Walking from Agia Marina to the Temple of Aphaia is a true pleasure, best enjoyed from autumn through spring.
There is something magical about this approach; whether you seek a sporting challenge, a immersion in nature, or a sacred ceremony, the journey itself is as rewarding as the destination. However, before setting out, it is essential to choose the right track for your fitness level and interests.
The trails are generally accessible from autumn to spring. The paths often close during the summer due to bushfire prevention measures and the intense heat, which makes cardio activities on the hill particularly difficult.
Choosing Your Route
There are several ways to reach the temple, ranging from steep ascents to gentle loops. Here is how to decide which path suits you best.
For the Adventurous: The Direct Ascent
The Purple Trail is the most direct route, going straight up from the village. It is a steep, cardio-intensive climb that takes about 50 minutes for those in good shape. Because of the intensity, this trail is definitely not recommended for anyone with heart or lung issues.
A variation of this challenging approach is the Baby Blue trail. It is slightly longer but much more suitable if you want to walk at a gentle pace, enjoy the view and breathe softly.
It begins gently on an asphalt road and transitions to gravel, offering a moderate start before finishing with a steep 10-minute climb to the top.
Thankfully, at the end of the hike, you will find the Aphaia Cafe just beside the Aphaia Temple to rest a little sipping a Greek Coffee or enjoying a pistachio ice cream before heading to the temple and its museum.
For Nature Lovers: The "Goat Trail"
If you prefer nature’s beauty over intense sport, the Yellow Trail (affectionately known as the "Goat Trail") is the perfect choice. Starting on the village’s asphalt streets, the path soon turns into a rocky trail that winds through a pine forest. While it has some steep sections, it is accessible to most people, provided they do not have severe knee or cardiac issues.
This route offers unique stops for reflection:
- The Forest Terrace: A small church with a terrace appears along the way, ideal for catching your breath or meditating.
- Agia Minas Convent: The path leads here next. If you arrive in the morning, you can visit the church and purchase delicious homemade goods from the nuns, including marmalades, essential oils, feta, and yogurt.
- The Aphaia Café: Just a 10-minute walk from the convent, this spot offers a stunning view overlooking the bay, the museum, and the temple itself—a perfect place to rest before the final approach.
For a Gentle Stroll: The Loop
If climbing the hill isn’t your cup of tea, you can still enjoy the scenery on the Turquoise Trail. This route requires taking the bus up to the Aphaia Temple first. From there, you can embark on a gentle, semi-flat gravel path that loops around the hill.
This walk takes you through an olive grove and the pine forest, passing the Agia Minas Convent along the way. You will enjoy amazing views of both sides of the island without the strain of a steep ascent. Once you complete the loop back to the temple, you can simply hop on the bus to return to Agia Marina.
Whichever path you choose, the walk to Aphaia offers a unique connection to the landscape and history of the island, making it a highlight of any visit between autumn and spring.