Euro per room per night)
Travel insurance
Flights
Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Visas if required
Personal equipment
Fees not mentioned as included
Gratuities for servers and drivers if desired

Optional Extras

Solo traveller supplements
Any additional nights before, after or during the tour
Airport transfers
Upgrade to 4-star hotels
Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)

Frequently Asked Questions about Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour

How hard is the Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour is suitable for anyone comfortable walking three or four hours a day. The trails are mostly unpaved footpaths or cobblestone tracks.

Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Are meals included on the Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour?

7 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Athens to start this tour?

You can fly to Athens International Airport (ATH). You can add airport transfers as a supplement or arrange your own transportation.

Is the Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour guided?

No, this is a self-guided tour. You will be provided with route maps and a destination guide in English.

Where does the Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour end?

This tour ends at the Athens airport on Day 8. You can choose to extend your stay in Athens or Sounion or depart Kea on Day 7 to suit your flight times.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Greece?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Greece?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Greece for this tour?

The best time to travel to Greece for this tour is the late spring (May and June) or early fall (September). July and August can be much busier and warmer.

S-Cape Greece

S-Cape Travel Greece is a Greek outdoor company, established in 1994 and member of the S-Cape Group of companies since 2010.

At S-Cape Greece you find a varied portfolio of active and adventure trips that offer you a hands-on experience of Greece, having time to slowing down and appreciate the details: view the sites and landscapes, savor the specialties, meet and mingle with the locals and learn about the culture.

All our trips and itineraries are developed by our team of professional walkers and cyclists who have a keen eye for great trails, exciting itineraries, breath-taking scenery and good quality accommodation that share our vision on sustainable travel.

If you travel on one of our self-guided trips, you receive a Destination Manual with information on the country and a state-of-the-art Road Book with detailed route description, turn by turn diagrams of each crossing and explanatory text. On top, you can navigate the route in your own smartphone via our excellent S-Cape Travel App.

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Walking Athens and Kea Island Tour

Follow ancient footsteps on this walking holiday through Athens and Kea

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