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8 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Santorini and Naxos are two of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades but here is where the similarity ends. Santorini feels like no other place on earth: an ancient island that endured one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. Here everything is bright like the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the lapis lazuli sea and the sunsets that light up the caldera. Whilst the towns and beaches are understandably popular, the walking opportunities on the island are numerous, through volcanic landscapes and along spectacular cliffs along a series of mule tracks. Naxos on the other hand is the largest of the Cyclade islands with some of Greece's best white sand beaches, a smattering of ancient ruins and a lively town. Away from the coast, life has changed little in the last century. Traditional farming practices abound in a landscape of fertile valleys home to 1000 year old olive groves and impressive mountains beckoning to be climbed. One day is spent ascending the highest mountain of the area: Mt Zas. From its summit enjoy breathtaking views of olive-orchards set in sharp contrast with the deep blue Aegean Sea. The pace of the holiday is dictated by you, with plenty of opportunity after the walks to swim in the sea or hotel pool, wander through markets in the small towns and relax at a taverna to watch the sunset.
Greece
Santorini
Santorini Airport
30kg of CO2-e PP per day
(208kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Santorini, transfer by ferry to Naxos (1.5hrs)
Arrive at Santorini Airport*, where you will be transferred to the port for the ferry across the Aegean to Naxos. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Naxos Chora, your base for the next four nights. With its maze of whitewashed lanes, Venetian castle and lively waterfront, Chora is a wonderful introduction to the island. If time permits, stretch your legs on an optional walk to the Monastery of Chrisostomos, enjoying lovely views back across the town and coastline. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to stretch your legs with an introductory walk a 1.5 hour walk to Chrisostomos starting from the port. It's a nice way to get to know the town and admire great views over Chora. Overnight Walking to Chrisostomos: 4.9km/3.04mi, Ascent & Descent: +/- 170m/557ft *An arrival at Santorini Airport prior to 1.00pm is required to catch the ferry to Naxos. If your flight to Santorini arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos and your departing flight is after 6.00pm, you will stay first in Santorini and then in Naxos (see itinerary 2 below).
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk through thousand year old olive groves from Chalki to Melanes (3.5 to 7hrs)
Travel by public bus or taxi to Chalki, an attractive village surrounded by the fertile landscapes of the Tragea Valley. Today's walk reveals a quieter side of Naxos, following cobbled paths through ancient olive groves, some with trees more than 1000 years old. Pass the Venetian fortress of Ano Kastro and continue to an ancient marble quarry to see one of the island's remarkable unfinished Kouros statues, dating from the 6th century BC. You can finish your walk at Melanes and return to Chora by bus or taxi, or continue through Potamia and its lush valley before looping back towards Chalki. With several walking options available, you can choose the distance that suits you. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 10/14 or 18km, 6.2/8.6 or 11.18mi Ascent & Descent: +/- 150/300/530m, 492/984/1738ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Walk from Kynidaros to Eggares (2.5hrs)
A short transfer brings you to the traditional mountain village of Kynidaros, where today's gentle walk begins. Follow quiet paths through rural Naxos towards Eggares, passing small churches and timeless agricultural landscapes along the way. In Eggares, discover two beautifully restored olive presses, including one dating from 1885, and learn more about the island's long tradition of olive oil production. There is time to enjoy lunch at a local taverna before returning to Chora and your hotel. Walking: 7km/4.34mi Ascent: 80m/262ft Descent: -470m/1541ft
Day 4
Walk to the summit of Mt Zas with stunning views (4 to 7hrs)
Travel by public bus or taxi to Filoti, to start your day's walk a picturesque village nestled beneath Mt Zas (Mount Zeus), the highest in the Cyclades. From here, set out for your walk to the summit of this legendary mountain. At 1004m, the summit offers superb panoramic views across Naxos and surrounding Aegean islands. Pass by the cave in which, according to legend, Zeus, the father of all gods, was nursed by an eagle. On descent you can choose to continue walking to Apiranthos. Built on the slopes of Mt Fanari, this atmospheric mountain village is known for its marble-paved lanes, stone houses and inviting cafés. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 17.5km/10.87mi, Ascent & Descent: +/- 980m/3215ft
