The Angeria – Mt. Stroumboulas – Lefkes Hike

by xkorov · Published May 22, 2014 · Updated December 23, 2014

A 14-16 km sporty hike, starting from Angeria in the south, gently passing by Aneratza valley up to the chapel of Ai Giorgis sta Dhamalia, ascends Mt. Stroumboulas (724 m.) and goes down to quaint Lefkes. Mixed, rough terrain, including rugged footpaths and shepherds trails. Demanding, duration 5.5.-6 h, hiking shoes required.
Level: Demanding

14+2km

650m

5.5-6h

Description We meet outside Aghios Georgios church, at the bus stop in rural Angeria. Through a short walk though the village, we find ourselves on the old uphill footpath to Kamari, with great views both to the mountains N and to Alyki bay and beyond S-SE. Taking alternating footpaths and country lanes, we pass the valley of Aneratza, and walk up the old, rugged path to the little chapel of Ai Giorgis sta Dhamalia (St. George of the calves). There, we take a short break before starting on the country lane to our ascent of Mt. Stroumboulas.

Then it becomes real, sporty hiking, as we go steadily but gently uphill on old, rough footpaths and shepherds’ trails. As we climb the mountain,we enjoy sweeping vistas: from the S-SW to the islands of Antiparos and Sifnos and the Paros-Antiparos channel to the N-NE to the northern tip of Paros, Naxos, Iraklia, Schinousa, Ios … and more. Depending on the group’s strengths, we either opt for the extra mile up to the top of Mt. Stroumboulas (and back, 2.5 km extra!), or traverse the mountain to the road to Agios Ioanis Kaparos and Lefkes. Going up to the top (724 m.), the view widens from 270 to 360° and becomes really magnificent, as we find ourselves on the second highest, but surely the most beautifully located observation point on the island.

Our descent offers a reiteration of the great views to the south before we start on paved road and country lane downhill into the idyllic valley of Aghios Ioannis Kaparos, with its water springs, cherry orchards and plane trees. After a stop at the old monastery of Aghios Ioannis (16^th c.), we continue on our northbound way on the old footpath to Lefkes, enjoying views to the north and northeast of the island all the way to Naxos.

At Lefkes, the former island capital, we make a brief tour of the picturesque village and, depending on our schedule, either lounge for coffee or souma (the local grappa) at a traditional coffee shop or go to the bus stop for the bus to Parikia.

Questions or more info? Ask here.

In a nutshell [Unforgettable views on the island’s hump] Hiking/views/countryside, demanding, distance 14+2 km, duration 5.5-6 h (with stops), elevation 650 m.