24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$950USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SNF

Trip highlights


  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Cyclades from summit of Mt Zas (999 m)
  • Marvel at the Kouros statues on Naxos, 2800 years old.
  • History, culture, incredible landscapes and wildlife
  • Visit the iconic cliff-top villages of Santorini perched high above the breath-taking caldera
  • Stay in atmospheric handpicked hotels
  • Visit the ancient sites of Thira and Akrotiri on Santorini

Santorini and Naxos are two of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades but here is where the similarity ends. Santorini feels like no other place on earth: an ancient island that endured one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. Here everything is bright like the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the lapis lazuli sea and the sunsets that light up the caldera. Whilst the towns and beaches are understandably popular, the walking opportunities on the island are numerous, through volcanic landscapes and along spectacular cliffs along a series of mule tracks. Naxos on the other hand is the largest of the Cyclade islands with some of Greece's best white sand beaches, a smattering of ancient ruins and a lively town. Away from the coast, life has changed little in the last century. Traditional farming practices abound in a landscape of fertile valleys home to 1000 year old olive groves and impressive mountains beckoning to be climbed. One day is spent ascending the highest mountain of the area: Mt Zas. From its summit enjoy breathtaking views of olive-orchards set in sharp contrast with the deep blue Aegean Sea. The pace of the holiday is dictated by you, with plenty of opportunity after the walks to swim in the sea or hotel pool, wander through markets in the small towns and relax at a taverna to watch the sunset.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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Arrive at Santorini airport by 1pm latest for your transfer to the port. You'll then take the ferry to Naxos island departing at approx 3 or 4pm (the crossing takes approx 2.5hrs). On arrival you will transfer to the hotel in Naxos Chora, your base for 4 nights. Time permitting, you can take a 1.5 hour walk to Chrisostomos starting from the port. It's a nice way to get to know the town and admire great views over Chora whilst stretching your legs. Overnight Naxos. Walking to Chrisostomos: +130m/426ft, -130m/426ft - 4.4km **If your flight to Santorini arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos and your departing flight is after 6 pm, you will stay first in Santorini and then in Naxos (see itinerary 2 below).

Meals:  Nil

This morning you take the public bus or taxi to Chalki, located in the centre of the Tragea plain. Explore this fertile area of Naxos with its plentiful olive groves and rich vegetation. Some of the olive trees are over 1000 years old. Walking on cobbled paths you pass the Venetian Fortress of Ana Kastro en route to an ancient marble quarry where there is an unfinished Kouros (statue) dating from the 6th century BC. The walk ends in the nearby village of Melanes, from where you can take a taxi or public bus back to your hotel. Or if you continue walking, you come through the village of Potamia, meaning river in Greek, then through lush valleys you walk back via Ano Kastro to Chalki. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 10/14 or 18km, +150/300/530m, -150/350/530m

Meals:  B

After a short transfer to Kynidaros, enjoy a gentle walk to the small village of Eggares. Explore its picturesque churches and two restored olive presses, one of which dates back to 1885. Enjoy lunch in one of the tavernas on the stone-built main square before returning to your hotel. Walking: 7km, +80m, -470m

Meals:  B

Today you take another public bus or taxi to Filoti, to start your day's walk. From this village in the foothills of Mt Zas, you walk to the summit of the legendary mountain. Pass by the cave in which, according to legend, Zeus, the father of all gods, was nursed by an eagle. On descent you can choose to continue walking to Apiranthos, returning via the saddle of Mt Fanari to Filoti. This is a beautiful walk with breathtaking views. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 17.5km, +980m, -980m

Meals:  B

Your ferry to Santorini usually departs around 1pm (2.5 hour journey). In the morning perhaps visit the Castle in Naxos Chora and the museum, or relax on the sandy beach of Agios Georgios. Arriving by ferry at Santorini is an unforgettable experience, as you enter the submerged crater of the old volcano. The steep coloured cliffs and whitewashed villages are impressive. It is said the eruption approx. 3700 years ago ended the Minoan civilisation - or perhaps it is the source of the legend of Atlantis? Transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri on arrival, your home for the rest of your trip. There are options for a short afternoon walk along the caldera (approx 2.5km), or you can visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and Red beach (approx 7km), within walking distance from your hotel. +240m/787ft, - 240m/787ft

Meals:  B

A taxi transfer (included) this morning will take you to Perissa, from where you start climbing via an old path to the highest mountain of Santorini, the Profitis Ilias. Before reaching the top, you can visit the excavations of Ancient Thira, the capital of the island in Ancient and Roman times. The location is amazing! You then descend via an old mule path to the quiet, inner parts of the island. From Pyrgos and Emporio you will walk back along an easy path amongst vineyards (Santorini produces some excellent wines) to Akrotiri. It's also possible to return from Pyrgos via public bus via Thira. Walking: Perissa to Pyrgos: (3hrs) 5.2km, +500m, -230m, Pyrgos to Emporio: (1hr) 3.5km, +24m, -265m, Emporio to Akrotiri: (1.5hrs) 4.7km, +47m, -58m

Meals:  B

This morning take a public bus to Fira, the capital of Santorini. Here you can explore the narrow alleys of this whitewashed town, built on top of the volcanic cliffs. There are a couple of interesting museums to visit, such as the museum of prehistoric Thira. In the afternoon take the famous walk along the mule-path from Fira to the village of Oia, with its fabulous views of the lagoon and spectacular cliffs. From Oia you will be picked up and transferred (included) back to your hotel in Akrotiri. Walking: 10.6km, +275m/902ft, -365m/1197ft

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements end after breakfast with a transfer to Santorini airport.