Day 5
Ferry to Santorini and transfer to Akrotiri, optional walks
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Naxos Chora and perhaps visit the Castle and museum, or relax on the sandy beach of Agios Georgios before your ferry to Santorini usually departing around 1.00pm (2.5 hour journey). The approach to Santorini is memorable, sailing into the vast flooded caldera beneath dramatic volcanic cliffs topped with clusters of whitewashed villages. The island's extraordinary landscape was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago and provides a spectacular contrast to the greener countryside of Naxos. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri, your home for the rest of your trip. There are options for a short afternoon walk along the caldera (approx 2.5km/1.55mi), or you can visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and Red beach (approx 7km/4.34mi), within walking distance from your hotel. Ascent & Descent: +/- 240m/787ft
Day 6
Walk from Perissa to Akrotiri (5.5hrs), options to shorten
A short taxi transfer (included) this morning will take you to seaside village of Perissa, from where you start climbing via an old footpath to the highest mountain of Santorini, the Profitis Ilias. Before reaching the top, you can visit the excavations of Ancient Thira, the capital of the island in Ancient and Roman times. The location is amazing! You then descend via an old mule path to the quiet, inner parts of the island. From Pyrgos and Emporio you will walk back along an easy path amongst vineyards to Akrotiri. It's also possible to return from Pyrgos via public bus via Thira. Walking: Perissa to Pyrgos: (3hrs) 5.2km/3.23mi, Ascent: +500m/1640ft, Descent: 230m/754ft Pyrgos to Emporio: (1hr) 3.5km/2.17mi, Ascent: +24m/78ft, Descent: -265m/869ft Emporio to Akrotiri: (1.5hrs) 4.7km/2.92mi, Ascent: +47m/154ft, Descent: -58m/190ft
Day 7
Visit Fira and walk to Oia along the caldera (4hrs)
This morning take a public bus to Fira, Santorini's lively captial, dramatically perched along the rim of the caldera. Take some time to explore its maze of whitewashed lanes, browse the shops or visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera before beginning one of the island's classic walks. Follow the spectacular caldera trail from Fira towards Oia, passing through traditional settlements and along an undulating path high above the Aegean. Throughout the walk, there are wonderful views across the flooded volcanic crater, neighbouring islands and Santorini's dramatic cliffs. Your walk finishes in Oia, renowned for its blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses and spectacular position overlooking the caldera. After time to explore, taxi (included) back to your hotel in Akrotiri. Walking: 10.6km/6.58mi, Ascent: +275m/902ft, Descent: -365m/1197ft
Day 8
Transfer to Santorini Airport, trip concludes
Your Greek Islands walking adventure concludes after breakfast. Depending on your flight time, there may be time for some final exploring before your included transfer to Santorini Airport.
Arrive Santorini
Arrive at Santorini Airport and transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri, your base for the next three nights. Settle in and take in your first views of this extraordinary volcanic island, where colourful cliffs rise dramatically from the Aegean and whitewashed villages cling to the rim of the caldera. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to take a short walk along the caldera or visit the nearby archaeological site of Ancient Akrotiri, the remarkably preserved Minoan settlement buried by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
Walk from Perissa to Akrotiri (5.5hrs)
Transfer to the coastal village of Perissa and begin your walk along an old footpath climbing above the coast. Continue towards Ancient Thira, dramatically positioned high above the sea and once the island's capital during ancient and Roman times. From here, descend into Santorini's quieter interior, where vineyards, traditional villages and volcanic landscapes replace the busy caldera settlements. Continue through the countryside and vineyards towards Akrotiri and your hotel. Walking: 13km/8.07mi, Ascent: +580m/1906ft, Descent: -550m/1804ft
Visit Fira and walk to Oia along the caldera (3hrs)
