Get settled at your accommodation at the old quarter of picturesque Naxos town with its medieval atmosphere, narrow alleys, archways and old houses. We’ll guide you around the old town which was divided into the Bourgos neighborhood, where the Greeks lived, and the Kastro, the medieval fortress where the Venetian Catholics lived and was the base around which the city of Naxos was developed since 1207, when Marco Sanudo made it the capital of the Duchy of the Aegean.

You’ll continue your walk to Mitropolis square, where ruins from Naxos’s Mycenaean capital have been excavated dating from 1300 BC and end the walk north of the port, at the islet of Palatia and the unfinished Temple of Apollo (6th century BC). This is the best place in the island to watch the sunset! Have supper at one of our favourite taverns and try Naxos’ famous local agricultural products.

This hike starts from the beautiful village of Apiranthos built at the foot of Mt. Fanari. After a short walk to explore its venetian towers, pretty old two-story houses, marble paved alleys with arches and picturesque squares, you’ll take the trail to the summit of Fanari to admire the stunning panoramic view of Naxos island and the surrounding Cycladic islands.

The path continues through impressive landscapes and rock formations towards the remote rustic village of Moni where we recommend to stop at the village’s kafenio for a drink and lunch to suck in the slow pace of traditional island life as well as the delicious day dishes prepared with local ingredients. You will take the beautiful ‘Byzantine’ path as it is often called due to the number of Byzantine churches on the way towards Chalki, one of the most picturesque villages, situated in an area lush with olive, plane and oak trees, well-known for its pretty houses and especially for the rare flowers in their courtyards. End the day with a visit to the local distillery and get a taste of local liquers and raki!

Distance: 9.2km, 3.10h walking time, 5 hour actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Easy to moderate.

Start your walk from the village of Filoti and walk at the highest peak of the Cyclades, Mt. Zas, which stands at an impressive 1,004m. The magnificent Zas mountain takes its name from the ancient Greek God Zeus, the father of all the other Gods, who supposedly spent his early life on Naxos. You will enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding land and the deep blue of the Aegean sea. You’ll first reach a shady spot by the famous water source of Argion, an ideal spot to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and rest before starting the ascend. Stop on the way to explore the biggest cave on the island which will impress you with its stalagmite structures.

While at the top, in clear days, you can see all the Cycladic islands that surround Naxos. Zas is an important hideout and nesting place for many migratory and resident birds such as the Griffon vulture which we hope you will have the chance to observe! Take the downhill path at the other side of the mountain to reach the village of Filoti where you can have lunch at its picturesque square...

Distance: 10.2km, 3.10h walking time, 5-6h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Moderate.

Take the short path towards to the Byzantine church of Agios Mamas, patron saint of shepherds and one of the oldest on the island, dating from the 9th century to admire its extraordinary architecture. Continue towards the rustic, verdant villages of Potamia. ‘Potami’ means ‘river’ and refers to the river that crosses the villages and composes along with the springs and ruined watermills this verdant oasis throughout the year.

You’ll next explore an area of great archaeological significance because of the old aqueduct of Flerio, the abandoned ancient Kouroi (male statues) and the ancient marble quarries. This is the ideal place to stop for a rest and a snack.

Take the path towards the village of Myloi enjoying a remarkable fertile land, full of lemon trees, orange trees, almond and olive trees, basins with water and then continue to the village of Kouronohori, one of the most picturesque villages whose main attraction is the Tower of Fragopoulos and the colourful courtyards. End the walk at the village of Melanes, one of the oldest villages in Naxos which got its name by the dark color of the soil.

Distance: 8km, 2.40h walking time, 4h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Easy.

Our recommended hike today starts from the most remote village of Koronos, one of the ’emery’ villages as they used to call them as local people settled there in order to work at the emery mines. Explore the village of Koronos and stop for a drink to mingle with the hospitable villagers. Leaving the village walk through a very solitary area of the island, with stunning nature and mountain landscapes. The smell of local herbs will accompany you and depending on the season you’ll be able to gather thyme, oregano, lavender, sage to name a few. Around April and May wild flowers including rare species and orchids are abound.

The path will lead you to the beautiful beach of Lionas with its multi-coloured pebbles. Reward yourself with a refreshing swim at its crystal clear waters followed by a delicious supper at one of the most traditional taverns of the island.

Distance: 7.5 km, 2.20h walking time, 3-4h actual walking time with stops to rest and lunch. Easy.

Ferry to the most unspoilt island of the Small Cyclades; Iraklia and the fishing port of Ag. Georgios with its colorful fishing boats. Iraklia has a population of 80 people who are known for their hospitality. The guesthouse is minutes walk from the beach. Today you can enjoy a short walk to the highest peak of the island, one of the few places that the Griffon vulture lives and breeds. Descend towards the main village where you will enjoy a snack and a drink at Maria's place. Time to get a feel of daily life at a remote Cycladic island!

Distance: 5 km, 1.45h walking time. Easy.

Take the ancient path that crosses the island inland, passes the deserted village of Ag. Athanasios till you reach the largest cave in the Cyclades, Ag. Ioannis cave. You’ll be surprised by the uniquely-shaped stalactites, stalagmites and column formations inside, as well as a rare kind of stalagmitic substance dubbed ‘’cave-milk. The first chamber of the cave is adorned with candles from the relegious ceremonies that take place inside the cave every year.

On the way, you can stop at a solitary bay with a wonderful beach that you can only only reach by boat or on foot. Enjoy a refreshing swim, relax by the beach and enjoy a picnic. In the evening you have to visit the local tavern of “Akathi” to sample fresh fish caught locally and other delicious local dishes!

Distance: 9 km, 3h walking time, 4-5h actual walking time with stops to explore the cave, rest and lunch. Medium.

Know for the Donoussa Trail Running event, this tiny island has 150 residents and three accessible beaches. Many say May is the ideal time before travelers really show up for the autumn. Aside from the beaches, one may enjoy the Poseidon Cultural and Environmental Association. Of course, not everyone comes to run, but they do enjoy trekking those same trails high above the sea.

Breakfast and departure to your scheduled transfer.

Of course, all hikers have the option of extending their trip with the Earth + Sky on Amorgos Retreat. Please visit Earth+Sky for details.