Hike the Greek Islands of Naxos, Santorini and Crete

Hiking in the Greek islands offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and stunning landscapes that make every trail an adventure. With their dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins, the islands provide an idyllic setting for outdoor exploration. From the rugged hills of Crete to the charming villages of Santorini and the lush paths of Corfu, hikers can enjoy diverse terrain ranging from coastal routes to mountainous ridges. Along the way, travelers can immerse themselves in the islands' rich mythology, discovering ancient monasteries, ruins of classical temples, and remnants of civilizations long past. The warm Mediterranean climate, combined with breathtaking views and the chance to witness traditional island life, makes hiking in the Greek islands a truly memorable experience.

Summary

• Naxos offers a relaxed atmosphere with ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages.
• Santorini is a must-see for its iconic caldera, romantic sunsets, and ancient history.
• Crete blends historical landmarks like Knossos with spectacular hikes, beaches, and charming towns.

Each island has its unique charm and is well worth exploring for different reasons!

These islands offer some of the best walking experiences in Greece, combining history, nature, and beautiful landscapes.   Here’s an outline of places in Naxos, Santorini, and Crete that would appeal to walkers and hikers.

Naxos:  The largest island in the Cyclades and a hidden gem, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages.

1. Mount Zas (Zas Mountain):  The highest peak in the Cyclades, offering stunning panoramic views. The trail to the summit takes you through lush vegetation and ancient caves. Approximately 8 km (round trip). Moderate to challenging.
2. The Villages of Naxos:  Naxos has many charming, traditional villages that are ideal for walking tours. A popular route connects Chora to Apiranthos, an old stone village in the mountains. Distance and difficulty varies from 4-6 k, easy to moderate.
3. The Byzantine Trail:  A well-marked path that takes you through ancient Byzantine churches, monasteries, and historic landmarks, mostly in the western part of the island. 10-15 km, depending on the chosen route. Moderate.
4. Agios Prokopios to Mikri Vigla:  A coastal walk connecting two of Naxos' most famous beaches, Agios Prokopios and Mikri Vigla.  Around 5 km.  Easy.

Santorini:  Famed for its stunning caldera views and white-and-blue architecture, is a top destination for romance, photography, and history.

1. Fira to Oia:  One of the most famous walking routes in Greece, this trail runs along the caldera edge, offering breathtaking views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. Approximately 10 km. Moderate.
2. Ancient Thira:   A hike up to the ruins of Ancient Thira, perched on a mountain, offers both historical intrigue and views of the island's landscapes. Around 3-4 km from Kamari to the site.  Moderate.
3. Pyrgos to the Lighthouse:  A scenic walk that begins in Pyrgos, a medieval village, and takes you along the island's southeastern coast to the Lighthouse at the tip of the island. Around 7 km. Moderate.
4. Akrotiri to Red Beach:   A short walk from the archaeological site of Akrotiri, famous for its ancient Minoan ruins, down to the unique Red Beach. 2-3 km. Easy.

 Crete:  The largest of the Greek islands, rich in history, mythology, and natural beauty, with rugged landscapes and beautiful beaches.

1. Samaria Gorge:  One of Crete’s most famous hikes, this 16 km long gorge in the White Mountains is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and diverse wildlife. 16 km. Challenging.
2. Elafonissi Beach and the Southwest Coast:  This coastal walk offers access to the famous Elafonissi Beach and nearby smaller beaches, passing through dunes and coastal wetlands. Varies, typically 5-7 km. Easy to moderate.
3. The E4 European Path:  The E4 trail runs across Crete from west to east, offering a network of scenic paths through diverse terrain, from coastal regions to mountains. Varies (segments range from a few kilometers to over 20 km). Moderate to challenging.
4. Anogeia to Psiloritis (Mount Ida):   A challenging hike up to the summit of Mount Ida, the highest mountain in Crete, starting from the historic village of Anogeia. Around 10-12 km. Challenging.
5. Seitan Limania Beach Walk:   A stunning, steep walk leading to one of Crete's most famous and remote beaches, Seitan Limania, with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise water. 1-2 km (downhill). Moderate to challenging.
6. Rethymnon to the Arkadi Monastery:  A relatively easy walk from Rethymnon to the historic Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance during the Ottoman era.  Around 15 km (round trip). Easy to moderate.   What to see: Exhibits from the Minoan civilization, including frescoes, sculptures, and pottery, alongside other artifacts from ancient Greece.  Why it’s interesting: It's home to some of the most impressive collections of ancient art and historical items from Crete.

3. Samaria Gorge:  A stunning 16-kilometer-long gorge in the White Mountains, known for its rugged beauty and wildlife.

 Getting There:   The primary gateway to the Greek islands is Athens, which is a major airport with international service. Flights from Seattle to Athens are approximately 15 hrs long with at least one stop-over. From Athens, the islands can be reached by air or boat.  There are busses and trains that run directly from the airport to the port (1hr45 min).

 Naxos:  Getting to Naxos from Athens by air takes about 1 hour, and by ferry or high-speed catamaran takes 3.5-6 hrs.

Santorini:  Getting to Santorini from Athens by air takes about 40 min, and by boat takes 5-8 hrs.

Crete:  Getting to Crete from Athens by air takes 1 hr, and by boat takes 8-10 hrs.

Ferries also run between the islands.

• Seasons: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12