Take the public bus to Fira and spend some time discovering Santorini's colourful capital, perched dramatically above the caldera. Wander its narrow whitewashed lanes or visit one of its museums before beginning the island's classic caldera walk. Follow an undulating trail high above the Aegean, with breathtaking views across the flooded volcanic crater and Santorini's sheer cliffs. Your destination is Oia, one of the Cyclades' most recognisable villages, where blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses tumble towards the sea. After time to explore, an included transfer returns you to Akrotiri. Walking: 10.3km/6.4mi, Ascent: +275m/902ft, Descent: -365m/1197ft
Transfer to port, ferry to Naxos
Enjoy a relaxed morning on Santorini. You may choose to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Akrotiri, walk towards Red Beach or simply enjoy some time around the village before transferring to the port. The ferry usually departs around 3.00pm to 4.00pm and arrives 2.5 hours later on Naxos. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Naxos Chora for the next four nights. If time permits, explore the old town and Venetian Castle or enjoy an optional introductory walk to the Monastery of Chrisostomos. Walking to Chrisostomos: 4.4km/2.7mi, Ascent & Descent: +130m/426ft Akrotiri via Red Beach: 7.3km/4.5mi, Ascent & Descent: +240m/787ft
Travel by public bus or taxi into the heart of Naxos to Chalki, surrounded by the olive groves and fertile valleys of the Tragea Plain. Follow historic cobbled paths through a timeless rural landscape, passing olive trees that have stood here for more than 1000 years. Walking on cobbled paths you pass the Venetian Fortress of Ana Kastro enroute to an ancient marble quarry where there is an unfinished Kouros (statue) dating from the 6th century BC. The walk ends in the nearby village of Melanes, from where you can take a taxi or public bus back to your hotel. If you continue walking, you come through the village of Potamia, meaning river in Greek. Through lush valleys you walk back via Ano Kastro to Chalki. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 10/14 or 19km, 6.2/8.7 or 11.8m, Ascent & Descent: +150/300/400m, 492/984 or 1312ft
After a short transfer to Kynidaros, set out on a relaxed walk through the rural landscapes of northern Naxos. Descend along quiet trails towards the small village of Eggares, passing traditional churches and farmland along the way. Explore its picturesque churches and two restored olive presses one of which dates back to 1885. Enjoy lunch in one of the tavernas on the stone built main square before returning to your hotel. Walking: 7km/4.4m, Ascent: +100m/328ft, Descent: -400m/1312ft
Walk to the summit of Mt Zas with stunning views (4 to 6.5hrs)
This morning catch a taxi or local bus to Filoti, located beneath the slopes of Mt Zas, and set out for the highest point in the Cyclades. The route climbs through a rugged landscape associated with the legends of Zeus, passing the cave where Greek mythology tells us the young god was raised. Continue to the summit for outstanding views across Naxos, its fertile valleys and the blue Aegean beyond. Descend towards Apiranthos, an attractive mountain village of stone houses and marble-paved lanes, where you can relax at a café before returning to Chora. On your descent you can choose to continue walking, returning via the saddle of Mt Fanari to Filoti. This is a beautiful walk with breath taking views. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 12km/7.5m, Ascent & Descent: +650m/2132ft
Ferry and transfer to Santorini Airport, trip concludes
The ferry to Santorini departs around 1.00pm (2.5 hour journey). In the morning perhaps visit the Castle in Naxos town (Chora) and the museum or relax on the sandy beach of Agios Georgios. Arriving by ferry at Santorini is an unforgettable experience, as you enter the submerged crater of the old volcano. The steep coloured cliffs and whitewashed villages are impressive. It is said the eruption 3600 years ago ended the Minoan civilisation - or perhaps it is the source of the legend of Atlantis? Transfer to the airport where the trip concludes.
What's included
What's not included
Overnight in well-located 3 & 4 star hotels. On Naxos, the hotel is situated in the Old Town below the historic Kastro, providing comfortable rooms with lovely views of the town and sea. On Santorini, the hotel is located in Akrotiri and features a swimming pool, offering a relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a day of walking. Both hotels have been chosen for their comfort, charm, and proximity to key walking routes and cultural highlights.
Follows a mix of unsurfaced tracks, traditional cobbled mule paths, footpaths and short sections of quiet tarmac road.
GRADE 2 - Daily walks of 1.5 to 7 hours each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Naxos and Santorini so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, stair walking and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel, guesthouse
8Days
Moderate
guided cycle
boat
guided walk
pension, inns
hotel
9Days