Compare Walking on the Greek Islands by Exodus Travels vs Secret Cyclades: Hiking Holidays in Kythnos island by Trails Beyond
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 2,025 | $ 630 |
| Price Per Day | $ 253 | $ 126 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts included. 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 local 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. |
4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners |
| Description |
The Greek islands have much to offer: archeological treasures, history, culture, dramatic landscapes, azure seas, and, of course, delicious food. Our week starts on the beautiful island of Santorini, before heading to Naxos and Paros. Exploring the irresistible island of Santorini on foot will certainly be the highlight of our week. Hopping from one wonderful island to the other, we enjoy a relaxed week of gentle walks through picturesque villages, lush valleys and sandy beaches.Enjoy walks on Santorini, Naxos and Paros |
Would you like to explore one of the renowned Greek islands, but you wish to avoid the tourist masses? The secluded island of Kythnos is your perfect choice! Although it is one of the first islands to be reached by ferry from Athens, the island of Kythnos has remained an unexplored paradise, a truly gem of the Cyclades islands. Traditional villages with Cycladic architecture, a superb coastline with more than 90 beaches, a significant history dating back to the Mesolithic era, agricultural fields, hot springs, numerous hiking trails, one of the largest caves in Greece and the delicious local cuisine will undoubtedly offer you the best authentic active holidays on a Greek island. If you are looking for tranquility, simplicity and authenticity, yet at the same time you wish to combine your summer holidays with some walking, hiking and interesting cultural encounters, this is the right exploration for you! Plus, you can combine it with a visit to the surrounding Cyclades islands or as an ideal getaway from your stay in Athens. Located at the West Cyclades, Kythnos is easily accessible by ferry either from the port of Piraeus (3 hours) or from Lavrio (1:40 hours). You can decide on your departure port depending on your holiday’s schedule. What we can assure you of is that you will enjoy a truly authentic, active and fun vacation! |
Day 1 Start Athens; to Rafina and overnight
We gather at our hotel. When the time’s right, we’ll also have our first meeting as a group – a good chance to get to know your leader and fellow group members. Rest well tonight; tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry. Accommodation: Dorian Inn or Avra Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Morning ferry to Santorini; then explore the town of Fira
In the morning, we take the ferry to Santorini (approx. 8hrs). There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving food and drinks throughout the journey. Santorini (known locally as Thira) is one of the most famous islands in the world. Known mainly for its beautiful beaches, it is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off. A huge eruption (estimated 1650 BCE) gave it its crescent shape and many speculate that it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to walkers, including magnificent views of the Mediterranean. In the late afternoon, we walk around the town of Fira to enjoy the stunning views of the caldera. Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Day 3 Walk along the caldera from Fira to Oia
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. 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 we transfer back to Fira. Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Day 4 Free time in Santorini; afternoon ferry to Naxos
This morning we have free time in Santorini. Optional extras 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 ferry to Naxos, the journey is approximately two hours. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 5 Explore the town and visit the Temple of Apollo
Today, we take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with its 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 6 Morning ferry to Paros; hike the 1000 years old Byzantine path from Lefkes; evening ferry back to Naxos
In the morning, we take the ferry to Paros (approx. 1h). Then we take a bus to reach the heart of the island and the village of Lefkes, where we join an Old Byzantine path that runs all the way to the east coast of Paros. The route is believed to be about 1,000 years old and used to traverse the entire island. Today’s route will pass through beautiful Cycladic villages and mediaeval villages. Then we Explore the town, the Castle and the Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before we take a ferry back to Naxos in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 7 Walk the ravine of Potamia villages in Tragea Valley, visiting the ancient statue of Kouros
Today we trek the lush valley of Tragea, best known for its 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. We will wander along the ancient 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. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 8 Ferry transfer to Piraeus; end Athens
We take the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approx. 6 hrs) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to London. Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season and you might return to Rafina.
Day 1: Athens – Kythnos
Meals: Dinner
Traditional Guesthouse
On the first day, you will take the ferry either from Piraeus or from Lavrio port and within 3:10 or 1:40 hours respectively you will reach the beautiful island of Kythnos.
After check in at your hotel, you will have the day free* to relax by the sea or stroll around the village’s narrow alleys and shops! In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour leader and your fellow travel companions, having a first taste of the local cuisine and discussing the program of the coming days.
*The program of this day is free of activities, since we don’t know your exact arrival time (depending on the ferry schedule). We can, however, organize a hike or other activities, if you arrive early in the morning.
