Discover the beautiful beaches and amazing history of the Cyclades Islands
The beautiful beaches and sapphire waters of Greece are the perfect setting for a holiday full of sun and adventure. The Naxos and Santorini Island Adventure is a guided walking holiday that follows the ancient pathways of the Cyclades.
You’ll begin your tour in Naxos where you’ll discover the historic town of Chora. You’ll be walking through lush orchards, vineyards, and ancient sites. Between hikes, you can visit beautiful beaches and enjoy some of the incredible local cuisine. Then you’ll move to incredible Santorini! Sail the magnificent caldera to watch the sunset, go on scenic hikes, and explore the iconic streets of Santorini. This tour is the perfect mix of beautiful walks, fascinating historical sites, and sunshine-aided relaxation!
Highlights of the Naxos and Santorini Island Adventure
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Naxos and Santorini Island Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Ferry Journey to Naxos
Meet your group at the Piraeus port and take the five-hour ferry ride to Naxos. You’ll have some time to get settled at the hotel before you head out for a walking tour of Chora. During your tour, you’ll visit the old town and the Venetian castle before watching the sunset over the marble gate of Portara.
Celebrate the beginning of your tour with a welcome dinner in town with the group.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Naxos
Distance: 1-1.5 hours, 2-2.5km
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Naxos Inland Hike
This morning you’ll take a beautiful hiking trip to explore the island of Naxos. You’ll walk through olive groves, vineyards, and authentic villages like Mili and Kato Potamia. On the hike, you’ll also have a chance to visit some historic sites and enjoy lunch at a local taverna.
After a stop in Chalki to visit a citrus distillery, you’ll return to Chora for a relaxing evening at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Naxos
Distance: 4.5-5 hours, 12km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Hike to Mount Zas
Today’s hike is one of the most popular hikes in Naxos and we can give you two reasons to hike it: a climb to the summit of Mt. Zas, the highest mountain of Naxos and of all the Cycladic islands (1004 m), plus an ascent to the mountain where Zeus was born and raised! Starting from the village of Filoti, you hike up to the Agia Marina church. While ascending the old footpath, you enter the Natura 2000 protected area. During the trek, you can also admire gorgeous panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. This is a circular trail and, on the way back, you will pass by the cave of Zeus, ending at Aria Spring.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Naxos
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Goodbye Naxos, Hello Santorini
Today is your final day on Naxos, so you’ll want to spend the morning enjoying your favourite activities. Spend some time relaxing on the golden beaches, take a stroll through Chora, or even take a horseback ride along the coast.
In the afternoon you’ll take the ferry to Santorini, an amazing volcanic island with famous whitewashed buildings. Celebrate your arrival with a tasting of some of the excellent local wines. Then, you’re free to explore Fira on your own in the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santorini
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hike and Sail the Caldera
Take a beautiful hike along the cliff of the Caldera as you walk from Fira to Oia. You’ll enjoy incredible views and pass quaint villages on your way. Spend the afternoon exploring the pretty streets of Oia and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes with incredible views.
Later, you’ll board a catamaran for a scenic cruise of the caldera. You’ll be treated to a delicious BBQ dinner on board while you watch the sunset from the water.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santorini
Distance: 3.5-4 hours, 9km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Explore South Santorini
Wake up to another beautiful day in Santorini. Today you’ll be exploring the historic sites and natural beauty of southern Santorini. You’ll set out to visit the fortress settlement of Pyrgos, where you’ll find the hilltop ruins of Kasteli Castle. You’ll also be visiting the monastery of Prophet Elias, the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, and Akrotiri.
Savour some beach time in the afternoon as you can swim, snorkel, and relax, or take a sea kayak tour from Akrotiri.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santorini
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Ferry Back to Athens
Enjoy your last few hours on the island before you take the ferry back to Athens. In Athens, you’ll say goodbye to your group leader and continue your travels or start your trip home.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This guided tour is run as a mixed group on a scheduled departure. Private departures are available on request.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Naxos and Santorini Island Adventure
This tour is based on 3-star hotels. Hotels on this trip are comfortable local hotels in great locations with easy access to nearby amenities. Rooms are based on double occupancy, and upgrade to 4-star accommodations are available on request.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement ranging from $195 USD-$295 USD (depending on tour type and season) to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Naxos
Enjoy warm Mediterranean hospitality at a comfortable local 3-star hotel.
Hotel in Santorini
Enjoy warm Mediterranean hospitality at a comfortable local 3-star hotel.
What’s Included in the Naxos and Santorini Island Adventure?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Athens are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including ferry transfers to the islands. Roundtrip transfers between Athens and the Piraeus port are not included.
Also Included
- English-speaking group leader and local tour guides
- All ferry tickets outlined in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- Activities in the itinerary:
-
- 2 sailing excursions
- 3 hiking tours
- 1 walking tour
- 1 wine tour
- VAT and taxes
Not included
- Flights
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Optional activities
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Naxos and Santorini Island Adventure
Trails Beyond has been leading adventures in Greece since 2013. Bringing local expertise combined with global experience, Trails Beyond is a boutique tour operator with itineraries that go beyond the conventional. Trails Beyond has a special expertise in sailing, and offer a unique vantage point to those who want to soak up all that Greece has to offer.
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