Naxos & the Small Cyclades walking holiday

"Discover Naxos and the unspoilt Small Cyclades, a small heaven of peace, Greek hospitality and traditional culture…"

Picture this!

Highlights

Hiking Info

Best time to visit

Our fees

Picture this!

Highlights

Hiking Info

Best time to visit

Our fees

DAY 1: WELCOME AND EXPLORATION OF THE OLD TOWN OF NAXOS

Arrival. You are met at the port or airport and taken to your guesthouse. Briefing on our itinerary, history and culture of the island. Relax on the beach, walk the narrow alleys of the Old town and the Castle settlement. Supper at our favourite local tavern.

DAY 2: CIRCULAR WALK AROUND NAXOS' MOST TRADITIONAL VILLAGES

This hike starts from the beautiful village of Apiranthos built at the foot of Mt. Fanari, with its venetian towers, pretty old two-story houses, marble paved alleys with arches and picturesque squares. While we have a drink we’ll introduce you to the unique biodiversity of the Aegean and the islands of the Cyclades that will definitely make your walks more interesting! We’ll then take the trail to the summit of Fanari and admire the panoramic view of the Cycladic islands.

The path continues through impressive landscapes and rock formations towards the villages of Kaloxylos and Chalki. Kaloxylos is one of Naxos’ 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. We’ll finally continue towards another beautiful village, Chalki, where we’ll end the day with a delicious supper that the owners prepare with their own organic ingredients.

DAY 3: WALK TO THE TOP OF ZAS, THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THE CYCLADES

Today we’ll start our walk from the village of Filoti and we’ll walk at the highest peak of the Cyclades, Mount Zas, which stands at an impressive 1,004m. The magnificent Zas mountain takes its name from the ancient Greek God Zeus, the father of all the other Gods, who supposedly spent his early life on Naxos. You will enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding land and the deep blue of the Aegean sea. On 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 vultures which we hope to spot for you!

On the way back we’ll explore the biggest cave on the island which will impress you with its stalagmite structures. We’ll then continue to a shady spot by the famous water spring of Argion, which is an ideal spot for a picnic and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.

DAY 4: ANCIENT PATH CROSSING INLAND TOWARDS A SOLITARY BEACH

Today we’ll walk from the tranquil village of Koronos through a very remote area of the island, with stunning nature and mountain views. The smell of local herbs will accompany us 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 us to the beautiful beach of Lionas with its multicoloured pebbles. We’ll reward ourselves with a refreshing swim at its crystal clear waters followed by a delicious supper at one of our favourite fish taverns of the island.

DAY 5: WALK THROUGH VERDANT VILLAGES WITH SPRINGS

Take the short path towards to the Byzantine church of Ag. Mamas, patron saint of shepherds and one of the oldest on the island, dating from the 9th century to admire its extraordinary architecture. Continue towards the rustic, verdant Potamia villages. ‘Potami’ means ‘river’ and refers to the river that crosses the villages and composes along with the springs and ruined watermills this verdant oasis throughout the year.

You’ll next explore an area of great archaeological significance because of the old aqueduct of Flerio, the abandoned ancient Kouroi (male statues) and the ancient marble quarries. This is the ideal place to stop for a rest and a snack.

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.

DAY 6: WALK AND EXPLORE THE UNSPOILT ISLAND OF IRAKLIA

Today we’ll reach the most unspoilt island of the Small Cyclades; Iraklia and the fishing port of Ag. Georgios with its colorful fishing boats. Iraklia has a population of 80 people who are known for their hospitality. We’ll walk towards the highest peak of the island, one of the few places that the Griffon vulture lives and breeds. We’ll descend towards the main village where we’ll enjoy home made food at Maria’s place. You’ll be surprised by the quality of the food and ingredients from Maria’s garden.

DAY 7: HIKE TO THE LARGEST UNSPOILT CAVE OF THE CYCLADES

We’ll take the ancient path that crosses the island inland, passes the deserted village of Ag. Athanasios till we reach the largest cave in the Cyclades, Ag. Ioannis cave. You’ll be surprised by the stalactite formations inside. After exploring the cave we’ll continue towards a solitary bay with a wonderful beach that you can only reach by boat or on foot. We’ll have a swim, relax by the beach and enjoy a picnic. In the evening we’ll continue around the island towards the fishing port. Supper at our favourite fish tavern of the island where you’ll enjoy fresh fish caught by the owner.

DAY 8: RELAXED WALK & FERRY TO AMORGOS

In the morning you can enjoy a relaxed short walk to a solitary bay where you can enjoy a lovely swim. In the afternoon we’ll take the ferry and island hop We’ll take the ferry to the pirate island of Amorgos also known from Luc Besson’s movie “Big Blue”. We’ll stay at the stunning bay of Aegiali known for its long sandy beaches, picturesque fishing port and by the four traditional villages built at the top of the hills surrounding the bay. After watching the sunset you’ll enjoy a delicious meal at our favourite local tavern!

DAY 9: CIRCULAR ANCIENT PATH CONNECTING UNSPOILT VILLAGES IN AMORGOS

Today we’ll walk the circular ancient path, covered with various endemic and local herbs and flowers, around the villages of Tholaria, Stroumbos and Langada. We’ll have supper at one of the villages, at the local kafenio, and if we are lucky we’ll have the chance to admire the local musical instruments, violin and laouto.

DAY 10: WALK ALONG THE SPINE OF AMORGOS

We’ll start the day with breakfast at one of the most scenic “Chora” in the Aegean. You’ll walk its narrow streets and admire its numerous chapels, windmills, castle, picturesque white washed houses. We’ll take the trail towards the famous Monastery of Hozoviotissa, built to protect a virgin Mary icon believed to have arrived from Palestine. Built into the face of a cliff, it provides a breathtaking view of the sparkling deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. It is, with no doubt, the pride of Amorgos.

We’ll walk along the spine of the island, pass medieval hotels, deserted villages, breathtaking landscapes till we reach the bay of Aegiali… our favourite walk in the island. You will be rewarded with a delicious supper at one of the oldest taverns of the island.