The Epirus region is still a real insider tip, especially for us hikers. The evergreen mountains, the proximity to the Ionian Sea, romantic olive groves and untouched forests, ancient ruins, ancient wagon and donkey paths, idyllic streams and fine sandy beaches - we encounter all of this on our hikes. With the scent of wild sage in our noses, we discover the beauty of Epirus' nature and the history of its people. I have been living in Epirus with my husband and dog for several years and am a passionate hiker and olive farmer. Nature, culture and the stories of the people here have fascinated me for over 20 years. I enjoy sharing my experiences with others on hikes, with the focus on consciously experiencing nature and the surroundings. For the following hikes, I recommend sturdy shoes (hiking boots or good sports shoes). Hiking poles can be a help, but are not necessary. Sun protection is recommended.
Sat. 26.04.2025 Arrival and transfer, meeting in the evening in Triopetra
Daily schedule from Sunday 27.04.2025:
8:00 – 9:30 Strengthening and stretching yoga practice
breakfast buffet
10:30– 12:00 Morning Yoga
Brunch together, free time
18:00 Chakra meditation
dinner together
In addition, there will be a ritual by the sea and an energy workshop one evening.
Sa. 03.05.2025 Departure
The Epirus region is still a real insider tip, especially for us hikers. The evergreen mountains, the proximity to the Ionian Sea, romantic olive groves and untouched forests, ancient ruins, ancient wagon and donkey paths, idyllic streams and fine sandy beaches - we encounter all of this on our hikes. With the scent of wild sage in our noses, we discover the beauty of Epirus' nature and the history of its people.
I have been living in Epirus with my husband and dog for several years and am a passionate hiker and olive farmer. Nature, culture and the stories of the people here have fascinated me for over 20 years. I enjoy sharing my experiences with others on hikes, with the focus on consciously experiencing nature and the surroundings.
For the following hikes, I recommend sturdy shoes (hiking boots or good sports shoes). Hiking poles can be a help, but are not necessary. Sun protection is recommended.
Olive hike to Perdika
Like many hiking tours in Epirus, this path winds its way from the hotel through olive groves and maquis uphill.
The maquis, a Mediterranean secondary forest, is a protected state forest and home to numerous wild animals and well-known aromatic plants such as laurel, sage and oregano.
In the midst of the olive groves that are still actively cultivated, we delve into the history and mythology of the wonderful olive tree. Even today, olive cultivation is the second economic mainstay for many people in the region, alongside tourism.
After about an hour we reach the mountain village of Perdika, where we have the opportunity to refresh ourselves with a beautiful view and possibly run a few errands. It is amazing what new perspectives present themselves on the way back along the same route.
Hiking on old paths
Saint Athanasious is the village saint of Perdika and his chapel is located in the valley of the Paramythiosis River.
Not far away is a square where every year on May 2nd a big festival is held in his honour in the midst of ancient olive trees. This is where our hike begins, which takes us up the valley along the river. Our path, an old donkey path, winds its way mostly in the shade of huge plane trees along the stream, which we cross several times over stones.
In the lush greenery we find ourselves in another world. Again and again we come across relics of the past that inspire us to tell stories, such as that of Panorea, who as a child laboriously carried sacks on her donkey to the mills, the remains of which we can visit.
Near an old stone arched bridge we leave the valley and soon find ourselves on a field path that leads us through olive groves back to the road and finally to the chapel.
Duration: approx. 3 hours, circular route approx. 5 km, starting and end point: Monastery of Agios Athanasious, (approx. 15 minutes drive from the hotel)
We focus on local and seasonal foods that reduce transportation and energy consumption, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting local farmers and businesses.
The fruit and vegetables offered at the retreat hotel are sourced locally, as long as they grow locally. For example, you can consume our delicious olive oil knowing that it is freshly made from locally harvested olives.
Fish and meat are also purchased locally; our trusted butcher still slaughters the animals himself according to old traditions, and fish and seafood come directly from the Ionian Sea on our doorstep.
We source our baked goods from a local bakery with its own bakery.
A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price. The deposit will not be refunded if the booking is cancelled. The remaining balance is to be paid on the day of arrival.
