Greece – Deluxe Greek Islands Hiking Tour

We recommend arriving one night early and overnighting in Athens. This is not included but would make your start easier. If you do arrive this day, then this is when you will have your Welcome Orientation. If not, your Welcome Orientation will be the next day.

Today you will take an early morning ferry from Rafina Port to the island of Tinos (2-3 hours.) Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel in Chora and get settled in. Your hike today starts by going up to Xobourgo, the old Byzantine fort of the island, walking via an old paved path. The view of the Aegean Sea is remarkable! Continue walking down to Volax, an isolated, small, sparkling white village in the middle of a plateau, which is surrounded by hills of granite. Pass by the village named Falatados, the second biggest settlement in the island, with its imposing Cathedral and the famous House of Sketch. 

Meals: breakfast & picnic lunch
Distance: 12 km / 7 mi, +780/- 388m; ~5 hrs
Highlights: village chapels, granite rock formations, local artisans, rural scenery
Overnight: Tinos

This hike passes through the most important and interesting marble villages of Tinos. We start from Pyrgos village, renowned for its beautiful whitewashed alleyways, squares with cafes, and marble sculpures. Don’t miss a chance to pay a visit to the marble museum before starting your hike. Our hike starts from the interior of the island, sloping downhill towards Ysternia, with an impressive view to the west, the island of Syros, and the Aegean sea. Crossing this tiny village before continuing to Kardiani village, a gem of Tinos, you will be amazed by the narrow alleys, the churches and vistas from this glittering in the sun village. The trail continues on to Agianaki Bay, and it slopes downhill from “the marble-paved road” to the impressively wide, marble trail ending to a beautiful beach.  

Meals: breakfast & picnic lunch
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi, +490/-540m; ~5 hrs
Highlights: spectacular sea views, traditional villages, marble quarries, secluded nice beach for swimming
Overnight: Tinos

Today you discover the picturesque villages and dovecotes of Tinos. Following a medieval path, visit the old villages that are the heart of traditional dovecote architecture and also the famous church of Virgin Mary. This afternoon you will ferry to the island of Naxos and settle into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing! Swim in the turquoise, crystal clear Naxian sea and then and explore Chora on foot, which has an interesting mix of Venetian and Cycladic elements, along with traditional character. Above the port stands the impressive Venetian castle, and in the northern part of the capital, a long paved road leads to the Temple of Apollo and the famous Portara (Big Door) which is the gate of the temple. While strolling the harbor you will encounter fishermen, vendors selling local produce, yachts docking; iconic images of what Greece is all about.

Meals: breakfast & picnic lunch
Distance: 11 km / 7 mi, +469/-472m; ~5 hours
Highlights: Naxos architecture & exploration
Overnight: Naxos

Today’ s hike starts from the Kouros statues. These larger-than-life statues of young men were left unfinished by the ancient sculptors when they discovered faults in the marble. Follow the path to the picturesque village of Ano Potamia. After a short and refreshing stop at the village’s spring, continue hiking to Apano Kastro to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Naxos’ town, port, and the surrounding villages. Continue on to more small villages, where you can visit a small distillery that produces kitron. This renowned citron liqueur, which is one of only three Greek aperitifs marketed with a Protected Designation of Origin, is delicious!

Meals: breakfast & picnic lunch
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi, +277/-200m; ~3.5 hrs, option to extend
Highlights: Kouros statues, Naxos, kitron distillery visit
Overnight: Naxos

A spectacular and fairly easy walk takes us to an isolated area with stunning mountain views, leading to the beautiful beach of Liónas with its multi colored pebbles. We start the hike, a 2.5–3 hour downhill walk from Koronos, which is an authentic village with characteristically small and downhill narrow streets; it is worth a visit! Koronos is one of the six villages of Naxos permitted to mine the rich mineral called emery, and its story inspired a recent documentary called “Emery Tales.” Continue walking the fertile valley, admiring the islands endemic flora and fauna, as well as masts from the mining area’s cable railway. Stop by a nearby stable, to visit with some locals as they prepare the famous local cheese, myzíthra. During the downhill route, there is a short climb on an impressive number of uneven steps, which brings you high to a protruding rock, situated high above a grand gorge. The panoramic view from up here is stunning! Descend down to Lionas Bay, where if the north wind is mild, you can swim in the crystal clear waters. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the one out of two fish tavernas in the settlement.

Meals: breakfast & picnic lunch
Distance: 7 km / 5 mi, +195m/754 m, ~2-3 hrs
Highlights: Liónas beach, Koronos village, cheese farm
Overnight: Naxos

Today you travel to the famous Big Blue Island! Amorgos, one of the most beautiful Greek islands, was widely unknown until the filmmaker, Luc Besson, shot scenes of the movie “The Big Blue” on one of the island’s famous beaches. Today, visitors seek to discover the crystal clear waters and dramatic landscapes that are seen in the film. Amorgos’ name has become synonymous with “The Big Blue.”

Meals: breakfast
Highlights: Amorgos Island exploration
Overnight: Amorgos

Today you will enjoy one of the island’s most popular hikes, which follows an old path (“Palia Strata”) that links the central part of Amorgos to Aegiali, in the north. Descend from Chora, the island’s capital, towards the impressive Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa, the patron saint and landmark of Amorgos. Visit the Monastery and have a close look at this amazing, 1000 year-old structure, while enjoying the magnificent, endless views of the bright blue Aegean sea. Continue following the southern slopes of Mount Profitis Ilias, a beautiful hike amidst one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Aegean, util you arrive at the abandoned rural settlement of Asfontylitis. Walk through the old village, famous for its stone engravings, following the path towards Aegiali. After passing the saddle, walk along the northern slopes and enjoy a perfect view of the Bay of Aegiali.

Meals: breakfast & picnic lunch
Distance: 7 km / 4 mi, +737/-904m; ~5.5 hrs
Highlights: clifftop Monastery of Chozoviotissa, Chora settlement
Overnight: Amorgos

This morning after breakfast, enjoy an easy hike that passes through the mountainous villages of Tholaria and Lagada. Highlights along the way are traditional stone walls, beautiful chapels, terraced fields and views of the Egiali Bay. The hike is aromatic as the area is strewn with oregano, sage and many other herbs. Back at the hotel, you have the afternoon free to enjoy beach time or pick from one of these many activities.

Meals: breakfast & picnic lunch
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi, +343/-526m, ~3.5 hrs
Highlights: traditional chapels, rural settlements & scenery, fragrant herbs
Overnight: Amorgos

Today after breakfast, your tour ends. Please let us know in advance if you would like to book additional nights in the area, or if you would like to add on another Pure Adventures tour!

Meals: breakfast