Island Walking on Naxos and Santorini Tour
Embark on a walking adventure on two of the volcanic Cyclades Islands
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Island Walking on Naxos and Santorini Tour Overview
Spend 8 magical days exploring the Greek islands of Naxos and Santorini. This self-guided walking holiday on Naxos and Santorini takes you from the cliffs on the spectacular coastline to the ancient mountains.
You’ll love island-hopping in Greece's famous Cyclades Islands, and taking daily walks that explore two beautiful islands. This tour will immerse you in ancient culture as you explore the towns and villages along your route. You’ll also discover fascinating volcanic formations, scenic olive groves, and the famous whitewashed houses, all within view of the gorgeous sapphire seas.
Trip highlights
Take in the spectacular sight of the famous white houses perched atop Santorini’s dramatic cliffs.
Explore the lush landscapes and olive groves of Naxos and the vineyards of Santorini.
Experience the show-stopping views from the summit of Mount Zas and the saddle of Mount Fanari.
Relax at the beach after your walks or with a refreshing dip in the sparkling seas.
Day By Day Itinerary
Your journey today begins with a transfer from the Athens airport to the ferry port at Piraeus. You’ll take a late afternoon ferry to the island of Naxos. The boat ride is five and a half hours, so you’ll arrive in time for an evening stroll on the island.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Naxos
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
To begin your first walk, you’ll take the public bus or a taxi to Chalki. From here, you’ll start your walk through the olive groves to the Fortress Ano Kastro. A marble quarry invites you to take a break, and later you visit an unfinished statue that dates back to the 6th century. This trail has two optional sections to prolong your hike up to 14 or 19 km.
Your walk finishes in the village of Melanes, where you can explore before catching a bus or taxi back to your hotel.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Naxos
- Distance:
- 3.5 hours, 10km, 150m of ascent, 150m of descent 4.5 hours, 14km, 300m of ascent, 300m of descent 7 hours, 19km, 400m of ascent, 400m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
You’ll start your day with a bus or taxi ride to the village of Filoti, which sits in the foothills of Mount Zas. As you begin your walk to its summit, you’ll follow mythological paths that include the cave where Zeus was nursed by an eagle.
After enjoying the incredible views from the top, you can either walk back or continue your journey along the saddle of Mount Fanari.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Naxos
- Distance:
- Shorter: 4.5 hours, 13km, 500m of ascent, 500m of descent Longer: 7 hours, 19 km, 900m of ascent, 900m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
The ferry to Santorini doesn’t usually leave until noon, so you’ll have the morning to explore the castle in Naxos or relax on the sandy beaches. The three-hour ferry to Santorini crosses over the underwater volcanic crater, and you’ll watch in awe as the boat draws you closer to the famous white buildings clinging to Santorini’s cliffs.
Spend the evening exploring Santorini.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santorini
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Perissa today, where you’ll begin your walk up into the windy hills. You’ll walk to Thira, which was the ancient capital of the island during Roman times. The old path will wind through quiet vineyards and villages of the island’s interior.
The route finishes with a walk along the black sand beach at Akrotiri village.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santorini
- Distance:
- 5.5 hours, 13km, 580m of ascent, 550m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Begin your day with a bus or taxi ride to Fira. Spend some time exploring the capital, with its bright white houses perched at the clifftops. After visiting some of the museums in town or wandering the charming streets, you’ll begin your walk in the afternoon. The trail is the famous path between Fira and Oia, a mule path that follows a spectacular ridgeline overlooking the water.
A transfer will meet you in Oia to bring you back to your hotel.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santorini
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 13km, 300m of ascent, 400m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
This morning, you’ll have free time to explore Akrotiri. You may want to stop and visit their archeological site, which preserves a settlement destroyed by the volcanic eruption in the 1600s.
A transfer will bring you to the port, where you’ll take the 8-hour ferry ride on a modern, comfortable boat to Piraeus. A transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Athens.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Athens
- Distance:
- 1.5 hours, 5.5km, 135m of ascent, 120m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your tour officially ends after breakfast when you check out of your hotel. If you have time today, explore the city and visit the Acropolis before you leave Athens.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Athens are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Transport for you and your luggage is included starting with pickup from Athens Airport and ending in Athens. This includes 3 ferry transfers and 8 road transfers. Please note, that there are also several public transport or taxi transfers (as indicated in the itinerary) that are not included. The services end in Athens and if you require a transfer to the airport for your departure, it is available as an optional extra.
- Roundtrip transfers on Naxos and Santorini
- Ferry tickets as outlined in the itinerary in tourist class
- 24-hour emergency telephone assistance
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Taxi transfer between Athens airport or hotel and Piraeus
- Round trip transfers on Naxos and Santorini
- Taxi transfer from Akrotiri to Perissa and return from Oia to Akrotiri
- Taxi transfer between Piraeus and Athens hotel
Not included
- Tourism tax to be paid locally at each hotel (normally no more than 3 EUR per traveller per night)
- Departure transfer
- Public transportation or taxi costs, where indicated on the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Accommodations in Athens before or after the tour
- Single room supplements
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour is best suited for people who are comfortable walking for about 5 hours per day. The trail surfaces are predominantly unpaved walking trails with the occasional cobblestone mule path and paved roadway.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly to Athens International Airport (ATH). You will be picked up from the airport.
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will be provided with route maps and a destination guide in English.
This tour ends at your hotel in Athens. Your departure transfers are not included.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Greece for walking is during the warmest months of the year (May-September) but know that it can get very hot mid-summer. This tour is available from April to October.
Why book Island Walking on Naxos and Santorini Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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