Naxos, Iraklia & Amorgos Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Mar - Nov
- Self Guided
- 10-14 days
- Customizable
"Island hop between Naxos and two of the unspoilt Small Cyclades islands"
Gallery
Island hop between Naxos and two of the unspoilt Small Cyclades islands, Iraklia & Amorgos, and explore them at your own pace. Walk along Naxos’ ancient trails, through mountainous quaint villages, venetian towers, olive groves and incredible landscapes. Visit the old fortified ‘Kastro’ settlement, ancient temples, abandoned kouros statues and experience the unique Greek hospitality and island culture. Finish with a walk at the top of Mt. Zas, the highest peak of the Cyclades, where Zeus was given the thunder to conquer Mt. Olympus!
Continue to the pristine island of Iraklia in the Small Cyclades, an ideal setting for nature walks and exciting explorations as well as swimming into solitary beaches. Iraklia is especially quiet with 100 permanent resident and therefore an ideal destination for travellers wishing to relax and get a taste of traditional life on a remote island.
Our final stop, the ‘pirate’ island of Amorgos and setting of Luc Besson’s “Big Blue”, will amaze you with its mountainous trails, picturesque villages, the most beautiful “Chora” in the Cyclades, its dramatic landscapes, deep blue waters, astounding bays, its aromatic herbs, birds of prey, hospitality and character of its residents!
Check below our recommended 10-day Naxos & Iraklia & Amorgos self-guided walking holiday itinerary…
Join our Naxos, Iraklia & Amorgos self-guided walking holiday and you will:
Walk the ancient paths of the largest, richest and most diverse Cycladic island, Explore the most unspoilt and remote islands of the Cyclades, Experience traditional island life and unique customs and cultural happenings, Stroll through picturesque mountainous villages, Explore the Venetian Castles and towers scattered around the islands, Visit one of Greece’s most impressive and dramatic monastic destinations, Discover the Cyclades’ unique nature by walking through mountainous trails, its fertile valleys, springs and rivers, Hike to the highest peak of the Cyclades to enjoy spectacular views to the Aegean sea, Walk along a protected juniper forest and the longest sandy coastline in the Cyclades, Taste organic home made food, Experience the unique hospitality of the locals, Learn all about the Cycladic wild flowers and collect herbs!
Our walks during this self-guided walking holiday in Naxos, Iraklia & Amorgos, Small Cyclades are graded as easy to moderate. You will walk mainly on paths of moderate gradient with ascents of up to 500m in a day. Being predominately limestone some parts of our paths can be quite rough and stoney.
Flexible itineraries, 7-day, 10-day or 14-day options combined with other Cycladic islands can be organised for you.
Just contact us for further information and special offers…
The walks recommended during our Santorini & Naxos self-guided walking holiday are graded as moderate. You will walk mainly on paths of moderate gradient with ascents of up to 500m in a day. Being predominately limestone some parts of our paths can be quite rough and stoney.
Flexible itineraries, 7-day or 10-day or combined with other Cycladic islands can be organised for you. Please contact us for further information.
ACCOMMODATION IN NAXOS
Please find below our selection of hotels that we have tried and tested for you. We will check for availability upon your request.
Our selection based on value, location and comfort!!
All accommodations offer ensuite bathrooms and most include breakfast:
- Venetiko
Best value! Known for their hospitality! A building dating back to 1566 has been transformed to 5 beautiful decorated apartments. Located right next to the famous Venetian Castle, in the alleys and maze of the Old Town of Naxos. No breakfast available but kitchen & fridge available in the room. Beautiful atmosphere! - Anixis Hotel
Family run hotel providing high quality service and authentic Greek hospitality with undiminished care for years. Located within the old town of Naxos, below the Venetian Castle. Breakfast included! - Kymata Hotel
Kymata is a charming, family-run hotel located a few meters from St. George Beach and within 10 minutes from the town of Naxos. The staff is very welcoming and hospitable. A pleasant and comfortable stay is guaranteed.
Our selection of superior hotels for those who want extra comfort!
