Overview
Greece casts a spell, with its honey-colored isles surrounded by azure seas. In the archipelago of the Cyclades, named for the circle it forms around the sacred island of Delos, we hike on Tinos, Naxos, and rugged Amorgos, each island its own distinctive realm of bougainvillea-draped villages and cobbled pathways above the Aegean. As we hike past blue-domed churches, up to cliff-perched monasteries, and to tiny whitewashed villages, the good life of sunny Greece envelops us, and we’ll have time for delightful post-hike swims in the sea. Our Greek Trip Leaders are famously passionate about food, and along the way, they introduce us to a mouth-watering array of seasonal and local treats, savored on the verandas of tavernas.
We had a fantastic trip hiking the Greek isles. Kostas and Dimitra were excellent guides and the scenery, hikes, people, and food all made for a trip we'll long remember. We're so glad to have had the opportunity to go!
— Cara T., Brooklyn, NY
Days 1-5
Athens / Tinos
From Athens, we ferry to Tinos, an island with a breathtaking landscape and a renowned pilgrimage church. We hike cobbled paths past small villages, and up an old Roman road to the great Venetian fortress of Exomvourgo. One of our hikes brings us to lovely Pyrgos, where a walk through the lanes reveals artisan marble carvers continuing a village tradition that dates to ancient Greece. From the mountain village of Falatados, we hike down to the beach at Livada, with a stop to swim in the clear waters.
Athens / Tinos - Days 1-5
Divani Palace Acropolis
Day 1 (1 night), Athens, GreeceExploring the ancient history of the Parthenon and the museums of Plaka is easy from the Divani Palace Acropolis. Set below the Acropolis, rooms at Divani Palace Acropolis offer modern decor, private balconies, some with views of the Acropolis, and marble details in the bathroom. Begin your day of sightseeing with the breakfast buffet and return in the afternoon to take a dip in the pool or watch the sun set over the Acropolis from the hotel's secret garden bar.
Herodion Hotel
Day 1 (1 night), Athens, GreeceThe best thing about this hotel is its extraordinary location in the Plaka—just steps from the Acropolis and the museum and other historic sites. There are two restaurants (the one on the rooftop has glorious views of the city), and you can see the Acropolis as you relax in the Jacuzzi.
Hotel Voreades
Days 2 to 5 (4 nights), Tinos, GreeceThis 9-room boutique hotel is in a traditional stone-built house on the beautiful island of Tinos near the old port. The hotel has all the modern comforts plus quiet, tidy rooms with wonderful views. Views are also great from the breakfast veranda overlooking the harbor. It’s a short walk to the port and to the lively center of the main part of Tinos Island. The Voreades is family-run and friendly.
Days 6-8
Naxos / Delos / Mykonos
Crossing the blue Aegean to Naxos, Lord Byron’s favorite Greek island, we explore the twisting lanes of Chora, the main town, and hike on Mount Zas (3,284'), the highest point in the Cyclades. A sacred cave on Zas is thought to be the birthplace of Zeus. Delos, holy island of the ancient Greeks, was the birthplace of the sun god Apollo and his twin, Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt. We explore this open-air archaeological museum and World Heritage Site, then ferry back to Naxos. We’ll stop en route for lunch on glamorous Mykonos Island, whose perfect beaches and Cubist architecture have long drawn jet-setters.
Naxos / Delos / Mykonos - Days 6-8
Hotel Naxos Beach 1
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Naxos, GreeceA 20-minute walk from Naxos town, this hotel has small but comfortable rooms spread around a garden and a fantastic location next to a nice beach. The breakfast buffet on the terrace is great.
Days 9-13
Amorgos
Easternmost of the Cyclades, Amorgos is a gorgeous island of hidden coves and dramatic mountains. Traditional stone-paved paths lead us between villages, past frescoed churches, and along the spectacular coast. One ramble is up to Hozoviotissa, an 11th century monastery set high above the Aegean. Depart on Day 13 via Athens or join one of our extensions.
Amorgos - Days 9-13
Vigla Hotel
Days 9 to 12 (4 nights), Tholaria, GreeceOn the beautiful, mountainous island of Amorgos, we stay at the family-run Vigla Hotel, set on a hill in the ancient whitewashed village of Tholaria overlooking Egiali Bay. Guest rooms are spacious, each with a terrace overlooking the coast, and there’s a hiking trail just a few feet away.
Hiking in the Greek Isles
Highlights
Highlights
Details
7 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, some steep sections, 3-6 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike)
