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Hiking and Trekking in Naxos: Trails for Every Explorer

Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, boasts a dramatic mountainous interior, which combined with its golden beaches make it a destination for any type of traveller.

 

Important Hiking Notes:

  • Best Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant hiking weather, with wildflowers blooming in spring and cooler temperatures. Summer hiking is best done early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
  • Essentials: Always carry plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a charged phone. Inform someone of your route.
  • Trail Markers: While some popular trails are marked, signage can sometimes be sparse. Using a reliable offline map app (like Maps.me or Wikiloc) is highly recommended.
  • Guided Hikes: Consider a guided hike, especially for more challenging routes, to learn about the island's history, flora, and fauna from local experts.

Further trails information can be found on the local government website at https://www.naxos.gr/category/naxos/activities-recreation-en/hiking-trekking/?lang=en

 

Popular & Recommended Trails:

1. Mount Zas Ascent (Zas Caves & Summit)

  • Starting Point: Filoti village or Agia Marina Church (near Filoti).
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
  • Duration: 3-5 hours (round trip, depending on route and stops).
  • Highlights: Ascend the highest peak in the Cyclades (1,004m), offering panoramic views of Naxos and surrounding islands. Explore the Cave of Zeus (Zas Cave), believed to be Zeus's birthplace, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites (bring a flashlight!).
  • Route Notes: There are a couple of routes from Filoti. The classic route from Agia Marina offers a more direct path to the summit. The trail to the cave is well-trodden, but the final ascent to the summit can be steep and rocky. Look for red dots or "ZAS" markings.

2. Village Trails: Chalki to Moni & Panagia Drosiani

  • Starting Point: Chalki village.
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
  • Duration: 2-3 hours (one way, allowing for village exploration).
  • Highlights: A scenic walk through the Tragea valley, known as the "heart of Naxos." Pass through olive groves, explore the charming Venetian-era village of Chalki (old capital), and visit the ancient Byzantine church of Panagia Drosiani, one of the oldest Christian monuments in the Balkans, with unique frescoes. Continue to the picturesque village of Moni.
  • Route Notes: This route offers a taste of rural Naxos. It can be combined with visits to the Vallindras Kitron Distillery in Chalki.

3. Melanes - Flerio (Kouros of Flerio)

  • Starting Point: Melanes village.
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours (round trip to the Kouros).
  • Highlights: A pleasant walk through lush green landscapes to discover one of Naxos' colossal ancient statues, the Kouros of Flerio, still lying in the ancient marble quarry where it was abandoned thousands of years ago. A glimpse into Naxos' rich marble history.
  • Route Notes: The path is well-defined and mostly flat, making it suitable for families.

4. Apiranthos to Moutsouna (Old Emery Mines)

  • Starting Point: Apiranthos village.
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (downhill, but long).
  • Duration: 3-4 hours (one way).
  • Highlights: A fascinating historical hike descending from the mountainous village of Apiranthos (the "marble village") to the coastal settlement of Moutsouna. Pass by the abandoned emery mines and the old aerial railway system that transported emery to the port. Offers stunning views of the eastern coastline.
  • Route Notes: This is a descent, so it's easier on the legs than an uphill climb, but the length can be challenging. Arrange for transport from Moutsouna back to Apiranthos or Naxos Town.

5. Potamia Villages area

  • Starting Point: Any of the three Potamia villages (Ano, Mesi, Kato Potamia).
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
  • Duration: 2-3 hours.
  • Highlights: A circular route connecting the three verdant villages of Potamia. Walk along a stream, through orchards, and past old watermills and Byzantine churches. A tranquil escape from the busier coastal areas.
  • Route Notes: A very green and shaded hike, ideal for warmer days.

 

 

 

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