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Glystra-Ipseni, from the sea to the mountains

New reforestation project with reopening in Autumn 2023

We are working on reopening the route following the July 2023 fire. The route will serve as an awareness opportunity focused on the issue of climate change and solidarity with the local community of the Ipseni Nuns, who were severely affected by the fire.

Temporarily unavailable

An adventure in the woods, following deer and wildlife tracks to one of the island’s oldest monasteries, all accompanied by unique views and unforgettable scents.

In summary

  • EVERY TUESDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Glystra beach

  • Dutarion: 4 h

  • Distance:  13 km

  • Elevation gain: 370 m

  • Difficulty: medium

  • Ring: sì

  • Cost per person € 25

  • Type of trail: mixed ground: rocky-dirt

Itinerary description

Starting on one of the island’s most beautiful sandy bays, we walk along an easy path dotted with maritime pines to the convent of Ipseni, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Assumption, one of the island’s oldest convents. Almost two centuries after its foundation, it was converted from convent to monastery and restored. A new church is now being completed next to it, with a “Via Crucis” culminating in panoramic views over the whole area. From Ipseni, we descend gently toward Glystra, accompanied by enchanting views and opportunities to spot the famous Dama-Dama deer that are the symbol of the island. After 13 km we come back to our starting point in Glystra Bay for a well-earned swim in the crystal-clear water.

Startingpoint

Tour Gallery

USEFUL INFO

  • Includes: Traditional snack and bottle of water

  • Hiking equipment available on request

  • Minimum number of participants: 4

  • Maximum number of participants: 20

  • Best time of year: Year round except from July 1st to September 1st (due to high temperatures)

  • Meeting point: see map

  • What to bring: sunscreen, water, sun hat, beach towel and bathing suit

  • Transfer on request: € 20 Central Area and € 40 Side Areas per person return – See map

  • Meeting time is 15 min prior to the scheduled departure time. The balance must be paid prior to departure (Paypal, Credit/debit card or cash). Participants will be asked to sign a waiver of responsibility and a declaration that they are in good health prior to departure. Open to kids aged 12 and up only if accompanied by an adult.

REGULATIONS

• Comply with the established departure time and programme, and with any changes made by the guide;
• Participate in the excursion in good psychological and physical condition, with appropriate clothing and equipment. If you have any doubts, discuss them with your guide before the day of the excursion;
• Behave in a disciplined way during the excursion, demonstrating respect for other people and for private property and following your guide’s instructions;
• Follow the established route, without becoming separated from or leaving the group, and without walking ahead of the guide;
• Collaborate with your guide to ensure the success of the excursion and comply with his or her decisions, especially if difficulties arise (in the environmental conditions and/or among the participants); inform the guide of any problems that may emerge during the activity, especially in relation to your psychological and physical condition and equipment;
• Do not pick protected plant or flower species and follow the guide’s instructions at all times;
• Carry your garbage until you come to a bin for proper disposal.

Every participant is personally responsible for any behaviour resulting in a risk to him/herself or to others, particularly if he or she takes personal initiatives against the guide’s opinion.

Photography and filming
Photographs and/or videos will be taken during the excursion which may appear on web sites in the public domain used by the organisers for the promotion of their initiatives. By participating in the excursion, you agreed to publication of this material.

Mobile telephones
Participants are asked to keep their mobile telephones turned off. If this is not possible, they should at least be kept in silent mode. If you need to make a telephone call, please notify the guide and then leave the group, while remaining in the guide’s sight.

Recording of GPS tracks
GPS devices may be used during excursions for the purposes of orientation, but participants agree not to make any GPS tracks they may record available to the public.

LEGEND OF DIFFICULTY
– easy: for everyone (including minors over the age of 12 accompanied by an adult)
– medium: requiring at least some training (minors over the age of 14 accompanied by an adult)
– hard: requiring a fair amount of training (minors over the age of 16 accompanied by an adult)
– hard +: requiring considerable training (minors over the age of 16 accompanied by an adult)

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