The Dimosaris stream furrows through a lush green gorge in the heart of Mount Ochi. This is one of the most beautiful excursions in Evia that you can take on foot. Dimosaris Gorge can be separated into two sections. Above the village of Lenoseos, the gorge is steep and rugged. From Lenoseos to the sea, it becomes a narrow valley, skirted by the small settlements of Kallianou on the east side. Even now, the footpath of the Dimosaris Gorge buzzes with activity. It services the needs of stock-farmers and an increasing number of pedestrians. The most attractive and least tiring route begins at the Petrokanalo pass (954m altitude) and ends at Kallianou beach after a descent of about 10km. Petrokanalo can be reached from Karisto (14km) or from Marmari (25km) by following the sand road through the village of Mekounida.
Don’t miss the Karistias Environmental Information Centre, the view from Stefania Lalas, and the chestnut thickets under the peak (about 2km before Petrokanalo).From Petrokanalo, the descent to the village of Lenoseon takes approximately four hours. The footpath is in good condition and well signposted and most of the trip is beneath the shade of plane trees.The first two kilometres are quite steep. Indigenous goats (which belong to the orthokerous streptokeratic family) have made many paths here, complicating progress, but making it interesting. A cool mountain breeze usually brushes by under the green tree canopy. After Lenoseos, the route continues along a sand road for approximately one kilometre, and then takes a new footpath to Kallianou beach. Above the beach is a small taverna (local restaurant) where you can sample local specialties. At dusk, sit on the veranda near the canopy of vines and stargaze. Let the humidity and nature’s fragrances silently wrap around you and surrender to the evening’s magic. |