Overview
Greece casts a spell, with its honey-colored isles encircled by azure seas. In the Cyclades, named for the circular archipelago formed around the sacred island of Delos, we set out for hikes on Tinos, Naxos, and rugged Amorgos, each island its own distinctive realm of bougainvillea-draped villages above the sparkling Aegean. As we hike past blue-domed churches, up to cliff-perched monasteries, and through tiny whitewashed villages, the good life of sunny Greece envelops us, with picnics on wildflower-covered hills and swims in the sea. Along the way, our Trip Leaders delight in introducing us to a mouth-watering array of seasonal Greek food and drink savored on the verandas of friendly tavernas. At trip’s end, extend your journey to legendary Santorini or join our Archaeological Sites of Classic Greece (offered as a pre- or post-trip extension).
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 of sandy beaches and whitewashed hamlets. We hike cobbled paths to picturesque villages and up an old Roman road to the great Venetian fortress of Exomvourgo for superb views. From the charming town of Falatados, we hike to the beach at Livada, a perfect place for a refreshing post-hike swim. One of our hikes brings us to lovely Pyrgos, renowned since ancient times for marble carving. The art still thrives here today and a walk through the lanes of this village gives the sense of walking through a museum.
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 up Mount Zas (3,000'), the highest point in the Cyclades and site of a sacred cave. 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’ll explore this island, an open-air archaeological museum and stunning World Heritage Site. On our ferry ride back to Naxos, we stop for lunch at glamorous Mykonos Island, whose perfect beaches, ancient windmills, 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 dramatic mountain scenery. 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
8 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)