Day 2: Hiking to Vryokastro – Apokrousi – Kolona
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Total Hike Duration: 3 hours / 4-5 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: ≈ 5.5 - 6.5 km
Our hiking trail today will takes us to the island’s ancient capital, Vryokastro, and then to the probably most stunning beach of the island, Kolona! A short hike up will take us to the hill of Vryokastro, a currently abandoned archaeological site and one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean. Archaeological research has brought to light findings dating back to the Mesolithic Age. According to the findings and underwater excavations, that town was constantly inhabited from the 10th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D.
Afterwards, we’ll descend to the white sandy beach of Apokrousi, where we’ll make a stop to relax and swim. Next comes one of the island’s highlights, the unique beach of Kolona. It is actually a strip of sand joining Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas, creating a landscape of unparallel beauty! Once there, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, as well as lunch at the only tavern on the beach (if open) or snack lunch.
You will later be transferred back to your hotel.
Traditional Guesthouse
Day 3: Hiking Loutra – Castle of Oria, the Thermal Springs & Pottery lesson
Meals: Breakfast
Total Hike Duration: 3 - 4 hours / 4.5 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: 8-10 km
Traditional Guesthouse
Today’s breathtaking hike will offer you amazing views and authentic encounters with the island’s history! After breakfast, you will be transferred to the north part of the island and specifically to the village of Loutra, a popular stop over for sailing yachts. Once there, we will follow an ascending path in order to reach the striking Castle of Oria, located on a steep hill at the northernmost tip of the island. This fortified acropolis that overlooks the Aegean Sea was the capital of the island during the Byzantine times and the Latin occupation; but it seems that it had already been inhabited since prehistoric times. 100 chapels flourished there during the Venetian Rule, of which only two still stand today.
You will have time to relax, enjoy the panoramic views and take some wonderful photos, before we return back to Loutra from the same path. You will have the afternoon free to relax at the Thermal Springs of Loutra, known for their therapeutic qualities. You can also enjoy your lunch and/or coffee in one of the seaside restaurants/cafes.
Later on, a short hiking trail will take us from Loutra to Chora, the island’s capital. Chora is a fine example of traditional Cycladic architecture, with white-washed houses, stone-paved mule paths and arcades which will drive you to endless walks in narrow alleys ending to small squares and churches. Once in Chora, you will also enjoy a pottery lesson* by a local artisan in Chora and you will have the chance to create your own pottery clay!
Early in the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
*The pottery lesson is available until the end of September.
Day 4: Hiking Dryopida – Kanala, cave exploration & cooking class
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Total Hike Duration: 2.5 hours / 4 hours incl. stops | Total Distance: 6.5 - 7 km
Traditional Guesthouse
Enjoy a good breakfast today, as we will explore hiking the best of Central and Southeast part of the island! You will be transferred to Dryopida village, one of the most picturesque and traditional settlements of Kythnos. Once there, we will follow a hiking trail that will soon take us to the peaceful beach of Kalo Livadi, decked with a small church on a rock. A large beach with stone slabs, pebbles and golden sand, as well as big and very old cedars create the ideal setting for a stop and of course sunbathing and swimming in the summer. The sound of the waves will be most probably the only sound you will hear in this pristine scenery. Behind the few houses that make up the small settlement, a fertile little meadow spreads out planted with fig trees, vineyards and a few groves that gave its name to the homonymous settlement.
Our next and last stop of today’s hike is the well known coastal village of Kanala that took its name after the monastery of Panagia Kanala, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Here you will also find the only pine forest in the island. The monastery hosts the miraculous icon of Our Lady which, according to tradition, was found by fishermen floating in the narrow channel between Kythnos and Serifos and is said to have healing powers. Once our hike is completed, you will be transferred back to Dryopida village, where another surprise is waiting for you! Get ready to explore Katafiki cave, one of the largest caves in Greece, most of which remains unexplored to date. Located at the edge of Dryopida village, at an altitude of 190 meters above sea level, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 17 degrees and is considered to cover an area of 3.500 sq.m.
Once we explore this hidden gem, you will participate in a cooking class and learn how to prepare some traditional local delicacies, such as “sfougata”, Greek salad, “tzatziki” and much more!
Day 5: Departures – Kythnos to Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Today you are free to enjoy your last morning on the island the way you wish, before boarding the ferry back to Athens (or other nearby islands).
Depends on your schedule
