Dimosari Gorge

The Dimosari gorge cuts down the northern flank of Mount Ochi to the sea at Kallianou, and the classic walk follows it for about ten kilometres, mostly downhill, on kalderimia, the old stone-paved mule paths, past a chain of waterfalls and pools shaded by plane trees. Stone bridges cross the stream several times, watermill ruins stand along the banks, and the water runs all year, which is rare in the Aegean. The route is part of the European E4 path and typically takes four to five hours, ending at a pebble beach where most walkers swim before arranging a lift back. Above the gorge rises Ochi at 1,398 metres, with its dragon house on the summit ridge and chestnut forests on the slopes.

Highlights

• The waterfall chain - falls and pools along the stream bed.
• The kalderimia - old stone-paved paths and bridges through the gorge.
• The watermill ruins - stone remains of mills along the water.
• Kallianou beach - the pebble shore where the walk ends.

When to go

Spring for full water and flowers, autumn for stable weather and chestnut colour. Summer is walkable but hot on the upper sections; winter rain makes the stone slippery.

Good to know

The walk is one-way and downhill, so transport must be arranged at both ends, usually a taxi from Karystos. The path is stony and hard on knees, and crossings can be tricky after rain. There are no facilities along the route.

Nearby

Karystos and its castle lie south; the Dragon Houses of Mount Ochi are on the ridge above.

Key facts