Island Walking on Naxos and Santorini Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Take the Ferry to Naxos

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

Day 2 Explore Central Naxos

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

Day 3 Hike Mount Zas

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

Day 4 Travel to Santorini

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

Day 5 Walk the Ancient Roads to Akrotiri

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

Day 6 Follow the Mule Path to Oia

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

Day 7 Visit Akrotiri and Return to Athens

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

Day 8 Final Day in Athens

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