We usually visit the large island of Evia in the summer and mainly love it for its beautiful beaches on the Euboean Gulf and the Aegean Sea, the wonderful seafood, fresh fish, and its hot springs. However, as we have often written, it also has other elements that give us a reason to visit during other seasons. The Agali Gorge in Dirfys is one of these beauties that entices us to leave the comfort of our home and head into the countryside.

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On the western slopes of Dirfys lies the wonderful Agali Gorge. Its entrance is about 100 kilometers from the center of Athens, but you should estimate that it will take about an hour and a half to reach the spot. The nearest settlement is the village of Agios Athanasios, a small village about 2 kilometers west of the gorge.

Your little adventure commences upon entering the village, where you are welcomed by the springs of the Metamorphosis of the Savior. There, you can make a stop to fill your bottles with cool, fresh water. Next, follow the signs that direct you to the entrance of the gorge, which is located just past the Agios Athanasios stadium, where you can leave your car.

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Photo: hikingexperience.gr
Photo: hikingexperience.gr

Entering the gorge, which is about 6 kilometers long, you’ll see that the trail is well marked with signs on trees and rocks as well as with relevant signboards. Initially, the path is downhill as it enters the gorge’s entrance, but it then goes uphill as it follows the stream’s course and at some points crosses from one bank to the other via small bridges. The trail is quite easy to walk and in many places paved with stones. It’s ideal for those taking their first steps in hiking or mountaineering.

One of the most enchanting features of the gorge is the changing landscape. The section of the trail following the stream’s course is filled with aromatic plants like thyme, oregano and rosemary, as well as age-old plane trees, maple trees, and oaks. Occasionally, a chestnut tree emerges, while small colorful flowers stand out among the rocks. The gorge does not always have water throughout its course, however, there is a section where, winter or summer, water is present, forming mini waterfalls and small pools.

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Photo: hikingexperience.gr
Photo: hikingexperience.gr

Shortly after entering the gorge, it narrows, and the rocks tower high. Rugged and steep, the towering rocks host a few clumps of shrubs and some trees, generally impressing with their wild, stony character. It’s not that it lacks greenery; rather, the steep rocks steal the show in comparison. At some point in your journey, you will come across the confluence of the Voidokleftis stream with the main stream of the gorge, and there you will turn left. From here onwards, the path becomes somewhat more uphill. Then, you will reach the “Arkoudovrysi” (Bear Spring) where the water emerges low to the ground, and you can rest for a while under the tall plane trees. However, you can also rest a bit further up at “Kryovrysi” (Cold Spring) where you will also find fresh water. Here, you can spend a little more time idling by the stream bed, lounging in the shade of the plane trees, and playing with the water before continuing your journey in the Agali Gorge. After all, the whole point is to enjoy nature.

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Photo: hikingexperience.gr
Photo: hikingexperience.gr

From here on, the path gradually becomes even more uphill, and the nature changes as the elevation does in turn. The pines and firs now gain ground and make the path much greener. Especially in spring, among the fresh grass, you will see small chamomiles, bright red anemones, buttercups, wild violets, bellflowers, and numerous other wildflowers making the landscape much more beautiful. It’s an explosion of life and color.

Following the red marks made on trees and rocks, you will reach an elevation of 730 meters at the location “Kratia,” where the eponymous spring is found. This spot usually marks the end of the trail and is ideally suited for resting before you start your journey back. However, if you wish, you can continue with the following two options: either take the path that goes east towards the Chalkida EOS refuge or the one that mainly heads northwest and reaches the small wooden refuge – lookout of Agali, on the provincial road leading to the small village of Glyfada. The first path can be combined with accommodation at the refuge by arrangement, or a car can wait to take you down to the village of Steni to rest and indulge in local delicacies at the charming taverns. The second path will lead you to Glyfada through a trail or, in this case, a car can also wait at the lookout to take you on the return journey.

Read also:

Ilia: A Tranquil Fishing Village in Northern Evia

Limni: The Evia Town with a Cosmopolitan Aura

Getting to Know some of the Amazing Herbs of Evia, Greece