ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome! Off to the Cyclades!

From the port of Piraeus you take the ferry to the islands. After about 5h you arrive at Naxos. Check in to your hotel. 2 nights in Chora/Agios Georgios.

Day 2: Walking through Naxos' inland

Today's hike starts from the lovely traditional village of Chalki, which is the main of the Tragea Valley. After exploring the Chalki, you start walking towads the small picturesque village of Kourounochori. Your steps will lead you to Apano Kastro; the ruins of a Venician castle with beautiful view and to the Kouros of Flerio; an unfinished archaic statue from the 6th century B.C. , near the ancient marble quarries. Return to your hotel.
Hiking: 9 km, + 300m / - 400m, 3h30min, moderate

Day 3: Ferry to Amorgos

The morning is at leisure to sroll through the allays of Chora or visite the archaeological museum of Naxos. Early in the afternoon you take the ferry to Amorgos and Katapola; the southernmost of the two ports of Amorgos. Check in at your hotel. 5 nights in Katapola of Amorgos.

Day 4: The picturesque Chora. Hiking to Mt. Profitis Ilias

After breakfast you take the bus to Chora of Amorgos; the picturesque capital of the island and one of the most beautiful of the Aegean Sea. You hike towards the chapel of Prophet Elias on the peak of homonymous mountain; at 702 m, and enjoy the breathtaking view to the wild cliffs of the steep south-east coast and the stunning blue of the Aegean Sea, before walking down to Chora, following the same path. You may have lunch in a traditional tavern or a coffee pose and then explore at your pace this beautiful typical Cycladic settlement, before returning to Katapola, walking on an old paved path.
Hiking: Prophet Elias, 7 km, ±400 m, 2h30min, simple-moderate
Hiking: Chora – Katapola, 3 km, -300 m, 1h, simple

Day 5: Chozoviotissa Monastery. Spectacular hike along the island ridge

Today you go hiking on the old trail that used to connect the capital of Amorgos to Aigiali; the northern port of the island. First you visit the Monastery of Chozoviotissa; a major byzantine monument founded in the 11th century. It is an impressive building literally nested in the cliffs high above the sea, with spectacular view of the sparkling blue waters. You walk on a scenic trail with stunning view to both the south-east and the north-west coast, passing through abandoned and inhabited villages to arrive eventually at the bay of Aigiali. Time to stroll through the village, swim and relax by the sandy beach even have a refreshing drink before returning to Katapola.
Hiking: 13 km, + 700m / - 1000m, 5h30min, demanding

Day 6: Walking southwards. Τhe ancient cities Minoa and Arkesini

Today your hike starts directly from your hotel in Katapola; the port of Minoa that was one of the three independent cities of the island during the antiquity. The others were Egiali in the north and Arkesine in the south. You walk towards the acropolis of ancient Minoa on the hill above Katapola, with magnificent view. You continue to the south, partially following old paved trails, until you reach the church of Panagia Kastrini; built on the ruins of a medieval fortress, in the hill of the acropolis of ancient Arkesine. Breathtaking view to the sea and the north-west coast. Your hike ends at the village of Vroutsi, where you can have lunch, before your transfer back to Katapola.
Hiking: 11 km, +1000m/-750m, 4h30 min, demanding

Day 7: Unique landscapes of the north

Today you will explore the northern part of Amorgos Island and you hike starts from the traditional village of Tholaria. You walk through picturesque villages, along paved old connection paths and through impressive solitary landscapes towards the church of Panagia Epanochoriani, the monastery of St. John Theologos and the chapel of Stavros. You are in a transcendental place; you hike high above the sea and over the cliffs of the vertical north-east coast, on the slopes of the highest mountain of Amorgos. Eventually, through the beautiful village of Lagada and you reach Egiali. Transfer back to Katapola.
Hiking: 13 km, + 900m / - 700m, 5h, demanding

Day 8: Return to Naxos

Depending on the season and so the ferry timetable, you take a morning or an afternoon ferry. The rest of the day (morning or afternoon) is at leisure. Optional hiking possiblility. Ferry to naxos. Check in at your hotel. 3 nights in Naxos.

Day 9: To the highest peak of the Cyclades

Today you go hiking on Mount Zas, on a circular hike from the lively mountainous village of Filoti; at an altitude of 400m. First you walk to the cave of Zas; on the west slopes of the mountain and then you continue uphill to the peak; at 1001m. This is the highest point of Naxos and also the highest of the Cycladics. The view is amazing! You hike down through the north slopes to the chapel of Agia Marina and you eventually return to Filoti, where you can have lunch or just a coffee pose. Return to the hotel.
Hiking: 9 km, + 730m / - 730m, 4h, moderate

Day 10: The north of Naxos

Through the mountainous inland you travel to Komiaki; on the slopes of Mt. Koronos. On an old panoramic trail, you walk downhill towards Apollon; a small fishing village built in a cove near the northernmost point of Naxos Island. Under favorable weather conditions, you can even see the island of Ikaria, where according to the myth, Icarus lost his wings and fell into the Icarian Sea. Very close to the village, another unfinished archaic statue (kouros of Apollon) from the 6th century B.C, lies in an ancient marble quarry. Return to the hotel.
Hiking: approx. 6 km, + 100m / - 600m, 1h30min, simple

Day 11: Farewell!

Today this magnificent hiking experience to the Cyclades ends. Ferry to Piraeus or next adventure to the Greek Islands.