The Dimosari Gorge at a glance
The Dimosari Gorge lies in the south of Evia, northeast of Mount Ochi. The route runs 10 km from Petrokanalo, at about 950 m, down to the coastal village of Kalliana. It follows a gorge, which means the walking depends on the weather and on the state of the path, so ask locally whether the whole route can be walked at the moment.
This is a long day, not a quick stroll. Plan about 5 hours of walking and 9 to 11 hours in total once transport is included. Those are planning figures, not a promise, and your own time will depend on pace and conditions. The base for the area is Karystos. If you would rather not organise transport yourself, browse the Evia tours and day trips.
The route from Petrokanalo to Kalliana
How the route works.
Start and finish
You start high on the slopes near Petrokanalo and drop to the sea at Kalliana. The start and the finish are in different places, so you cannot simply walk back to your car.
A route that has to be arranged
Because it is a one-way route, you need a plan for the return: a taxi, a pick-up by an operator or two cars. Settle the logistics before you leave Karystos.
Not a short swimming walk
The Dimosari Gorge on Evia is not the same place as the waterfalls near Nydri on Lefkada. Do not treat the Evia gorge as a quick walk with a swim at the end.
Our pick: guided Dimosari Gorge hike
A guided day on the Dimosari Gorge route, with transfers included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Evia hiking and day trips
Hiking, boat trips and guided day trips on Evia, with live prices and availability.
What to check before you go
No one can promise a clear path on a given day.
- Path and markings: the state of the path, the markings and any fallen rock can change, so ask in Karystos before you go.
- Water: water in the gorge varies. Do not count on a flowing stream or a place to swim at the end.
- Weather: do not start a gorge hike when heavy rain is forecast. Check our Evia weather page for the season.
- Practical: bring enough water, sturdy shoes, a charged phone and tell someone your plan. Confirm any fees or booking rules locally.
Evia hiking beyond the gorge
The highest mountain on Evia is Dirfys at 1,743 m. Hiking trails lead from the village of Steni up to the mountain refuge. Dirfys and the forest around Steni are a protected Natura area. A Natura area is not a national park with an entrance gate, so do not expect a ranger at the trailhead.
Ask in Steni about the trail and the refuge before you plan, because summit access and refuge opening can change. Our things to do in Evia page places these hikes in the wider island.
Getting to the south
Distances are long.
Karystos is 118 km and about 2 hours 35 minutes from Chalkida. From Athens over the high bridge it is 191 km and about 3 hours 29 minutes, one way. A rental car gives you the freedom to reach both ends of the route, and our page on car rental from Athens Airport explains the route. For the bridge, ferries and buses, see Athens to Evia.
A sensible plan for the day
Steps that keep the hike safe and realistic.
The day before
Look at the forecast, ask in Karystos about the path and settle the transport back from Kalliana.
Early start
Plan 9 to 11 hours in total with transport and start early, so that you finish in daylight and do not rush the last section.
Turn back if in doubt
If the path looks unsafe, the water is high or the weather turns, stop. A gorge is not a place to push on.
Dimosari Gorge: frequently asked questions
How long is the Dimosari Gorge hike?
The route is 10 km from Petrokanalo to Kalliana. Plan about 5 hours of walking and 9 to 11 hours with transport.
Where does the route start and end?
It starts at Petrokanalo at about 950 m and ends in the coastal village of Kalliana, northeast of Mount Ochi. The two points are far apart, so arrange transport back.
Can I swim at the end?
Do not plan on it. Water levels vary and a swimming spot cannot be promised. Judge the conditions on the day.
Is it the same as the waterfalls near Nydri?
No. The waterfalls near Nydri are on Lefkada. The Dimosari Gorge on Evia is a long route.
Do I need a guide?
Ask locally whether one is required. A local guide helps with transport, route finding and conditions.