Santorini and Naxos on Foot

Santorini and Naxos on Foot

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8 Days From

$824

Santorini and Naxos on Foot

8 Days Starting in Santorini and ending in Santorini airport

Visiting: Greece

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

SNF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

From: $824

NB: Prices correct on 02-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • 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

Itinerary

Expand All

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

show more

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

J. Bowerman(Swanage, United Kingdom)  

Santorini and Naxos on Foot

24 Oct 2023

We had a lovely time, particularly in Naxos where we enjoyed remote walks and amazing weather.

R. Horsfall(Batehaven, NSW)  

Santorini and Naxos on Foot

22 Oct 2019

Loved Naxos and Santorini, beautiful islands, good accommodation, great food. The routes were a good mix and there was plenty of scope to make your own alterations to the routes given the excellent trail systems on the Cyclades. Definitely recommended for first timers walking in Greece.

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Book 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.

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