Santorini and Naxos on Foot
Santorini and Naxos on Foot
$824
Santorini and Naxos on Foot
8 Days Starting in Santorini and ending in Santorini airport
Visiting: Greece
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Santorini, Transfer By Ferry To Naxos (1.5Hrs)
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).
Day 2 : Walk Through Thousand Year Old Olive Groves From Chalki To Melanes (3.5 To 7Hrs)
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
Day 3 : Walk From Kynidaros To Eggares (2.5Hrs)
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
Day 4 : Walk To The Summit Of Mt Zas With Stunning Views (4 To 7Hrs)
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
Day 5 : Ferry To Santorini And Transfer To Akrotiri, Optional Walks
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
Day 6 : Walk From Perissa To Akrotiri (5.5Hrs), Options To Shorten
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
Day 7 : Visit Fira And Walk To Oia Along The Caldera (4Hrs)
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
Day 8 : Transfer To Santorini Airport, Trip Concludes
Trip arrangements end after breakfast with a transfer to Santorini airport.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights hotels -
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
What's Not Included
Accommodation
7 nights hotels
During the trip you will be accommodated in 2 and 3 star hotels on the standard trip. Both hotels are very comfortable. The hotel in Naxos is in the Old Town, and on Santorini the hotel is in Akrotiri and has a pool. Optional upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - price is available on request, please ask our consultants.
Grading
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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Friday
Jul 05, 2024 - Jul 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 18, 2024Friday - Friday
Jul 12, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 23, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024Friday - Friday
Jul 19, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 28, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 23, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 24, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 25, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024Friday - Friday
Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 06, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 08, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 13, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 21, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 23, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 17, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 22, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 23, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 24, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.