Santorini and Naxos on Foot
8 Days Starting and ending in Santorini, Greece
Visiting: Naxos, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SNF
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Greek islands of Santorini and Naxos with our "Santorini and Naxos on Foot" tour. Experience the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Mt Zas, marvel at the ancient Kouros statues, and explore the iconic cliff-top villages of Santorini. Stay in handpicked, atmospheric hotels and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Cyclades. Visit the ancient sites of Thira and Akrotiri, and enjoy leisurely walks through thousand-year-old olive groves and picturesque villages. This self-guided holiday offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery, all set against the backdrop of Greece's incredible landscapes and wildlife.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Santorini, Transfer By Ferry To Naxos (1.5Hrs)
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Naxos Chora
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive at Santorini airport by 1pm latest for your transfer to the port. You'll then take the ferry to Naxos island departing at approx 3 or 4pm (the crossing takes approx 2.5hrs). On arrival you will transfer to the hotel in Naxos Chora, your base for 4 nights. Time permitting, you can take a 1.5 hour walk to Chrisostomos starting from the port. It's a nice way to get to know the town and admire great views over Chora whilst stretching your legs. Overnight Naxos.
Walking to Chrisostomos: +130m/426ft, -130m/426ft - 4.4km
**If your flight to Santorini arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos and your departing flight is after 6 pm, you will stay first in Santorini and then in Naxos (see itinerary 2 below).
Day 2 : Walk Through Thousand Year Old Olive Groves From Chalki To Melanes (3.5 To 7Hrs)
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Naxos Chora
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you take the public bus or taxi to Chalki, located in the centre of the Tragea plain. Explore this fertile area of Naxos with its plentiful olive groves and rich vegetation. Some of the olive trees are over 1000 years old. Walking on cobbled paths you pass the Venetian Fortress of Ana Kastro en route to an ancient marble quarry where there is an unfinished Kouros (statue) dating from the 6th century BC. The walk ends in the nearby village of Melanes, from where you can take a taxi or public bus back to your hotel. Or if you continue walking, you come through the village of Potamia, meaning river in Greek, then through lush valleys you walk back via Ano Kastro to Chalki. Overnight Naxos.
Walking: 10/14 or 18km, +150/300/530m, -150/350/530m
Day 3 : Walk From Kynidaros To Eggares (2.5Hrs)
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Naxos Chora
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a short transfer to Kynidaros, enjoy a gentle walk to the small village of Eggares. Explore its picturesque churches and two restored olive presses, one of which dates back to 1885. Enjoy lunch in one of the tavernas on the stone-built main square before returning to your hotel.
Walking: 7km, +80m, -470m
Day 4 : Walk To The Summit Of Mt Zas With Stunning Views (4 To 7Hrs)
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Naxos Chora
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you take another public bus or taxi to Filoti, to start your day's walk. From this village in the foothills of Mt Zas, you walk to the summit of the legendary mountain. Pass by the cave in which, according to legend, Zeus, the father of all gods, was nursed by an eagle. On descent you can choose to continue walking to Apiranthos, returning via the saddle of Mt Fanari to Filoti. This is a beautiful walk with breathtaking views. Overnight Naxos.
Walking: 17.5km, +980m, -980m
Day 5 : Ferry To Santorini And Transfer To Akrotiri, Optional Walks
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Akrotiri
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your ferry to Santorini usually departs around 1pm (2.5 hour journey). In the morning perhaps visit the Castle in Naxos Chora and the museum, or relax on the sandy beach of Agios Georgios.
Arriving by ferry at Santorini is an unforgettable experience, as you enter the submerged crater of the old volcano. The steep coloured cliffs and whitewashed villages are impressive. It is said the eruption approx. 3700 years ago ended the Minoan civilisation - or perhaps it is the source of the legend of Atlantis? Transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri on arrival, your home for the rest of your trip. There are options for a short afternoon walk along the caldera (approx 2.5km), or you can visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and Red beach (approx 7km), within walking distance from your hotel. +240m/787ft, - 240m/787ft
Day 6 : Walk From Perissa To Akrotiri (5.5Hrs), Options To Shorten
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Akrotiri
Meals Included: Breakfast
A taxi transfer (included) this morning will take you to Perissa, from where you start climbing via an old path to the highest mountain of Santorini, the Profitis Ilias. Before reaching the top, you can visit the excavations of Ancient Thira, the capital of the island in Ancient and Roman times. The location is amazing! You then descend via an old mule path to the quiet, inner parts of the island. From Pyrgos and Emporio you will walk back along an easy path amongst vineyards (Santorini produces some excellent wines) to Akrotiri. It's also possible to return from Pyrgos via public bus via Thira.
