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 Greece surrounds us. Our Greek Trip Leaders are famously passionate about food, and along the way, they’ll introduce us to a mouth-watering array of seasonal and local treats.
I enjoyed everything about this trip! The Greek Isles were incredibly beautiful and diverse and it was fascinating to see a more intimate view of the islands by hiking the trails, eating the local food, and learning about the culture. The guides were fantastic—fun and very knowledgeable!
— Michelle R., Aurora, CO
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-5
Athens / Tinos
From Athens, we ferry to Tinos to hike along paths past small villages and up an old Roman road to the great Venetian fortress of Exomvourgo. One hike brings us to lovely Pyrgos, and another takes from the mountain village of Falatados down to the beach at Livada for a swim.
Days 6-8
Naxos / Mount Zas / Apano Kastro
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 and home to a sacred cave thought to be the birthplace of Zeus. We also hike to Apano Kastro, an ancient fortress perched on a rocky hilltop that was built in the 13th century by the Venetians, and admire a glorious sunset from the Portara, an uncompleted temple from 506 BC.
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.
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
