Born and bred in Greece and having visited more than 25 Greek islands, Tom from our UK office is a great source of information about trips in this beautiful Mediterranean gem. This trip combines two of his favourite destinations in the Aegean: Santorini and Naxos on Foot. We asked Tom to share some of his favourite photos and give us some tips about the world-famous island of Santorini and the lesser-known (but equally stunning) Naxos.

Naxos may be little known outside Greece, but for Tom it's the epitome of a holiday in the Greek islands. Getting lost in its narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the traditional architecture and smelling the bougainvillea that adorns its whitewashed houses are just a few of the pleasures that await you. 
 

 

Contrary to popular thought, whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters are not typical of every Greek island. You can actually only find them in the Cyclades, in the heart of the Aegean Sea, on islands including Santorini and Naxos. 

 

 

Portara, a massive 2,500-year-old marble doorway (what’s left of a temple dedicated to Apollo), is an icon of the island of Naxos and can be found on the edge of the harbour. According to Tom, it's the perfect place to watch the sunset. 

 

 

Like most islands in the Aegean, Naxos is anything but flat, but Naxos boasts the highest peak in the Cyclades. Ascend the legendary 999m Mount Zas at your own pace on our Santorini and Naxos on Foot trip. 

 

 

In Tom's opinion, Naxos is home to some of the finest beaches in all of Greece, so reward yourself after a long day of walking by taking a dip in one of its pristine stretches of water. Thoughts of swimming and tavernas in idyllic settings like this are what keep Tom going during England’s cold winters! 

 

 

One of Tom's favourite desserts is loukoumades, a type of fried doughnut that is served drenched in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. If you have a sweet tooth, you won't be able to get enough of this dish. 

 

 

Ah, Santorini… it is images like this that have made the island famous all over the world. 

 

 

Tom fell in love with Santorini when he first visited as a student and, to this day, he still thinks it’s the most photogenic of all the Greek islands - an opinion shared by many. While many visit the island to see its architecture and swim in its unique beaches, many don't know that the island is also blessed with some beautiful walking trails. 

 

 

Good signposting makes it easy to follow walking trails in Santorini. Using a combination of way-markers and our route notes and maps, it is difficult to get lost.

 

 

Fun fact: Santorini is built on the rim of a caldera. The now dormant volcano famously erupted in the 17th century BC, inspiring the legend of Atlantis. The most recognisable villages of the island are built on the rim of the caldera. Don't leave Santorini without visiting the capital Fira and picture-perfect Oia. 

 

 

If you are aiming for this classic sunset shot, head to Oia on the northern tip of the island. *Tip: If you can, try to visit outside of the main tourist season in summer so that temperatures are cooler for walking and you won't have to battle for the best photo position.

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We have a range of Walking, Cycling and Bike & Boat itineraries in Greece that explore the country's history, mythology and spectacular coastal vistas. Self Guided, Small Group and Family Friendly options available.

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