Trekking Orange Valley

The route starts at the entry to the gorge on the banks of a tributary of the Gadouras River.

There are pine and cypress trees along the entire length of the route and as the hike advances the gorge opens up creating hillsides planted with crops.

Watch the river frogs and crabs that love to hide under rocks or shaded pools.
The river is also home to the microscopic gizani fish (Ladigesocypris ghigii) that manages to survive the winter’s torrential waters by swimming upstream, and the summer’s drought by taking refuge in pools with very little water. It’s rightly known as the island’s survival champion.

Along the way, the tour passes by olive groves where you’re given the chance to smell local herbs.
Crossing low banks and dry stone walls we come to the reservoir, and behind us are the ruins of a small village with old farmers’ houses.

The hike continues on to its highest point offering an uninterrupted view of the orange valley with its pine forest and cypress trees, olive groves and the immense Kalathos Bay and the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The hill is home to Snt. George Monastery. From there we start our descent to the monastery through the picturesque Malona village.

It’s now time for our meal of delicious Greek salad made with the abundant produce of Greece’s soil.
Visit the interior of the church dedicated to the St. George and enjoy the view from outside it.
We then take the trail through the pine and cypress trees and olive groves once again, and head down to our finishing point.

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There we can board our mini bus (depending on the group’s mood) and after a 10-minute drive reach Kalathos Beach where we do some gentle aerobics and yoga-based exercises to relax and unwind at the quiet beach bar.