Santorini & Naxos SELF GUIDED Walking Holiday

"Explore the two most fascinating islands of the Cyclades..."

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Itinerary

DAY 1: WALK ALONG THE RIM OF THE CALDERA WITH INCREDIBLE VIEWS
Welcome to Santorini and transfer to your guesthouse at Fira, the main town based on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano. Starting from Fira, you walk along the rim of the caldera towards the picturesque villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli till you reach Oia to watch Santorini’s famous sunset! You will enjoy astonishing views of the caldera, the volcanic islands Nea & Old Kameni from different perspectives.

Distance: 10 km, Time: 4-5 hours (including stops to rest and admire the view)
DAY 2: HIKE TO MT. PROFITIS ILIAS' PEAK, ANCIENT THERA & REACH PERISSA BEACH
Start from the beautiful village of Emborio, once a fortified Venetian settlement. As you admire the beautiful nature and vineyards you will reach the 567m summit of Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island offering stunning views. Descend through a magnificent mountainous path towards Ancient Thera! Walk through time as you explore the excavation of the ancient city. Take the short path which leads to the ‘black’ beach of Perissa where you can plunge into its crystal clear waters and enjoy a delicious supper!

Distance: 9.4 km, Time: 5-6 hours (with stops and a visit to Ancient Thera)
DAY 3: HIKE COLOURFUL CALDERA CLIFFS TO EXCAVATED CITY & RED BEACH
Today we’ll guide you through a special path that runs parallel to the steep cliffs of the caldera towards Palos beach where you’ll appreciate the contrast of the landscape with the deep blue sea. Continue to the fortified Venetian settlement of Akrotiri and take the old path to the Akrotiri excavation which has uncovered one of the most important Aegean prehistoric settlements. The three-storey sophisticated buildings, the elaborate drainage system, magnificent wall paintings, furniture and vessels of this ancient city buried under volcanic ash will fascinate you. End the day with a short walk to the famous Red beach. Ferry to Naxos and transfer to your accommodation at the Old Town below the Venetian Castle.

Distance: 4.3 km, Time: 3.30-4 hours (with stops and visit to Akrotiri excavation)
DAY 4: CIRCULAR WALK AROUND NAXOS MOST TRADITIONAL VILLAGES
Start your hike from the picturesque Apiranthos village with its Venetian towers, pretty houses, marble paved alleys and picturesque squares. Take the trail to the summit of Fanari and admire the panoramic view. The path continues through impressive landscapes and rock formations towards the remote, rustic village of Moni. We recommend to stop at the village’s kafenio for a drink and lunch to experience the slow pace of traditional island life as well as the delicious 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. End the day with a visit to the local distillery and get a taste of the local liquers!

Distance: 10 km, Time: 5-6 hours (including stops to rest and have lunch)
DAY 5: WALK TO THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THE CYCLADES
Start your walk from the village of Filoti towards the highest peak of the Cyclades, Mt. Zas, which stands at an impressive 1,004m. The magnificent Zas mountain takes its name from the ancient Greek God Zeus, who according to myth spent his early life on Naxos. You’ll first reach the fountain of Arion, an ideal spot to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and rest before beginning to ascend. Next stop will be the cave of Zas, the biggest cave on the island which will impress you with its stalagmite structures. When you reach the peak, you will enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding land and the deep blue of the Aegean sea. Zas is an important hideout and nesting place for many migratory and resident birds such as the Griffon vulture which 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: 12 km, Time: 5-6 hours (with stops to rest and admire the view)
DAY 6: WALK THROUGH VERDANT VILLAGES WITH SPRINGS & RUINED WATERMILLS
Take the short path towards to the Byzantine church of Agios Mamas, patron saint of shepherds and one of the oldest on the island. Walk through the quaint villages of Potamia, which constitute a verdant oasis throughout the year due to the springs and old watermills. Stop at Flerio, an area of great archaeological significance because of the old aqueduct, the abandoned ancient Kouros male statues and the ancient marble quarries. This is the ideal place to stop for a rest and a snack. Take the path towards Kouronohori, one of the most picturesque villages whose main attraction is the Tower of Fragopoulos and the colourful courtyards.

Distance: 9 km, Time: 4-5 hours (including stops to rest and explore)
DAY 7: WALK THE OLD 'EMERY' TRAIL TOWARDS A SOLITARY BEACH
Our recommended hike today starts from the remote ’emery’ village of Koronos. As you stroll in the village, you’ll feel as if time has stopped and locals live quietly, undisturbed by modern way of life. You’ll follow a trail through a very solitary area with stunning nature and mountain landscapes. The smell of local herbs and wild flowers (especially in spring) will accompany you till you reach the beautiful pebble beach of Lyonas. Reward yourself with a refreshing swim at its crystal clear waters followed by a delicious supper at one of the most authentic taverns of the island.

Distance: 7.5 km, Time: 4-5 hours (including stops & a swim)

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