The Ambelas- Molos- Kefalos Hill- Piso Livadi/Marpissa Walk

10/13km±40/170m4/5hMarpissa/Piso Livadi

Description  We start off at the little port of Ambelas, crossing the beach. We walk along the lace-like coastline to the successive beaches of Marmara, Tsoukalia, Molos and Kalogeros mostly on dirt roads, but also on less-trodden footpaths. We go through some landscapes of outstanding natural beauty – the area around Molos & Kalogeros is designated an EU Natura 2000 zone as protected natural habitat – and encounter a series of sandy beaches with emerald waters that beckon us for a refreshing dip (a stop is almost mandatory!). Our last beach destination is the wild Kalogeros beach, where we stop for an optional dip and natural spa treatment: facial & body clay masks, right by the water!

After our snack break at Kalogeros beach, we head uphill through an unmarked footpath in the dwarf cedar woods above Kalogeros. We then continue on a trail above the sea around Kefalos Hill and along the coastline, all the way to the quaint little port of Piso Livadi for some chilled coffee or refreshments until the bus to Parikia comes.

A more demanding, alternative route ending at Marpissa village is avalaible, including an uphill hike in the pine woods above Molos and up the imposing Kefalos Hill (170 m), mostly on unmarked trail. The steep climb is more than rewarded by the superb panoramic views of pure Aegean blue, Naxos, Iraklia, Ios and other islands, and Paros inland at the hilltop. After a tour of the remains of the Venetian castle and the scenic 17th c. monastery of Aghios Antonios, we take a short lunch break in the tree shade at the monastery courtyard, taking in the endless views.

Our descent on the Venetian footpath and the cement road after that smoothly takes us to the traditional center of Marpissa, an authentic Parian village with maze-like, narrow streets and vaulted alleys, as well as old, distinctive churches (i.e. the Church of the Annunciation built in 1401). After touring the village, we stop for coffee or refreshments at the quaint central square.

See route map here. Questions or more info? Ask us!

Bike & Hike option also available:
A 4h, relatively easy circular tour starting from Piso Livadi, on mostly flat coastline dirt roads (Ambelas- Molos- Kalogeros- Kefalos Hill, Bike:14km & Hike:3km- Antikefalos/Kefalos hill climb on unmarked footpath)

In a nutshell  [Great seaside walk… with the right hiking touch!] Sea/nature/tradition, moderate/demanding (steep 130m ascent!), distance 11/13km, elevation or ±40/170m, duration 4.5/5h (inc. stops for sea dips!)