Walking on the Greek Islands

8 Days Starting in Rafina and ending in Athens

Visiting: Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Paros

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TEJ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2325 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 21-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

When you think of the Greek islands, it’s the Cyclades that spring to mind, with their white-washed houses and blue-domed churches set against the cobalt Aegean Sea. They’re beauty is striking, but even more so with our expert local tour leader guiding you along their most scenic trails. So, join us on this small-group hiking adventure on Santorini, Naxos and Paros and enjoy a relaxed week of hiking through picturesque villages, lush valleys and sandy beaches. Better yet, it starts and ends in Athens, giving you the opportunity to add extra days onto the itinerary and explore the birthplace of democracy.

Highlights

  • Join a local tour leader to discover the most beautiful trails on the Cyclades

  • Gaze over the Aegean Sea on Santorini’s Cliff Trail hike

  • Trek through ancient olive and citrus groves in Naxos’s Tragea Valley

  • Hike a 1,000-year-old Byzantine path on Paros

  • Uncover the distinct cultures of three Greek islands with our expert tour leader

  • Take the opportunity to indulge in the local delicacies

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Rafina

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn or Avra Hotel (or similar)

Our adventure begins in Rafina, a port town around 25 minutes’ drive from Athens, the history-soaked capital of Greece.The excitement builds with a welcoming briefing at 8pm, in which the tour leader provides important information about the week ahead.Rest well tonight, tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry.If you’d like to explore the many ancient wonders of Athens, we highly recommend adding extra days to the beginning or end of the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Day 2 : Ferry To Santorini; Explore Fira Town

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take the ferry (approximately eight hours) to Santorini in the morning. There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving throughout the journey.Santorini (known locally as Thira) is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off and many speculate it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to hikers, including excellent beaches and magnificent views of the Aegean Sea.Walk around the town of Fira in the late afternoon, taking a flat paved path to enjoy stunning views of the caldera.Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Day 3 : Hike The Caldera From Fira To Oia

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The 6mi (10km) Cliff Trail is a spectacular walk, 1,310ft (400m) high above the volcanic caldera, a photographer’s delight and not too challenging. Half the path is pathed, while the other is a mix of volcanic soil, pumice and lava.Views of the Aegean are virtually ever present as we wind gently up and down to the pretty village of Oia, home to artists, galleries, boutiques and cafes. There’s time to explore, relax and soak up the culture before a transfer back to Fira.Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Day 4 : Free Time In Santorini; Afternoon Ferry To Naxos

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy free time in Santorini this morning. Optional excursions include a visit by bus to the buried city of Acrotiri, time at the black beaches of Kamari and/or a visit to the prehistoric museum of Thero in town. Leaving Santorini in the afternoon, we board the approximately two-hour ferry to Naxos.Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 5 : Hike Through The Lush Tragea Valley

Athanasios Athanasiadis
Noah Schneider
ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ ΓΑΡΟΦΑΛΑΚΗΣ

Location: Naxos

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer (one hour) to hike in the lush valley of Tragea, best known for ancient olive and citrus groves. It is a great opportunity to discover the most authentic part of Naxos, where picturesque villages and churches punctuate our walk.Wander along the ancient stoney path in the middle of the Naxian marble quarries until we reach Kouros, a gigantic statue from the fifth century BCE, which was damaged during transportation and then abandoned ever since, lying under trees in the Melanes Valley. Our transfer back is approximately one hour.Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 6 : Ferry To Paros; Hike The Byzantine Path From Lefkes; Return To Naxos

Location: Paros

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take a one-hour ferry to Paros in the morning, then a 20-minute bus to the heart of the island and Lefkes village, where we join an Old Byzantine path that runs all the way to the east coast of Paros. The route, which is on paved path and over small hills, is believed to be about 1,000 years old and used to traverse the entire island.Today’s trail passes through beautiful Cycladic and medieval villages. Then we explore the town, the castle and Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before our ferry back to Naxos in the evening.Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 7 : Explore Hora Town; Visit The Temple Of Apollo

Location: Naxos

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with craft shops, chapels and quaint restaurants. On the islet of Palatia stands the impressive Portara, an ancient marble gateway and the entrance to the remains of the Temple of Apollo.Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 8 : Ferry Transfer To Piraeus; End Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Catch the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends.Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts

  • All accommodation (see below)

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel Insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Tourist tax (paid locally)

Food

All breakfasts included. In Santorini, it is a basket breakfast in the room. Simple buffet-style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch and dinner, we normally go to different tavernas and restaurants (at times, picnics of locally sourced food will be suggested for lunch instead), where we can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and much more.

Accommodation

We spend seven nights in three-star hotels on this walking trip. On the islands, we use family-run hotels, ensuring our visit benefits the local communities. We also have one night in a hotel in Rafina. Below are the accommodations we typically use.



Rafina: Avra Hotel (night 1)







Right by the port, Avra Hotel is ideally placed for our early morning ferry on Day 2. It also means we can enjoy sea views from the hotel and we're within a short walk of the whitewashed Agios Nikolas Chapel. There’s also a modern restaurant (with floor-to-ceiling windows over the port), which serves a Cretan-Mediterranean menu.



Santorini: Hotel Golden Star (nights 2-3)







Our two nights in Santorini are spent at the 24-room Golden Star, which sits just outside the main town of Thira. There’s a pool area with sun loungers (a great place to watch the sunrise) and plenty of seating spaces to gather as a group.



