Before the last sunny days of October left us, we decided to visit Central Evia and more specifically the area of Steni. Doing our research we chose to discover the paths S1 and S2 that lead to the Dirfyos Mountain Refuge. The village of Steni, which is also our starting point, is 110 kilometers from Athens and took us about 1 hour and 35 minutes of driving. Built at an altitude of 400 meters and with a population approaching 565 inhabitants, it maintains the title of the paradise settlement but with a strong tourist interest. The beginning of the path is only 500 meters from the last shops of the village, which we will definitely visit on our return!
We left our car in the municipal field next to the church of Agios Kirikos and started following the red "signs" which refer to S1. Our route is circular and path Σ1 will lead us to the Mountain Refuge. Of the 9.25 kilometers that are the entire route, the first 5.08 are uphill (S1) with an altitude difference of +656 meters. Starting at an altitude of 487 meters we begin to move through a pine forest, observing bags that collect the well-known resin from the trunk of the Pines. The path is clear and fairly well marked. After 2 kilometers we will encounter the only technical part of the route, a stone wall that we must cross to enter a dense fir forest. A little care among the stones and the goddess in the surrounding mountains will compensate us! Then we walk between towering fir trees and through their small openings we see Mount Dirfys on our left with its stone peak, the "Delphi" with an altitude of 1,743 meters. After 2 hours and a few minutes of walking we reach a clearing where we meet the Dirfyos "Mihalis Nikolaou" with an altitude of 1,127 meters.
Here we will make a long stop to rest and enjoy the surrounding view. For those who are interested, the refuge also offers an overnight stay by arrangement. At this particular point, I.X. can also approach. car after traveling the approximately 2 kilometers of dirt road from the last asphalt road. We caught our breath and are preparing for the return via S2. The first kilometer from the shelter is a dirt road with a view to the south of Mount Xerovouni and its peak named "Portaris" and altitude 1,453 meters. Pay attention to the initial sign to enter Σ2! We start to descend through a fir forest called Elatias.
We will notice several types of mushrooms popping up among the fir trees and this testifies to the interesting flora of the area. Then the firs leave us and the chestnuts take their place, which accompany us until our return. And in S2 the path is clear and does not cause us a problem on the downhill. Although full of dry leaves left by the trees, you create a very autumnal atmosphere that enchants us. In the last 500 meters before the return we cross a small stream that we cross twice in total, until we complete our circular route. It took us just under 2 hours to complete the downhill part and we are only 500 meters from the traditional taverns of Steni! You consider a stop for food mandatory, with must eats of the area being the traditional kokoretsi, pork shortbread and cheese pie! Recover strength for your return trip to the village stream, with good food, after the tour in the forest of Dirphyos and plan your next excursion!
ROUTE DETAILS
Total length 9.25 kilometers Starting altitude 487 meters
Distance to the shelter 5.08 kilometers Maximum altitude 1.127 meters
Shelter to Starting point (S2) 4.17 kilometers Positive altitude +656 meters
