SANTORINI SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY

"Immerse yourself in the dramatic cliffs and stunning panoramic views to the Caldera of Santorini"

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Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND WELCOME AT SANTORINI
Fira is the capital of Santorini and its cultural and commercial centre, based on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano. It’s the ideal base for exploring the island. After you settle at your guesthouse, take the time to stroll around the narrow alleys of this charming town and enjoy the sunset, the only hour of the day when literally everything and everyone stops to admire the view!
DAY 2: SCENIC PATH ALONG THE RIM OF THE CALDERA TO OIA WITH INCREDIBLE VIEWS
If you had to choose one hike not to be missed at the island of Santorini, this is it! Starting from the captivating main village of Fira, you follow a scenic path along the rim of the caldera towards the picturesque villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli till you reach Oia to watch Santorini’s famous sunset! As you walk along you will enjoy astonishing views of the caldera, the volcanic islands Nea & Old Kameni as well as Thirasia from different perspectives. Words cannot describe the beauty! On the way you must stop at Skaros rock, once a a fortified castle and capital of Santorini, and walk through the ruins. End the day with a supper at our favourite tavern at chic Oia where you can try Santorini’s delicious dishes prepared with local anhydrous ingredients.

Distance: 10 km Time: 4 hours (actual walking time can reach 5-6 hours)
DAY 3: HIKE TO THE SUMMIT OF PROFITIS ILIAS, ANCIENT THERA & REACH PERISSA BEACH
You start today’s walk from the beautiful village of Emborio, once a fortified Venetian castle settlement. The path resembles a mini gorge as it follows a trail in between two hills and underneath two arches. As you admire the beautiful nature and vineyards on the slopes you will reach the 567m summit of Profitis Ilias, the highest point in the island offering stunning views and an ideal place to stop for a snack and a rest. Descend from Profitis Ilias through a magnificent mountainous path offering panoramic views of the island towards ancient Thera! Walk through time as you explore the excavations of remnant houses, market, theatre, Roman baths, cisterns, a holy road dated from the 9th century AD. 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: 4 hours (actual walking time can reach 5-6 hours)
DAY 4: OFF THE BEATTEN TRACK WALK FROM PYRGOS THROUGH HIDDEN VILLAGES
A very interesting trail that combines the two diametrically opposed sides of Santorini; on one hand, a wild landscape depicted with vineyards and isolated churches and on the other hand, the welcoming, scenic but unexplored villages of Santorini.

You will start from the beautiful Cycladic village of Pyrgos, wonder around its narrow alleys and explore its ruined Kasteli (castle), traditional architecture, remains of neoclassical mansions and breathtaking views of the whole island. You’ll follow the old path leading to the traditional farming villages of Exo and Mesa Gonia. On the way you will have the chance to visit 2 of the most acclaimed wineries of the island. Time to explore Santorini’s “hidden” villages, get a glimpse into the island’s agricultural life and taste the island’s awarded volcanic wines!

Distance: 3.7 km, Time: 1h30 (actual walking time with visits to wineries can reach 3-4 hours)
DAY 5: REST OR DAY TRIP TO THE VOLCANO, HOT SPRINGS & THIRISIA
Today it is an opportunity to rest from hiking. We recommend to take a boat trip to the volcanic island “Nea Kameni” and walk the short, dusty path to the active crater. You will also visit the hot springs where you can enjoy swimming in the sulphurous springs of the volcano as well as the small island of Thirasia which, although so close to Thira, remains totally uspoilt from tourism. Admire the magnificent views towards the caldera and Thira from a different perspective!

Distance: 2.6 km, Time: 1h-1h30
DAY 6: HIKE COLOURFUL STEEP CALDERA CLIFFS TO AKROTIRI EXCAVATION & RED BEACH
Today we have a special hiking route for you starting from the outskirts of the village of Megalochori. We’ll guide you through a path that runs parallel to the volcanic rock so you’ll have the chance to admire the strange shapes and scenery of white volcanic ash mixed with black lava rocks. You’ll descend the steep cliffs of the caldera towards Agios Nikolaos Palou chapel. Stop to absorb the tranquility and beautiful contrast of the landscape with the deep blue of the Aegean sea.

Your next stop will be Akrotiri village, another fortified Venetian settlement. Take the old path and reach 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 coastal walk to the incredible Vlychada beach.

Distance: 6.8km, Time 3 hours (actual walking time can reach 6 hours)
DAY 7: SCENIC CIRCULAR WALK, PICTURESQUE FOINIKIA TO VALLEY OF VINEYARDS
Join us for a scenic tour from one of Santorini’s most beautiful village, Foinikia, and admire its unique island architecture of cave houses dug into rocks. Walk through a valley full of vineyards and dozens of chapels scatered around, adorned with beautiful objects collected by sailors from around the world. Stop at the small church of Kyra Panagia (Lady of the Virgin) to admire the surrounding natural beauty and rest. On the way back have a break at one of the most famous wine estates, sit in the courtyard under the vines and sample high quality volcanic wines.

Distance: 8.9 km, 3h-3.3h (actual walking time can reach 5-6 hours)

Map

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