Naxos: Hotel Aeolis (nights 4-7)







Just a three-minute walk from the main town square and a five-minute walk from the sandy Agios Georgios Beach, Hotel Aeolis is in the right place for our adventures. When you’re not out exploring the island, relax at the hotel pool or grab a sun lounger.



Worth knowing



The hotel bathrooms can sometimes be a little small and old fashioned.

The swimming pools are open seasonally (May to October).

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    16

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Arrival & departure transfers

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Walking in the Greek Islands

Overall a very enjoyable trip. Visiting 3 islands made the week seem longer and more varied. The walks were generally leisurely but there were a couple of hills which we climbed in the hottest part of the day, but that could not be avoided. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend.

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

A wonderful way to explore 3 very different islands. Our guide Thanos was extremely knowledgeable and brought the history of each island alive for us and his enthusiasm was infectious. Definitely a leisurely trip with a ferry ride every other day (look out for dolphins) and time to explore the towns and laze on a few beaches - very welcome after our walk in the heat on Paros. Great food and lots of it- Thanos was very helpful with recommendations for local dishes/drinks.

Fantastic Week

A really enjoyable, relaxing trip. Accommodation was excellent in all places, our guide Cecile was fantastic, Greek food is wonderful, and the walks were brilliant. Everything was well organized. I hadn't been to the Greek Islands before, and this tour was the perfect introduction to this beautiful corner of the world. Santorini was overflowing with tourists (there were three cruise ships there when we arrived, and the chaos at the ferry terminal--which is not where the cruise ships go--was truly something to experience) but everyone should visit this stunning and unique island once in their lifetime. The walk on Santorini was incredibly beautiful (although hot--very little shade). Naxos and Paros were more laid back, also stunningly beautiful, and exactly what I dreamed the Greek islands might be like--I took SO many photos! You have some time to explore on your own. The walks are not difficult, and the pace matches the group--steady but no rush. You need sturdy walking shoes for sure, but not boots. If you often walk with a pole, bring it as paths are rocky and uneven in many places. You do spend a fair few hours on ferries but that's part of getting around between islands, so bring a book and enjoy the experience. I'm sure all groups are different, but ours was a really nice mix of people from the UK, NZ, Australia, and the US, with a median age in the 50-65 range. If you're even thinking about this trip, don't hesitate--just book it.

Greek Island Wanderer

A well balanced trip that gives a taste of 3 contrasting islands. Travelling in April proved to be an ideal opportunity to see a different side to Greece - quieter, greener and a comfortable temperature for walking.

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

After the cold UK weather an ideal break at this time of year, warm and mostly sunny, a mix of pleasant walks, fine food, a touch of sightseeing and not too crowded this early in the season.

A wonderful introduction to Greece

Opportunity to visit three very different islands and experience Greek culture. Well planned and executed itinerary, enjoyable ferry transfers. Good quality hotels for a three star rating. Exceptional guide and varied walks. Plenty of spare time to relax inbetween activities.

GREEK ISLAND WALKING HOLIDAY

The holiday started in Athens as we established our group and departed for Paros. The hotel was perfect on the edge of the coast with stunning views, the gentle walking helped to break us in for what was to come later. Then on to Santorini, a beautiful island with narrow alley-ways full of shops and café/bars. The coastal walk was exquisite meandering up and down the coastal path away from the tourist elements. Followed by a trip to the Centre of the volcano the following morning (lots of steps down!). On to Naxos and a feel for the real Greece as the walks inland showed much of the normal way of life. The walking was leisurely, but you needed to be comfortable with your balance. A beautiful countryside village was the destination. Absolutely fantastic holiday which was made all the better by an excellent guide and friendly group of travellers.

Perfect introduction to Greek islands

I had never been to Greece before and decided that this trip might be a good place to start. I wasn’t disappointed. It was well organised with walks of just the right distance and variety for me and in good company. All hotels were comfortable although plumbing a little variable! Thanos was an excellent guide and insured that we got the most out of the trip. Nothing was too much trouble. He was particularly good at organising mealtimes; choosing excellent restaurants and swiftly calculating everybody’s individual bill at the end. I thought all three islands were beautiful but particularly Paros . Santorini is definitely worth a trip for sensational views and a great walk but not somewhere I would return as just too busy in the main centres -a forest of selfie sticks! My only regret is not spending a few days in Athens at the beginning or end but all round a superb trip. Thank you Exodus. I’ve already booked the next one!

Walking on the Greek Islands

My first group walking experience and I thoroughly enjoyed joining a group of like-minded people for a very well organised holiday. The islands were beautiful, the weather kind and the balance of walking, sight-seeing and relaxing just about right.

Great mix of walking, sightseeing & relaxing!

I've been on several Exodus trips and this was definitely up there as one of my favourites. All three islands were beautiful and very different from each other, the walks were really enjoyable and there was just the right amount of free time to enjoy some sightseeing, shopping or even relax on the beach! I was concerned that the number of ferry transfers would eat into our holiday time but we spent most of those journeys out on deck in the sunshine and it all added to the experience. I'd recommend this trip to anyone.

Read all 47 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
$2325 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$2400 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$2400 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$2550 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 18, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$2400 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$2400 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$2400 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$2325 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$2325 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.