Walking: Perissa to Pyrgos: (3hrs) 5.2km, +500m, -230m, Pyrgos to Emporio: (1hr) 3.5km, +24m, -265m, Emporio to Akrotiri: (1.5hrs) 4.7km, +47m, -58m
Day 7 : Visit Fira And Walk To Oia Along The Caldera (4Hrs)
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Akrotiri
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning take a public bus to Fira, the capital of Santorini. Here you can explore the narrow alleys of this whitewashed town, built on top of the volcanic cliffs. There are a couple of interesting museums to visit, such as the museum of prehistoric Thira. In the afternoon take the famous walk along the mule-path from Fira to the village of Oia, with its fabulous views of the lagoon and spectacular cliffs. From Oia you will be picked up and transferred (included) back to your hotel in Akrotiri.
Walking: 10.6km, +275m/902ft, -365m/1197ft
Day 8 : Transfer To Santorini Airport, Trip Concludes
Location: Santorini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip arrangements end after breakfast with a transfer to Santorini airport.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights hotels -
7 breakfasts
Breakfasts are usually Greek style inclusive of breads, tomato, olives, feta cheese, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juices.
-
7 nights accommodation
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities: 4 nights in a charming 2-star hotel in Naxos Chora and 3 nights in a 3-star hotel with a pool at Akrotiri on Santorini.
-
Digital information pack
Includes a navigational app with route notes and maps.
-
Arrival transfer
Transfer on day 1 from Santorini Airport to Santorini port.
-
Return ferry ticket
Tourist class ferry ticket between Santorini and Naxos.
-
Taxi transfer
Transfers from Akrotiri-Perissa and Oia-Akrotiri on Santorini.
-
Round-trip transfers
Transfers on Naxos and Santorini (port-hotel).
-
Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
-
Travel to and from Santorini Airport
Travel to and from Santorini Airport is not included.
-
Lunches, dinners, and drinks
Meals other than breakfast are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
-
Tour guide
This is a self-guided holiday; no tour guide is included.
-
Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
-
Entrance fees
Entrance fees for museums and other sights of interest not stated as included are not covered.
-
Transfers by taxi or public transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
-
Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses are not included.
-
Hotel taxes
Hotel (and environment) taxes are to be paid locally.
-
Transfers by local/public bus or taxi
Transfers not listed as included are not covered.
Accommodation
7 nights hotels. During the trip you will be accommodated in 2 and 3 star hotels on the standard trip. Both hotels are very comfortable. The hotel in Naxos is in the Old Town, and on Santorini the hotel is in Akrotiri and has a pool. Optional upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - price is available on request, please ask our consultants.
Grading
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 2
The walking is graded introductory to moderate with 1.5 to 7 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Naxos and Santorini so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, stair walking and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Mode of Transport
Arrival transfer on day 1 from Santorini Airport to Santorini port. Return ferry ticket in tourist class between Santorini and Naxos. Taxi transfer Akrotiri-Perissa and Oia-Akrotiri on Santorini. Round-trip transfers on Naxos and Santorini (port-hotel).
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
During the trip, you will be accommodated in 2 and 3 star hotels on the standard trip. Both hotels are very comfortable. The hotel in Naxos is in the Old Town, and on Santorini, the hotel is in Akrotiri and has a pool. There is also an optional upgrade to 3-4 star hotels, and the price is available on request.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually Greek style and inclusive of breads, tomato, olives, feta cheese, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juices.
-
Is there a guide provided for the tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday. However, a digital information pack including a navigational app with route notes and maps is provided.
-
What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?
The walking is graded introductory to moderate with 1.5 to 7 hours of walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Naxos and Santorini, so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and it is important that you are well prepared. Regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, stair walking, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure, is suggested.
-
Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, there are several additional costs not included in the tour price. These include hotel taxes (to be paid locally), lunches, dinners, drinks, travel insurance (mandatory), entrance fees for museums and other sights of interest not stated as included, transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage, items of a personal nature, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
-
What kind of transfers are included in the tour?
The tour includes an arrival transfer on day 1 from Santorini Airport to Santorini port, a return ferry ticket in tourist class between Santorini and Naxos, taxi transfers Akrotiri-Perissa and Oia-Akrotiri on Santorini, and round-trip transfers on Naxos and Santorini (port-hotel).
-
What happens if my flight to Santorini arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos?
If your flight to Santorini arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos and your departing flight is after 6 pm, you will stay first in Santorini and then in Naxos.
-
What kind of walking routes can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes various walking routes such as a walk through thousand-year-old olive groves from Chalki to Melanes, a gentle walk from Kynidaros to Eggares, a walk to the summit of Mt Zas with stunning views, and a walk from Perissa to Akrotiri with options to shorten. There is also a famous walk along the mule-path from Fira to the village of Oia along the caldera.
-
How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
-
What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
-
I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Monday
Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 22, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 23, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 24, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.