Inland hike among picturesque villages of Naxos - Kouroi statues, Apano Kastro

Hike through three different villages, while exploring the antiquities along the way. Visit a local distillery and enjoy a traditional meal at the end of a great day!

Overview

For those who wish to get to know Naxos up close and personal, this is the perfect hike. Start your day with a convenient hotel pick-up transfer, to the starting point of your hike.

Imagine this: you’re already hiking under the shade of plane trees and citrus groves around you. Suddenly, just a few minutes into your hike, flat on the ground, there’s a kouros, a gigantic statue of a male youth, sculpted in ancient times. A few minutes later, you come upon another one! Why are those statues there and why have they been abandoned? Discover the answers on the spot!

Right across from the Kouros statues, you can view the ancient and modern marble quarries. They whisper the story of Naxos’ age-old relationship with marble. You move on, hiking from village to village, using the old footpaths which, for centuries, have connected the small whitewashed picturesque villages between them.

Once you reach Ano Potamia, you’ll stop to refresh yourself at the village’s water fountain. This is where the uphill part of our hike takes you to Apano Kastro and the ruins of a Venetian citadel where the view is simply spectacular: the valley of Tragea sprawling below you; the infinite blue of the Aegean sea blending with the horizon; and the lunar–like landscapes interrupted by the surrounding villages nestled in lush greenery.

As you walk downhill, you’ll first reach the scenic village of Tsikalario and end your hike at Halki, a gem village that boasts remarkable samples of neoclassical architecture.

At the end of your hike, you'll visit the local distillery producing Kitron, Naxos’ citrus-based liqueur, to toast life, laughter, new friends, and a day to remember! Your hike ends with a delicious meal at one of the island's best traditional tavernas under the shade of a climbing grapevine.

Our transport will transfer you back to your accommodations!

Itinerary

• Meeting time (pick-up transfer from your accommodations) 09.00
• Hiking 09.00 – 13.15
• Visit the local distillery from 13.15 – 13.30
• Enjoy a delicious meal from 13.30 - 14.15
• Transfer back to your accommodations at 14.15

Highlights

• Convenient roundtrip transportation to & from your hotel
• Pass by three different picturesque villages and get to know the local life.
• Walk on ancient marble paths.
• Visit the Kouroi of Flerio.
• Visit the ruins of an ancient Venetian castle.
• Visit a local distillery.
• Enjoy a delicious meal at the end of the hike.

Information: 

• Distance: 7.56 km / 4.6m
• Sun exposure: 75%
• Altitude: 431m / 1414.04 ft
• Ascend: +479m / 1571.52 ft
• Descend: -395m / 1295.93 ft

Pick up points: All hotels or other accommodation types in Chora of Naxos, Glinado, Galanado, Vivlos, Agios Arsenios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka Beach, Sagkri, Filoti and any location in between those towns. (*For Ano potamia, Melanes,Tsikalario or any location in between those villages a new customized transfer can be arranged upon request)

Participation requirements

• Ages 12 years and above
• Basic physical condition