DAY 1:
Arrive Santorini & Ferry to Naxos
Arrival at Santorini Airport, where a private transfer will take you to the port of Santorini. The ferry for Naxos leaves at 15:30 and takes two hours. You will arrive in Naxos at 17:30 and the hotel shuttle will take you to your hotel.
If your flight arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos we can book you an extra night in Santorini and you catch the ferry to Naxos the next day.
Overnight: Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
The Naxos Resort Beach Hotel is a two minute walk from the golden sandy beach of Ag. Georgios on the edge of Naxos town. The hotel has 88 comfortable and well equipped rooms, all with air conditioning, a huge pool, excellent poolside restaurant and a friendly staff dedicated to ensuring you have a wonderful time on Naxos.
DAY 2:
Naxos: Walk from Chalki to Melanes
After breakfast take a bus or taxi to Chalki, located in the center of the Tragea plain. Today you walk through the olive groves and rich vegetation of this fertile hinterland of Naxos. Some of the olive trees are over a thousand years old!
Historical sites also feature as you walk on cobbled paths via the Venetian Fortress Ano Kastro to an ancient marble quarry. Here you will find a 10m high statue of an unfinished Kouros from the 6th century BC!
Walk: 3 or 5 hours
Overnight: Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
DAY 3:
Naxos: Walk to Mt. Zas
Today’s walk is an absolute cracker! Your walk starts from Filoti at the foot of Mount Zas, which is reached by a short bus or taxi ride. From Filoti you begin your ascent to the summit of the legendary Mount Zas. You will pass the cave in which, according to the legend, Zeus, the father of all the gods, was nursed by an eagle.
The climb to the summit is rewarded with exceptional views in every direction.
Following your descent there are several options to extend your walk via Apiranthos and Mt. Fanari to Filoti.
Walk: 4, 5 or 7 hours
Overnight: Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
DAY 4:
Ferry from Naxos to Santorini
After a relaxing morning perhaps by the pool, on the beach or visiting the castle in Naxos town you catch the ferry to Santorini at about noon.
A two hour ferry brings you to the most famous of the Cyclades, Santorini. Entering the flooded caldera of Santorini on the ferry is an unforgettable experience. The steep coloured cliffs crowned by whitewashed villages surround you and you will be filled with anticipation of the delights that lie ahead.
The archipelago of Santorini is essentially all that remains of a giant volcanic eruption that occurred 3600 years ago and is thought to have ended the Minoan Civilization. Or could it be the source of the legend of Atlantis?
Overnight: Kalimera Hotel, Santorini
Located in the small village of Akrotiri, close to the Akrotiri archeological site the family run Kalimera Hotel has 22 charming bedrooms, a lovely pool and fabulous sea views.
DAY 5: Santorini: Walk from Perissa to Akrotiri
A short transfer after breakfast will take you to Perissa. From here you climb via an old path to an exposed saddle. This is one of the very few points that predates the devastating volcanic explosion.
Your walk continues to Ancient Thira: the capital of the island in Ancient and Roman times. It enjoys the most fantastic location.
You then descend via an old path to the quiet interior of the island walking through vineyards (Santorini produces top class wines!) and picture perfect villages until you reach the black beach which takes you back to Akrotiri village and a refreshing plunge in the pool.
Walk: 6 hours
Overnight: Kalimera Hotel, Santorini
DAY 6:
Santorini: Walk from Fira to Oia
Start your day with a short hop by bus to Fira, the iconic whitewashed town perched high on the cliffs, which is the capital of Santorini. Take your time to wander through the narrow alleys, hidden squares and quiet corners of this beautiful town, which teases you with glimpses of the blue blue sea at almost every turn.
History buffs will enjoy the museum of prehistoric Thira and the Archaeological Museum, whilst others may prefer to just take a little longer over lunch. After lunch you are in for a treat as you tackle the famous walk from Fira to Oia. This walk will blow you away with fabulous views of the lagoon and the spectacular cliffs with their massive drops. From Oia you will be picked up transferred back to your hotel.
Walk: 3 hours
Overnight: Kalimera Hotel, Santorini
DAY 7:
Circular walk from Akrotiri
Your last day in Santorini and still so much to do. Enjoy a wonderful circular walk from Akrotiri to the lighthouse and the red beach, visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri: the Greek Pompeii or perhaps just have a relaxing day by the pool.
Overnight: Kalimera Hotel, Santorini
DAY 8: Depart Santorini
We will transfer you to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights in either Naxos, Santorini or Athens to extend your holiday.
Grade & Fitness
This walking holiday is graded easy to moderate. Daily walks range between 2 and 7 hours but average 3-5 hours. Most days have an option of an easier or tougher walk. The walks follow a mixture of gravel roads, footpaths and minor roads. A few ascents and descents are steep.
Navigation
The walks are generally not way marked but we provide detailed route notes and maps so you will have no problem following the route.
Alternate accommodation
During high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodation if our standard accommodation is fully booked. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described in the itinerary.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday there is an additional supplement as some costs are not shared.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included but available at your hotel or nearby restaurants.
Transfers
Most transfers are included in your trip including; roundtrip transfers on Naxos and Santorini, taxi transfer Akrotiri-Perissa and Oia-Akrotiri on Santorini and Santorini-Naxos-Santorini ferry tickets in tourist class
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
How fit do I need to be?
The walking is graded easy to moderate and on most days you have a choice of walks. You will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle and have a good level of walking fitness. There are some steep ascents and descents.
Which is the best airport to fly to?
Athens or Santorini.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as both Naxos and Santorini are very popular.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
When is the best time of year?
April to June and September and October are the best time to walk in the Greek Islands as July and August are too hot for most people.
