10:00

Walk in Pefkias

Start the day at the entrance to Pefkias Forest and take your time along the shady paths among pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation. Allow about an hour to walk toward the sea and stop at scenic viewpoints; access to the pine forest is free.

Wear comfortable shoes: some sections may be sandy or uneven.

11:15

Seafront promenade and beach of Xylokastro

Reach the beach on foot and follow the promenade, taking in the contrast between the coastline of the Gulf of Corinth and the greenery of the pine forest. Spend about an hour on the walk or for a stop by the sea; access to the beach is free, while any sunbeds and umbrellas are extra, typically 8–20 € for two people.

The beach is partly pebbly: bring water shoes if you want to go into the water.

12:30

Church of Agios Vlasios

Make a short visit to the church in the center of Xylokastro, taking time to appreciate the architecture and the furnishings visible from the area open to visitors. Allow about 30–40 minutes; entry is normally free, but opening hours may depend on religious services.

If the church is closed, limit your visit to the exterior and respect the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

13:15

Lunch in Xylokastro

Choose a taverna or restaurant near the center or the seafront and try Greek dishes such as salad, seasonal vegetables, fish, or grilled meat. Allow about 60–90 minutes and budget around 15–30 € per person, depending on the dishes and the venue you choose.

For fresh fish, ask for the price of the day before ordering.

14:45

Transfer to Zacholi, in the Evrostina area

Reach Zacholi by car, following the road inland: the journey takes about 40–50 minutes, depending on the route and road conditions. The bends and changes in elevation make the drive scenic but slower than the coastal stretch; allow for fuel costs of around 10–18 € for the day’s total journey, varying by vehicle.

Check the route before setting off and refuel in Xylokastro if needed.

15:40

Church of Agios Georgios in Zacholi

Visit the church of Agios Georgios, known for its many domes and its monumental character in the setting of the small mountain village. Allow about 40 minutes for the exterior and interior, if accessible; admission is generally free, but opening hours may vary and sometimes the church is open only for services.

It is a place of worship: choose respectful clothing and check on site whether it is open.

16:30

Walk in the Fonissa Gorge and return

Explore the surroundings of Fonissa Gorge with caution, following only accessible trails and paths and stopping at safe viewpoints to observe the stream and vegetation. Allow about 60–75 minutes for the walk, without venturing onto slippery sections; access to the natural area is free. Then set off back to Xylokastro, allowing around 40–50 minutes of driving, and end the day with a light dinner on the seafront, around 12–25 € per person.

After rain or during periods of high water, avoid going near the water and the edges of the gorge.