Sunday winter hike on Mount Cholomontas in Chalkidiki: a one-way traverse that starts in the forest a little after the village of Taxiarchis and runs mostly downhill to the traditional village of Arnaia, through fir, pine, oak and beech forest, clearings and streams, with views of the Toronean Gulf and Mount Athos.
Then a walk in Arnaia's cobbled lanes with coffee, and the day ends with the famous souvlaki at Agios Prodromos.
Traverse, 9.5 km, +100 m, about 2.5 hours with stops; organizer grade 2/5, basic fitness.
Ages 14 and over (minors with an adult).
Snow is possible in winter: waterproof boots and winter clothing are recommended.
Timetable: coach boarding in Thessaloniki at One Salonica parking 08:00, Vellidio (east side) 08:10 and Everest Voulgari 08:20; short stop 08:50; arrival at the trail 09:45; hike starts 10:00; free time in Arnaia 12:30; food 14:00 (the timetable says in Taxiarchis); departure 15:45 and back in Thessaloniki around 16:45.
Bring hiking boots or trail shoes, long trousers, a fleece, a rain jacket, a backpack of up to 30 litres with 1.5 litres of water, snacks, a change of clothes, tissues and a rubbish bag; poles and a whistle are optional.
The own-transport option is hard to support because the hike ends in Arnaia, away from the start: you need your own way back to your car.
To book: pay a €15 deposit per person by bank transfer with reference NAME + ACTIVITY (bank details on the organizer's post), keep the receipt, then fill in the registration form (one per participant, choose «Χολομώντας 6/12») and upload the receipt; your place is secured only after both.
The balance is paid on the day, on the coach.
Updates and cancellations are sent by email and SMS. Cancel with the form https://form.jotform.com/262942772845368, transfer your place to someone else with https://form.jotform.com/263022486064353; refund policy https://ioletravel.gr/refund_returns/.
The trip is organised by the travel agency IOLE Travel (ΜΟΝΟΠΡΟΣΩΠΗ Ι.Κ.Ε.); Hikers | Outdoor Activities & Mountain Skills (GEMI 168912706000) provides the hiking guiding.
Info: facebook.com/hikersthessaloniki, instagram @hikers_thessaloniki.
