Hiking in the Cyclades archipelago, Naxos and Amorgos
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration10 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationAmorgos / Naxos
-
AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions215.57 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This adventure through the Cyclades, from island to island in the most magnificent Mediterranean archipelago , will guide you from the largest island, Naxos, to the easternmost, Amorgos. These two islands have distinct characteristics. Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, reveals a captivating diversity. Sometimes a seaside resort, sometimes wild and unspoiled, it entices with its vast sandy beaches for swimming enthusiasts, while its mountainous and agricultural hinterland offers stunning landscapes. Amorgos, the island of the Deep Blue, enchants with its magnificent and unspoiled coastline , offering the spectacle of high cliffs plunging into translucent blue waters.
The highlights
-
Discovering two Cycladic islands, from mountainous Naxos to wild Amorgos
-
Alternating between hiking, swimming, and relaxing on inn terraces
-
A little paradise where a genuine gentleness of life reigns
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Easy to moderate, no carrying required. You should enjoy walking and be in good physical condition. 2 to 7 hours of walking per day. Daily schedules are often flexible. No technical difficulties; hiking experience is desirable but not essential.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 410 m
- Average daily descent: 443 m
Management
Program
-
Athens
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Piraeus by metro or bus (at your own expense).
You collect your boat tickets upon arrival; otherwise, you will collect them the following morning.
Day 1 -
Naxos
- Transportation Boat - 02h - 160km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Piraeus, take the ferry to the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, and the port of Hora. Transfer to your accommodation. You can also walk to your accommodation (15 minutes) for a first glimpse of the charming town of Naxos (luggage will be transported by vehicle). Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a swim or a walk to the Portara site (Temple of Apollo; 6th century BC) at sunset.
Day 2 -
Moni - Ano Potamia - Melanes
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 210 m
- Negative elevation 545 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to the village of Moni (included, approximately 30 minutes), a charming village steeped in an authentic and peaceful atmosphere. You will first wander through the winding alleyways of Tsikalario, where the whitewashed houses seem to whisper ancient stories. The path then leads to Ano Potamia, a jewel nestled in verdant valleys, where every step reveals the surrounding natural beauty. Your day ends in the village of Melanes, where ancient ruins resonate with a glorious past, inviting you to contemplate history frozen in stone: the famous Kouros.
Return to Chora by bus (not included)
Day 3 -
Filoti – Mount Zas – Apiranthos
- Transportation Bus - 00h20 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 790 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Positive elevation gain 375 m
- Negative elevation 186 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After an early morning transfer to Filoti, you will have the choice between two hikes which will both take you to Apiranthos, a pretty village perched on the heights of Naxos.
You can choose to climb to the top of the Cyclades (the mountain of Zeus!) or simply go around it for an easier hike.
Return bus to Chora (not included)
Day 4 -
Crossing to Amorgos
- Transportation Ferry - 01h - 20km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the ferry departure time, you can take an additional hike on the island of Naxos. This is a walk through the Naxos countryside that starts and ends in Chalki.
Ferry and then transfer to your accommodation
Day 5 -
Aegiali – Tholaria – Aegiali
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 575 m
- Negative elevation 575 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A superb hike through beautiful villages, along ancient mule tracks leading to traditional monasteries and chapels. The Lagadha region is home to old windmills, the picturesque Araklis ravine, and the church of Panagia Epanochorianis.
It is on the hill of Vigla, not far from Tholaria, that the mysterious ruins of the ancient acropolis of Aigiali extend, vestiges of the Cycladic era.
Day 6 -
Arkesini – Katapola
- Transportation Bus - 00h45 - 22km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Arkesini (included). Ancient mule tracks lead you to Vroutsi and then to the Arkesini cape, where you can visit the ancient Acropolis. If you don't wish to descend all the way to the village, you can still visit the Ioanis Chapel below to admire the view of Kastri. You'll discover the small villages of Aghia Thekla and Lefkes, along the island's west coast. Perhaps you'll even treat yourself to a swim in the sea at Aghia Thekla Bay. The final leg of the journey takes you near the ancient Minoan city and ends in Katapola and its beautiful bay. Return bus to Aegiali (not included).
Day 7 -
Chora - Moni Chozoviotissa - Aegiali
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 19km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Chora (included). You will embark on one of Amorgos' most beautiful hikes, exploring a peaceful and secluded region of the island. Departing from Chora, the island's capital, you will reach the magnificent, dazzling white Chozoviotissa Monastery, nestled in a stunning location, carved into the cliffside. Following the island's spine, an ancient trail traverses the island, leading you to Aegiali.
Day 8 -
Crossing to Piraeus
- Transportation Boat - 07h40 - 311km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A transfer to the port of Aegiali or Katapola is included. From there, you will take the ferry to Piraeus, with an expected arrival time of around 3:00 PM (times are subject to change). A transfer to central Athens will then be necessary, and you can choose between the metro, taxi, or bus (at your own expense).
Day 9 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast. Transfer to the airport at your own expense.
Day 10
Note
We may need to modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, changes in trail conditions, landslides, damaged paths, etc.). These modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Boat schedules are subject to change. We adapt our program to these schedules and cannot be held responsible for any resulting changes. Similarly, early morning departures (by boat or plane) may prevent you from having breakfast at your hotels. We will not be offering any refunds in such cases.
The hikes on each island can be done in any order you wish, taking into account, of course, the arrival and departure times of the ferries and planes.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 2-star hotels or comfortable 2-star guesthouses , in double rooms with private bathrooms. Subject to availability, we can offer higher-category accommodations; please contact us for details. Single rooms are available upon request and at an additional cost.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 9 nights in a double room
- breakfasts
- transfers as indicated in "transfers included"
- the travel file
- boat tickets
- the digital travel file
- Registration fees
The price does not include
- flights
- drinks
- lunches and dinners
- transfers not included
- visits
- personal expenses
- tourist taxes, including the government tax, payable locally
- insurance
- registration fees
- anything not listed under "Prices include"
Options
- Paper travel file : CHF32.02 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card and a European health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Plastic bowl, box or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- A water bottle of at least 1.5 L. If not, bottled water is inexpensive and very easy to find in Greece.
- High-protection sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat, cap or bucket hat
- A rain cape (or a "Gore-Tex" jacket) or an umbrella (possibly Gore-Tex trousers)
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots that provide ankle support, a good lugged sole, a reinforced heel counter, and good waterproofing.
- Comfortable "hiking-specific" socks
- A fleece jacket
- Comfortable trousers for walking (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Shorts, t-shirts and technical underwear (quick-drying material)
- A long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Walking sticks (telescopic), very important for making walking easier
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers for the evening
- Change of clothes and personal linen
- Toiletry bag and towel (mini)
- A swimsuit, a beach towel (swimming is often possible)
