Two-day autumn trip from Athens to the Agrafa mountains with the SWEN hiking group, with a night at the Agrafa Mountain Refuge.
Saturday 14 Nov: departure from Athens at 07:00 by private coach, one-way hike by Lake Plastira through forest with lake views (7.5 km, about 2.5 hours with a rest stop, +180 m / -180 m, grade 1/5 easy), lunch at a local tavern overlooking the lake (not included), then up to the Agrafa Mountain Refuge among fir forest for the night.
Sunday 15 Nov: breakfast at the refuge, then a circular climb through fir forest, mountain meadows and open ridges to Voutsikaki (2,153 m) and Templa (1,809 m), with views over the Agrafa range and, weather permitting, Lake Plastira (14.1 km, about 7+ hours with stops, +860 m / -860 m, grade 3/5 moderate, good fitness required).
Easier option: Templa only (9.65 km, about 5.5 hours, +320 m / -300 m, grade 2/5, circular).
The climbs go ahead only if weather and ground conditions allow.
Hot home-cooked lunch with dessert at the refuge, then return to Syntagma Square, Athens, around 22:00.
Coach boarding points: Syntagma (metro stop on Vasilissis Amalias Ave.) 07:00, Omonia Square (outside Hondos Center) 07:10, Kolokynthou stop on Kifisou Ave.
07:15, old Renault junction in Nea Filadelfeia 07:25, Kalyftakis stop in Kifisia 07:35.
The price includes private coach to and from Athens, one night at the Agrafa Mountain Refuge, Sunday breakfast, full Sunday lunch with dessert at the refuge, organised hikes and climbs, experienced hike leaders trained in first aid, a group first-aid kit, programme planning, travel agency professional liability insurance and all taxes.
Not included: Saturday lunch at the tavern and personal expenses.
Ages 16 and over (fit minors with an adult); good fitness required.
Bring hiking boots with a good non-slip sole (trainers not accepted), warm layered clothing, a waterproof and windproof jacket, a hiking backpack, trekking poles, a beanie and gloves, a hat and sunglasses, at least 2–3 L of water for Sunday, snacks and toiletries, a change of clothes, and a sheet or sleeping bag (the refuge has beds with blankets).
Booking through Eventbrite or swentravel.com → Πεζοπορίες; after booking you receive SWEN's bank accounts by email and the place is confirmed when the deposit is paid by bank transfer (€109 Early Bird, €129 regular); the remaining €50 is paid on Saturday 14 November, departure day.
Cancellation: 21+ days before, full refund or a credit voucher of equal value valid for 1 year; 14–20 days before, 50%; 10–13 days before, 25%; 9 days or less, nothing.
Name changes up to 1 day before (Mon–Fri until 16:00) by email to hiking@swentravel.com, €7 per ticket.
In bad weather or for other safety reasons the trip moves to a new date or is cancelled with a full refund.
Info: hiking@swentravel.com, (+30) 6947687677 (Mon–Fri 10:30–18:30).
