A very different and inspiring week: being active outside, enjoying nature and rich culture, welcomed by hospitable islanders. An unforgettable experience!!
In cooperation with Kythera Trails, Pyrgos House is organizing Kythira’s Trail Maintenance Weeks in March and October. We are intending to continue this event on a yearly basis because Kythira is on its way to becoming Greece’s number one walking destination.
A short introduction:
In 2005, we published the first edition of our walking guide ‘Kythira on foot, 32 carefully selected walking routes’. Since then, every year we have published an updated version and added new walking routes from time to time.
Since 2012, we have offered three different trekking tours, with self-guided day walks of 9 km to 25 km, walking all over the island from village to village. Also, all year around, we organize guided walks. Our experienced guides inform guests about all the ins and outs of Kythira.
For years we have cooperated with Kythera Trails, a professional team that is committed to clearing, signposting and maintaining a network of 130 km monopatia (trails) on the island.
For the past four winters, from November to March, every Sunday afternoon we have organized a guided walk for anyone who wants to join us. At this weekly event we usually walk with 50 or more people, locals and island visitors.
With all these walking activities, the idea arose to organize a Kythira Trail Maintenance Week. During this week, in small groups and armed with secateurs, rakes and other tools, we will go clearing and maintaining trails (pruning, sawing, clearing stones, checking markers etc.). We will combine this useful work with pleasant and relaxing visits to a village, a monastery or an historically important location. We will also enjoy a delicious lunch in a field or at local kafeneion. In the evenings, we will all have dinner together in one of the tavernas in Potamos.
Professional path clearers and local volunteers will accompany you.
Of course we are very grateful for your participation and commitment to helping us maintain Kythira’s trails network. Pyrgos House contributes a large part of the costs of this Trail Maintenance Week (such as transfers, tools, breakfasts and lunches, payment of professional workers etc.) so we can offer a very favourable price for your stay.
Programme:
Dates 2024: March 25th – April 1st and October 21st – 28th.
Monday: arrival on Kythira, transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Potamos.
During our welcome dinner you will meet the other participants and the guides.
From Tuesday to Saturday: after breakfast we start working on the trails, every day in a different area. On three days, there will be an excursion either before starting work or afterwards. Dinners will be in Potamos. We will give you the final programme at the welcome dinner.
Sunday: free day. In the morning, it is nice to visit the traditional market in Potamos and to take a self-guided walk through the village (we will give you a map and descriptions). After a light lunch, we will all join our successful Winter Sunday Walk.
Monday: transfer from your accommodation to the airport. If you want, you can certainly stay longer, either in Potamos or in one of the other villages. We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities.
Price:
245.00 euro per person, based on a double room.
Surcharge for single room: 95.00 euro.
Inclusive:
- 7 night’s accommodation in Potamos
- Transfers from and to the airport on arrival day and departure day
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from dinner on arrival day (Monday) until breakfast on departure day (Monday)
- Excursions
- All transfers on Trail Maintenance days
- Kythira Walking Map (one per booking)
- A very special Kythira Trail Maintenance Week souvenir (one per booking
Information:
Accommodation: you will stay in the traditional village of Potamos, in one of our accommodations (see our website’s accommodation page). All shops, kafeneions and taverns are located around the village square.
Language: English.
Participants: minimum number of participants 4, maximum 10.
Your flight to Kythira: you arrange your own flights. There are domestic flights from Athens to Kythira. If you want, you can combine this trip with a visit to Athens. Pyrgos House is happy to advise you.
Garden tools and clothing: we will provide garden tools and gloves. Bring some old working clothes, walking shoes, a day rucksack, a hat and rain jacket.
Programme during the Trail Maintenance Days: breakfast is from 8 am. Around 9 am we will go to the location to start walking and working. Around 5 pm we will be back in Potamos. You should be in a good phsycial condition, enjoy being outside all day, hardworking and not afraid of rain. Don’t worry too much, the professional workers and guides will do the tough work…
Extension of your stay: If you want, you can certainly stay longer after the Kythira Trail Maintenance Week, either in Potamos or in one of the other villages. We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities.
Assistance: Pyrgos House offers the service of a telephone number (24h a day/7 days a week) in case you need any assistance.
Travel insurance: we advise you to have adequate insurance with a reputable insurer to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, loss or damage of luggage etc.
Book this Kythira Trail Maintenance Week by sending an email to: info@pyrgoshouse.com