All accommodations offer ensuite bathrooms and include breakfast:
- Nissaki Beach Hotel
A Magnificent 5* Beach Hotel. Minimalistic luxury and privileged location on the beach of Saint George in Naxos Town. Perfect blend of modern amenities, warm hospitality, affordable luxury and impeccable service! - Hotel Grotta
Situated on a beautiful hillside, overlooking the seaside town of Naxos, it offers an unparalleled view. A family run establishment catering to the discerning traveler who wants comfort & personal attention but reasonable rates!
ACCOMMODATION IN IRAKLIA & AMORGOS
Please find below our selection of hotels that we have tried and tested for you. We will check for availability upon your request.
Our selection based on value, location and comfort!!
All accommodations offer ensuite bathrooms and most include breakfast:
- Maistrali guesthouse in Iraklia:
Traditional family run guesthouse located 3 min from the beautiful fishing port of Ag. Georgios and the beach. Delicious breakfast and relaxing environment! - Filoxenia hotel in Amorgos:
Seaside family run hotel providing high quality service. Built amphitheatrically, overlooking the sea of wonderful Aegiali. Breakfast included! - Askas pension in Amorgos:
Traditional pension surrounded by trees and spacious gardens. Very hospitable and the owner is known for her cooking. They will take care of you.
Our selection of superior hotels for those who want extra comfort!
All accommodations offer ensuite bathrooms and include breakfast:
- Yperia hotel in Amorgos:
Located within a 3-minute walk from the picturesque fishing port of Aegiali and the beach, Yperia offers rooms tastefully furnished and decorated in earthy colors. Has a pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. Breakfast included!
Single rooms available
This holiday is suitable for solo walkers. If you travel on your own or require single rooms within your group we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Contact us for further information and special offers…
NAXOS, IRAKLIA & AMORGOS SELF-GUIDED WALKING FEES
7-day self-guided walking holiday (Naxos & Iraklia or Naxos & Amorgos)
All prices are per person for two people sharing a standard double room, staying at a traditional family-run guesthouse:
- Low Season (1 Oct – 30 April) from EUR 547
- Mid Season (1 May – 30 June) from EUR 627
- High Season (1 July – 31 August) from EUR 697
10-day self-guided walking holiday
All prices are per person for two people sharing a standard double room, staying at a traditional family-run guesthouse:
- Low Season (1 Oct – 30 April) from EUR 784
- Mid Season (1 May – 30 June) from EUR 897
- High Season (1 July – 31 August) from EUR 997
Supplement for single rooms:
- EUR 15-20 per day
The above prices are based on the best value accommodation we have selected for you and depend upon availability. Let us know which period is best for you and we’ll send you the best fees and accommodation options.
Our Naxos, Iraklia & Amorgos self-guided walking fees include:
- Our choice of the best self-guided walks at the island of Naxos, Iraklia & Amorgos,
- Bonus navigation walks at the old town and Naxos,
- Active navigation and step-by-step guidance using digital maps and the wikiloc app,
- A detailed info pack with recommended routes, hiking maps, points of interest and photos,
- Introduction to our unique flora, fauna, history and culture,
- 7 or 10 nights accommodation at traditional guesthouses (choices available),
- Breakfast,
- Suggestions for lunch/supper/excursions/beaches and archeological sites to visit,
- Ferries to Iraklia, Amorgos and back to Naxos,
- Local support from our representative 24 hours/day,
- Transfers from the port or airport to the accommodation and vice versa,
- Emergency telephone support in the event of a problem,
- In our island hopping itineraries, ferry transfers between the islands.
Our Naxos self-guided walking fees exclude:
- Flights to Greece and ferries to the starting and ending islands (we’ll book your ferries and help with the travel arrangements),
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks,
- Entrance fees to museums and archeological sites,
- Travel insurance and personal equipment,
- Taxi transfers or public transport not mentioned above (estimate per week will be provided),
- Anything not included above.
Extras:
- Upgrade to 4* or 5* hotels,
- Athens Extension (3 Days/2 Nights),
- Extra nights at your chosen destination,
- Private transfers to and from the airport of Athens,
- All transfers by taxi or public transport pre-booked
Book your self guided walking holiday at Naxos, Iraklia & Amorgos island…
Itinerary
You’ll continue your walk to Mitropolis square, where ruins of Naxos’s Mycenaean capital have been excavated dating from 1300 BC and end the walk north of the port, at the islet of Palatia and the unfinished Temple of Apollo (6th century BC). This is the best place in the island to watch the sunset! Have supper at one of our favourite taverns and try Naxos’ famous local agricultural products.
