Walk to Arillas (off road)
( via Royal Agapi Cafe/ Snack Bar 1.44km approx 30 minutes each way )
( via Fantasea Bar/ Restaurant 1,75km approx 1 hour each way )
(via Golden Beach Hotel 2.75km approx 1 hour each way )
Arillas is a quiet sea front resort with a selection of bars, restaurants and cafes for you to choose from. The following walk will take you to Arillas via the headlands from San Stefanos.
There are two options for you to choose from, the first being the quicker of the two but does start with a steep incline up to the top of the cliff. The second is a slow scenic route which follows a cliff top path with views across to San Stefanos to your left and distant views of Gravia Island and Afionas on your right. Both walks meet at the top of the cliff and then follow the same descent to Arillas. You will notice as you walk there are various paths that you can use to join or leave these routes and no doubt you will find your own preferred walk.
Both walks start at the Barras which is situated at the end of San Stefanos at the cross road. From the cross road turn right at the T-junction so that Tasty Corner and Little Prince are on your left. Continue walking towards the beach and until you come to Royal Agapi Cafe/ Snack Bar on your left and Margaritas Supermarket and San Stefano Travel on your right.
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Route 1
If you’re looking for the quick route then once you get to Royal Agapi Cafe/ Snack Bar, turn sharply left directly behind. It’s almost a U-turn and will lead you up a steep hill, passing some villas and gardens on the way. Continue walking until you reach the top of the cliff. Bear left and carry on along the uphill path, keeping the sea to your right and San Stefanos to your left. When you reach the brow of the hill you will come to a new café/bar called Akrotiri, an ideal spot to have a break and take in the spectacular view. Once rested, carry on until the road starts to descend towards a group of houses. Follow the dirt path to your right and this will take you down the hill, take care as it can be a little slippery and difficult but well worth it for the views and access to Arillas beach! If you would like to take an alternative route, turn left in stead of right and follow the road that slowly wanders down hill past local properties until you reach a junction. Carry on walking straight ahead until you come to another T-junction with a small coffee shop on the left hand corner. Turn right at the junction and follow the road downhill, passing some pools, a bakery and some local shops. When you reach the bottom there is a small supermarket in front of you at a T-junction. Take the right turn and follow the road to the beach where you will find a selection of cafes and bars to relax in.
Route 2
If you’re looking to take the longer of the two routes then follow Route 1 until the Royal Agapi Cafe/ Snack Bar. In stead of turning sharply up the hill, bear round to the left of the road so that San Stefanos Travel Is on your right. Continue on the road passing Nafsica Hotel on your left and Taverna O Manthos on your right. Just before The Fantasea Bar/ Restaurant, walk up the small slope towards a public telephone and continue alongside the Restaurant, keeping the telephone behind you. About half way up the hill, at the concrete post a lane to your right leads you via a steep gravel path to the top of the cliff, passing a lonely house on your right hand side. You will soon see a small chapel at the very top of the hill. The path is steep and mainly consists of loose sand and gravel so sensible foot wear is a must. Following the path along the top of the cliff you will be treated to some breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and sandy beach of San Stefanos to your left. A small de-tour to visit the small chapel at the peak is recommended. Carry on the uphill path, keeping the sea to your right and San Stefanos to your left. When you reach the brow of the hill you will come to a new café/bar called Akrotiri, an ideal spot to have a break and take in the spectacular view. Once rested, carry on until the road starts to descend towards a group of houses. Follow the path to your right and this will take you down the hill, take care as it can be a little slippery and difficult but well worth it for the views and access to Arillas beach! If you would like to take an alternative route, turn left in stead of right and follow the road that slowly wanders down hill past local properties until you reach a junction. Carry on walking straight ahead until you come to another T-junction with a small coffee shop on the left hand corner. Turn right at the junction and follow the road downhill, passing some pools, a bakery and some local shops. When you reach the bottom there is a small supermarket in front of you at a T-junction. Take the right turn and follow the road to the beach where you will find a selection of cafes and bars to relax in.
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Both Routes
Continue along the uphill path, keeping the sea to your right and San Stefanos to your left until it starts to descend towards a group of houses. This is a great place to stop for a rest and enjoy the view towards Arillas.
Follow the path to your right This path winds its way down the hill towards you into the sea over the last few years, and can be slippery and difficult on your feet especially if its wet!
If this is a concern then turn left from the resting point between two villas and follow the road to your right hand side. The road goes slowly downhill past some lovely local properties until you reach a junction. Cross over the road and continue on to the next supermarket and follow the road downhill. The road meanders down hill passing a bakery and many local shops.
At the next junction there is a restaurant called the Armouada it is usually covered in flowers and looks an amazing site in the summer. Turn right at this junction and you will soon arrive at the Marina Hotel opposite the jetty.
Afionas and carry on from there or drive to the taverna and park up in the car park. This walk is quite challenging therefore is suitable for those who have experience or are reasonably fit. Appropriate footwear is needed so definitely no flip flops or summer sandals. Also the path can become quite steep and narrow and at times requires a large step down to the next level.
Diapontia Islands and Gravia Island (the one in the shape of a ship) looking back towards Arillas. On the headland there are faint remains of defensive walls which date from about 500 BC. Excavations in 1912 uncovered traces of a Neolithic settlement dating back to around 3000 BC. This walk is quite challenging therefore is suitable for those who have experience or are reasonably fit. Appropriate footwear is needed so definitely no flip flops or summer sandals. Remember to take plenty of water with you as once you pass Arillas the shops are few and far between.
