Endless Blue: Walking in Naxos & Amorgos

The Cycladic islands offer those typical Greek island vistas that we all dream about! Whitewashed houses, turquoise seas, cascading olive groves, sun parched landscapes and scenic villages. It is here where man has lived in harmony with the environment for thousands of years and walking
in these beautiful islands offers a unique opportunity to connect with both the past and the present. Step by step you will get to know the secrets of the islands, each of them stamped with its own unique character. Starting in Naxos, the largest and one of the most extraordinary islands of the Cyclades, we discover an island with an incredibly diverse and little touched landscape; rolling hills, Venetian castles, vast seascapes and traditional villages. In Amorgos we find an island marked by tradition and history that is famed for its clear waters and authentic Cycladic character, which equally offers a paradise for walkers, as well as an experience of a truly ageless and original Greece.

The Walks
The itinerary includes five days of moderate hikes of around 3 to 4 hours. The terrain is mostly footpaths, with some mountain trails and the occasional tarmac road. The paths are generally well-kept, but can be stony and rocky at times, during some walks there will be some significant elevation gains and losses. The walks are led by two local guides, Dimitris and Alex, both fully qualified professional walking guides, who we are sure will add to the wonderful cultural experience encountered on this tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Mykonos
On arrival in Mykonos, we will transfer that short distance to the port and catch the boat to Naxos (journey time approx. 1 hour). As the ferry arcs toward the island you catch the first glimpse of the Portara, a large marble gateway on the headland, all that remains of an ancient temple to Apollo, that has become an iconic landmark on the island, especially at sunset.  On arrival transfer to the Naxos Beach Hotel for a four-night stay. After check-in and a short orientation meeting, we will walk the short distance to the picturesque old town capital of Naxos and enjoy dinner altogether at a traditional restaurant.

Day 2: Hike from Kouros statue to Chalki (7km / 3 hours)
Today’s walk begins at the famous Kouroi 'twins', life size Cycladic statues that have been in this spot in the Naxos countryside for close to 2600 years.   From here our walk takes us to the 'Upper Castle', part of a former Venetian stronghold, and then onwards through age-old olive groves dotted with phrygana and maquis to our final destination, one of the island's most beautiful villages, Chalki. At the end of the walk we will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

Day 3: Mount Zeus (6.5km / 3 hours)
Naxos is home to the highest mountain in the Cyclades, Mount Zeus (1003 m), and today's walk, which takes us to the top of it, is probably the most epic one in the region. When climbing it you'll get the distinct feeling that Greek mythology is actually rooted in reality! Mount Zeus has always held important historical significance because local Greeks believed that the cave, on the northwest flanks of the mountain, was the birthplace of the God Zeus (although, according to legends on other islands, this isn't his only birth place!). This afternoon will be free to relax and enjoy as you wish. If you enjoy swimming, which is a great way to relax your body after walking, take advantage of one of the nearby beaches that are easily accessible from the hotel. 

Day 4: The Chalki loop (8km / 3 hours)
Today’s walk takes us through the scenic valley of Tragea, dotted with Byzantine churches that offer different architectural styles from various eras. One of them, Panagia Drosiani, dating to the 6th century AD, is considered one of Naxos’ most significant Christian monuments. From here, we head towards the village of Moni and after a short break under the shade of the trees, we continue to the tiny scenic villages of Kaloxylos and Akadimoi. There, we find the Markopolitis three-level tower, one of the very few towers constructed by a local instead of a Venetian lord.  Return to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5: Naxos Town and ferry to Amorgos
This morning we have time to return and enjoy Naxos town at leisure, an opportunity to explore the impressive architecture of the Venetian castle that sits just above the town. Early afternoon we take the ferry to the island of Amorgos (approx. 90 mins), the most eastern of the Cycladic Islands. This small peaceful island, where the residents are mostly fishermen or farmers, provided a setting for Luc Besson's wonderful 1988 film: 'The Big Blue'. Check-in to the Skopelitis Hotel for a three-night stay. Evening at leisure.

Day 6: A circular walk above Aegiali Bay (8.1km / 4 hours)
Amorgos’ landscape is famous for its wild herbs that grow in abundance everywhere on the island. During today's walk you will experience the calm silence, authentic island scenery and some of the most breathtaking views of the Aegean. This beautiful 8 kilometer loop walk links the traditional village of Langada with the monastery of Epanochoriani and the village of Tholaria. The cobble stone paths takes you high up, amidst the enclosing circle of hills dotted with small white churches, a patchwork of stone walls and lush vegetation. We will enjoy lunch altogether before returning to the hotel.

Day 7: Asfondylitis to Chora of Amorgos (8km / 4 hours)
From Asfondylitis we follow cobbled mule paths all the way to the monastery of Chozoviotisa. Clinging high above the turquoise sea and nestled like an aerie is one of Greece’s most extraordinary old Byzantine monasteries and religious gems. After this impressive sight, we continue our walk and finish at Chora, the islands picturesque capital. At 400 metres above sea level, it is an impressive sight, a rock wrapped with a 13th-century Venetian castle that looks down on a clutch of whitewashed houses and churches. Return to the hotel for some relaxation before dinner altogether at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Catch the early morning boat to Mykonos and connect with the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 16 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate and is suitable for most people that are in fairly good physical condition. The itinerary includes walking on footpaths, some of which may be stony or cobbled, and villages. Five days of moderate hikes of 3-4 hours. Pathways may be uneven and stony underfoot. There are some hills and elevations involved on each walk.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Mykonos
• Four nights’ accommodation at the Naxos Beach Hotel, on bed and breakfast basis based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Three nights' accommodation at Skopelitis Hotel Amorgos, on bed and breakfast basis, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Two dinners and two lunches
• All transfers and itinerary as detailed
• Escorted Walking guide throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement - £360
• Holiday insurance
• Regional flight supplement
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Naxos Beach Hotel

Situated on the edge of Naxos Town, the three-star Naxos Beach Hotel offers gardens, swimming pool, comfortable rooms and warm family-run hospitality. Rooms include balcony, TV, air-conditioning and private bathroom.

Hotel Website

Skopelitis Hotel, Amorgos

Built on a hill and providing panoramic sea views, the three-star Skopelitis Hotel offers comfortable bedrooms with modern facilities including TV, air-conditioning, private bathroom, WIFI, and fridge.

Hotel Website