Meals:  B

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Arrive at Santorini airport in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri, your base for 3 nights. You will be impressed by the views to the steep coloured cliffs of this ancient volcanic island and the whitewashed villages on top. It is said that the eruption that happened here approx. 3700 years ago ended the Minoan Civilization. It may also have been the source for the legend of Atlantis. Optional round walk from Akrotiri along the caldera or visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site that is within walking distance from the hotel.

Meals:  Nil

A taxi transfer this morning will take you to Perissa, from where you start climbing via an old path to a windy saddle. You continue up to Ancient Thira, the capital of the island in Ancient and Roman times. The location is amazing! You then descend via an old path to the quiet, inner parts of the island. Walk amongst vineyards (Santorini produces some excellent wines) and picturesque villages, and through the volcanic ashes and black beach back to Akrotiri village and your hotel. Walking: 13km, +580m/1906ft, -550m/1804ft

Meals:  B

This morning take a public bus to Fira, the capital of Santorini. Explore the narrow alleys of this whitewashed town, built on top of the volcanic cliffs. There are a couple of interesting museums to visit, such as the museum of prehistoric Thira and the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon take the famous walk along the mule-path from Fira to the village of Oia, with its fabulous views of the lagoon and spectacular cliffs. From Oia you will be picked up and transferred back to your hotel. Walking: 10.3km, +275m/902ft, -365m/1197ft

Meals:  B

In the morning you may choose to walk to Akrotiri along the caldera or visit the Akrotiri Archeological Site that is within walking distance from your hotel. Later transfer to the port for your ferry to Naxos. The ferry usually departs around 3-4pm and arrives 2.5 hours later on Naxos. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to visit the Castle in Naxos town (Chora) or take a short walk (1.5hrs) to the Monastery of Chrisostomos. Walking to Chrisostomos: 4.4km/2.7m +130m/426ft, -130m/426ft or Akrotiri via Red Beach: 7.3km/4.5m +240m/787ft, -240m/787ft

Meals:  B

This morning you take a taxi or public bus to Chalki, located in the centre of the Tragea plain. Explore this fertile area of Naxos with its plentiful olive groves and rich vegetation. Some of the olive trees are over 1000 years old. Walking on cobbled paths you pass the Venetian Fortress of Ana Kastro en route to an ancient marble quarry where there is an unfinished Kouros (statue) dating from the 6th century BC! The walk ends in the nearby village of Melanes, from where you can take a taxi or public bus back to your hotel. If you continue walking, you come through the village of Potamia, meaning river in Greek. Through lush valleys you walk back via Ano Kastro to Chalki. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 10/14 or 19km (6.2/8.7 or 11.8m), +150/300/400m (492/984 or 1312ft), -150/350/400m (492/984 or 1312ft)

Meals:  B

After a short transfer to Kynidaros, enjoy a gentle walk to the small village of Eggares. Explore its picturesque churches and two restored olive presses one of which dates back to 1885. Enjoy lunch in one of the tavernas on the stonebuilt main square before returning to your hotel. Walking: 7km/4.4m, +100m/328ft, -400m/1312ft

Meals:  B

Today you take a public bus or taxi to Filoti, where your walk starts. From this village in the foothills of Mt Zas, you walk to the summit of the legendary mountain. Pass by the cave in which, according to the legend, Zeus, the father of all gods was nursed by an eagle. On your descent you can choose to continue walking to Apiranthos, returning via the saddle of Mt Fanari to Filoti. This is a beautiful walk with breathtaking views. Overnight Naxos. Walking: 12km/7.5m, +650m/2132ft, -650m/2132ft

Meals:  B

The ferry to Santorini departs around 1pm (2.5 hour journey). In the morning perhaps visit the Castle in Naxos town (Chora) and the museum or relax on the sandy beach of Agios Georgios. Arriving by ferry at Santorini is an unforgettable experience, as you enter the submerged crater of the old volcano. The steep coloured cliffs and whitewashed villages are impressive. It is said the eruption 3600 years ago ended the Minoan civilisation - or perhaps it is the source of the legend of Atlantis? Transfer to the airport where the trip concludes.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - breakfasts are usually Greek style inclusive of breads, tomato, olives, feta cheese, yoghurt, tea, coffee & juices
  • 7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities: 4 nights in a charming 2* hotel in Naxos Chora & 3 nights in 3 star hotel with pool at Akrotiri on Santorini (Hotel taxes not included).
  • Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes & maps
  • Arrival transfer on day 1 from Santorini Airport to Santorini port
  • Return ferry ticket in tourist class between Santorini and Naxos
  • Taxi transfer Akrotiri-Perissa and Oia-Akrotiri on Santorini
  • Round-trip transfers on Naxos and Santorini (port-hotel)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Santorini Airport
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Tour guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees for museums and other sights of interest not stated as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Hotel (and environment) taxes (to be paid locally)
  • Transfers by local/public bus or taxi not listed as included

Grading

introductory to moderate  

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 2 The walking is graded introductory to moderate with 1.5 to 7 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Naxos and Santorini so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, stair walking and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 25 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
Mid season 29 May - 27 Jun and 1 - 30 Sep. High season 28 Jun - 31 Aug, supplement applies
Note:
The trip is also available in reverse ie with Santorini visited first. Suitable for later arrivals (ie after 1pm) in Santorini on day 1 and requires an evening flight (after 7pm) from Santorini on day 8. See alternative itinerary Santorini-Naxos.
Note:
Discounts available for triple and quad share - ask our office for details.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$950USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement - low seasonUSD$310
  • Single Supplement - mid seasonUSD$360
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonUSD$360
  • Single Supplement - high seasonUSD$440
  • Solo traveller supplement - mid seasonUSD$430
  • Solo traveller supplement - high seasonUSD$510
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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