The path continues through impressive landscapes and rock formations towards the remote rustic village of Moni where we recommend to stop at the village’s kafenio for a drink and lunch to suck in the slow pace of traditional island life as well as the delicious day dishes prepared with local ingredients. You will take the beautiful ‘Byzantine’ path as it is often called due to the number of Byzantine churches on the way towards Chalki, one of the most picturesque villages, situated in an area lush with olive, plane and oak trees, well-known for its pretty houses and especially for the rare flowers in their courtyards. End the day with a visit to the local distillery and get a taste of local liquers and raki!
Distance: 9 km, 3h walking time, 5-6h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Easy to moderate.
While at the top, in clear days, you can see all the Cycladic islands that surround Naxos. Zas is an important hideout and nesting place for many migratory and resident birds such as the Griffon vulture which we hope you will have the chance to observe! Take the downhill path at the other side of the mountain to reach the village of Filoti where you can have lunch at its picturesque square…
Distance: 10 km, 3.20h walking time, 5-6h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Moderate.
Take the path towards the village of Myloi enjoying a remarkable fertile land, full of lemon trees, orange trees, almond and olive trees, basins with water and then continue to the village of Kouronohori, one of the most picturesque villages whose main attraction is the Tower of Fragopoulos and the colourful courtyards. End the walk at the village of Melanes, one of the oldest villages in Naxos which got its name by the dark color of the soil.
Distance: 8 km, 2.40h walking time, 5-6h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Easy to moderate.
Leaving the village walk through a very solitary area of the island, with stunning nature and mountain landscapes. The smell of local herbs will accompany you and depending on the season you’ll be able to gather thyme, oregano, lavender, sage to name a few. Around April and May wild flowers including rare species and orchids are abound. The path will lead you to the beautiful beach of Lionas with its multi-coloured pebbles. Reward yourself with a refreshing swim at its crystal clear waters followed by a delicious supper at one of the most traditional taverns of the island.
Distance: 7.5-9 km, 2.40h-3h walking time, 4-5h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Easy.
Distance: 1.5 km, 1.5h walking time, 2.5-3h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Easy.
Distance: 10 km, 3.30h walking time, 4.5-5h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Moderate.
Distance: 8 km, 2.4h walking time, 3.4-5h actual walking time with stops to rest, explore the villages and lunch. Easy.
Continue on a trail up to the ridge offering dramatic views to the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. Walk along the spine of Amorgos, pass medieval hotels, deserted villages, breathtaking landscapes till you eventually reach the bay of Aegiali… our favourite walk in the island. You will be rewarded with a delicious meal at one of the oldest taverns of the island.
Distance: 15 km, 5h walking time, 6-7h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Moderate.
Map
Have a Question?
Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
“We both agreed that Naxos was our favourite of the islands. We did a coastal walk from Pyrgaki on the first day. It was a real surprise to find such a long stretch of pristine beaches with so few people on them, especially as the weather was like July!.. The last two days we did the Apeiranthos-Chalki and Filoti-Zas walks. These were possibly the highlight of the whole trip, with fantastic mountain scenery, charming villages and lots of vultures circling over the top of Fanari as we climbed up to it. The route notes were excellent with lots of interesting reading material. All of the accommodations were really good – especially Anixis.”
Niall, Denmark
“Hi Annie, just wanted to reassure you that we are back from the Filoti to Zas Circular Trail. It was fantastic! The trail marking is very good and the notes were good too. We didn’t go to the top of Zas because the cloud came in and it was quite windy and cool – but we know we would have managed it if the cloud had not been there.”
Don & Linda, New Zealand
“Climbing to the top of Mount Zas on Naxos – birthplace of Zeus… Walking the ancient marble paved mule tracks passing varied landscapes of olive groves, picturesque villages, deep ravines, rocky outcrops and an ever changing coastline where islands appear and disappear beneath startling blue skies, haze and shifting clouds… The swim in crystal clear sea […]
