10:00

Walk through the center of Psachna

Spend about an hour in the center, among the shopping streets and squares, observing the daily life of the town. It's a good opportunity to stock up on water and buy something for the excursions in the days ahead.

The center is easier to explore on foot; leave the car in a permitted area.

11:15

Monastery of Panagia Makrymalli

Drive to the monastery, a short distance from Psachna, and visit the accessible areas with respect for the community’s religious life. Take time to notice the architectural details and devotional elements, without assuming that all areas are open to visitors.

Check the opening hours before setting out and wear appropriate clothing for a place of worship.

12:45

Lunch in Psachna

Head back into town for lunch at a taverna or a place in the center. For a simple meal, budget roughly 12–20 € per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the venue.

Ask which dishes are prepared that day: menus and prices may vary.

14:30

Stop at the shops and cafés in the center

Leave the afternoon flexible: browse the local shops, take a coffee break, and gather local information on roads and trails. A coffee or soft drink can cost roughly 2–5 €.

If you’re staying overnight in Steni, allow about 25–35 minutes’ drive from Psachna, depending on traffic and the route.

16:30

Return and free time

Spend the rest of the afternoon getting to your accommodation or taking a rest break. If you’re staying in Psachna, use the time to organize water, snacks, and clothing for the mountain day.

For inland roads, it’s useful to have a car and not rely on infrequent public transport connections.

19:00

Dinner and overnight stay

Enjoy dinner at a relaxed pace in Psachna or in the place you’ve chosen as your base. Expect about 18–30 € per person for a full taverna meal; the cost depends mainly on shared dishes and drinks.

For the following day, pack a warm layer: temperatures at higher elevations can be noticeably lower.

08:00

Departure for Steni Dirfyos

Drive to Steni and have breakfast in the village, allowing for about 5–10 € for coffee and something to eat. Before setting off, check local conditions and ask for up-to-date directions on the route you plan to follow.

Bring at least 1.5–2 liters of water per person for a hike, as well as sunscreen.

09:00

Walk in Steni

Spend about an hour in the village, enjoying its stone architecture, greenery, and mountain atmosphere. You can buy a snack to take with you, with an estimated cost of 3–7 €.

Park without blocking the village’s narrow streets.

10:00

Agali Gorge Trail

Approach the entrance to the gorge and only cover the stretch suited to the time you have available and your ability: allow at least 1.5–2.5 hours for a partial hike with stops. The route is a nature experience, not a developed attraction; the ground and signage can vary.

Do not continue in case of rain, flood risk, or doubts about trail conditions.

12:45

Lunch in Steni

Head back to the village for a taverna break, with local dishes and home-style cooking. Plan on roughly 15–25 € per person for a meal, without assuming the menus are the same everywhere.

In high season, it is wise to ask about availability in advance.

14:15

Toward the Dirfi refuge

Continue by car toward the Dirfys Mountain Refuge, first checking that the road is passable and that the refuge is accessible. The stop allows you to enjoy the views and, if the facility is open, to ask for up-to-date information on the trails.

Do not assume that either services or the possibility of eating at the refuge are guaranteed: check in advance.

15:00

Optional hike on Mount Dirfi

The summit of Mount Dirfi requires preparation, suitable equipment, and favorable weather conditions; do not treat it as a simple scenic walk. Alternatively, choose a short safe stretch around the refuge and head back with time to spare before dark.

The full ascent can take several hours: do not improvise it or set out without a map and weather check.

17:30

Stop in Kambia and return

If time and conditions allow, make a short detour to Kambia for a break in the small village and its green surroundings. Allow 30–60 minutes for the stop and check on site which routes and access points are actually practicable.

If the hike is long or you are tired, head straight back to base and skip the detour.

19:00

Dinner in Steni

End the day with dinner in the village and a hearty meal, roughly 18–30 € per person. After the trek, leave time for the return and do not plan any further demanding transfers.

Ask in advance whether the chosen venue is open on the travel date.

09:00

Transfer to Politika

Depart after breakfast for Politika, allowing time for traffic and road conditions. If you are staying in Steni, expect a transfer of about 45–60 minutes; actual travel times depend on the route.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes if you plan to go swimming.

10:00

Walk through the village of Politika

Explore the village center on foot, lingering in the narrow streets and among the traditional houses. A walk of about 45–60 minutes is enough to soak up the atmosphere without rushing.

Visits to places of worship should be made in respectful clothing.

11:00

Panagia Church in Politika

Stop by the church and admire its architectural and religious features, if the building is open. Hours may be limited to services or vary by season; plan the visit as a short exterior stop if you find the entrance closed.

Do not photograph the interior during services without permission.

12:00

Politika Beach

Head to the beach for a swim or a walk along the shoreline, leaving at least an hour to relax. Beach access is normally free; any sunbeds, umbrellas, and refreshments are extra and vary in price.

Check the sea conditions and the availability of facilities during your travel season.

13:30

Lunch on the seafront

Have lunch at a tavern or local spot in the area, choosing fish or simple dishes depending on availability. Budget roughly €18–35 per person for a meal, with potentially significant differences for fresh fish.

Ask for the price by weight before ordering the fish.

15:30

Transfer to Nea Artaki

Continue by car to Nea Artaki, a port town south of Politika; the journey usually takes about 25–35 minutes. A walk along the waterfront lets you see the harbor and the everyday life of the town.

If you need to return to Chalkida or continue to a ferry, check traffic times and conditions in advance.

17:00

Seaside promenade and coffee break

Finish with a relaxed stroll in Nea Artaki and a stop at a café. For a drink and a small snack, budget around 4–9 €; the cost depends on the place and what you order.

If the trip ends the same day, leave enough time for the next transfer.