Your self-guided walking trip starts at Santorini airport where you will be met by a taxi which will take you to the port for your ferry to Naxos Island. The ferry journey between the islands takes app. 2,30hrs. On Naxos you will be met at the port and taken to your hotel. Time-permitting you can make a 1,30hrs walk to Chrisostomos - an imposing 17th Century monastery with fortress-like appearance. The view from the monastery grounds is quite breathtaking. This way you will get to know the town and will admire great views over Chora whilst stretching your legs.

If your flight arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos at 15:30h and your outbound flight is after 19:00, you will stay the first 3 nights in Santorini and then 4 nights in Naxos (check details with us!).

The starting point of the first stage of your independent walking tour is in the very heart of the Tragea plain, in Chalki. It is easily accessible by taxi or public transport. You soak into the olive-tree ambiance of the inner land of Naxos today, keeping in mind that some of those trees are centuries old! You follow the cobbled path passing by the Venetian Fortress Ano Kastro and reach an ancient marble quarry holding some fascinating remains from when it was used. Today’s hiking route ends near the village of Melanes where you take a taxi or public transport back to your accommodation.

After a short transfer to Kynidaros you will 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. Do not miss to enjoy lunch in one of the tavernas on the stone-built main square before returning to your hotel.

Today’s self-guided hiking route starts from Filoti located at the foot of Mount Zas. It is easily accessible by taxi and public transport as well. Today you will attempt to conquer the highest summit on Naxos! This is one of the most famous mountains in Greece, as, according to Greek mythology, Zeus himself was nursed by an eagle in a cave hidden somewhere in Zas.  On your way down from the summit, you can choose to prolong the walk to Apiranthos (and there catch bus/taxi in order to return to your hotel). From Apiranthos you can extend your tour via the saddle of Mt. Fanari to Filoti - a truly picturesque trail, recommended only for those in a really good shape!

You bid Naxos farewell and travel to Santorini. The ferry ride is 2,30hrs long and departure is around noon. If you are keen on an early start, you can visit the Castle in Naxos town (Chora) and the museum in the morning before departure. Or you can choose to spend a relaxing morning on the beach of Agios Georgios. Then the hotel bus will take you to the port.  This is no ordinary ferry ride, as it will take you through the underwater crater of an old volcano. An eruption is said to have caused the end of the Minoan Civilization and the legends of Atlantis. Later in the afternoon you may opt for a short walk along the caldera or you can visit the Akrotiri Ancient Site that is within walking distance from your hotel.

Your first independent walking day in Santorini begins with a transfer to Perissa for an ascent to a windy saddle. You then reach the ancient city of Thira, the capital of the island in ancient Greek and Roman times. The descent is in the inner part of the island where you will continue walking through vineyards and picturesque villages. The traces of ancient volcanic activity become visible in the landscape, as volcanic ashes cover the ground and you continue hiking along a black beach back to the village of Akrotiri.

Today you explore the charming narrow alleys of Fira, the capital of Santorini (reachable by public transport). Take the time to visit the museum of prehistoric Thira and the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, you make the famous picturesque walk from Fira to Oia. Contemplate the views of the lagoon, oddly-shaped cliffs and dramatic drops as you advance to the endpoint of today’s hiking tour. You will be picked up from Oia and transferred back to your hotel.

Depending on your flight departure time, you may make a short walk to the nearby archaeological site of Akrotiri - the Greek Pompeii. You can prolong the walk from Ancient Akrotiri to the red beach. From the red beach, you may continue to the black beach if the waves allow you to pass a certain point. From there you walk inland via an unpaved road. You come through one of the most authentic parts of Santorini, which is called Loumarades. Then you follow paths through vineyards and along terraces back to Akrotiri. You come past the Venetian Fortress in the village before coming back to your hotel. Your trip ends today after a short transfer to Santorini airport.