Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 02:05
Walking on the Greek Islands Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Greece
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TEJ
- Carbon Footprint: 22kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover the most scenic trails on the Cyclades trio of Santorini, Naxos and Paros with a local tour leader
When you think of the Greek islands, it’s the Cyclades that spring to mind, with their white-washed houses and blue-domed churches set against the cobalt Aegean Sea. They’re beauty is striking, but even more so with our expert local tour leader guiding you along their most scenic trails. So, join us on this small-group hiking adventure on Santorini, Naxos and Paros and enjoy a relaxed week of hiking through picturesque villages, lush valleys and sandy beaches. Better yet, it starts and ends in Athens, giving you the opportunity to add extra days onto the itinerary and explore the birthplace of democracy.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
- Three full days and two half days of hiking on three islands
- Travel by public transport, boat/ferry, and coach
Highlights
- Join a local tour leader to discover the most beautiful trails on the Cyclades
- Gaze over the Aegean Sea on Santorini’s Cliff Trail hike
- Trek through ancient olive and citrus groves in Naxos’s Tragea Valley
- Hike a 1,000-year-old Byzantine path on Paros
- Uncover the distinct cultures of three Greek islands with our expert tour leader
- Take the opportunity to indulge in the local delicacies
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: The chosen routes showcase the best of the natural and historic sites on each island. Terrain includes footpaths and mountain terrain, which can be rocky and loose in places with some sloped ascents and descents (walking poles can be useful).
Walks: There are three day walks in our itinerary and two half days. Walking time is between two and five hours, including lunch breaks, and a reasonable level of fitness is required. All walks are optional.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Rafina
- End City: Athens
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Athens; to Rafina and overnight
The group flight usually arrives into Athens in the early evening and will be met and transferred to the start hotel. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening, our guide holds a short meeting at 8pm to discuss the plan for the following day, to give advice on the local area and to answer any questions.
Accommodation: Avra Hotel (or similar)
Start Rafina
Our adventure begins in Rafina, a port town around 25 minutes’ drive from Athens, the history-soaked capital of Greece.
The excitement builds with a welcoming briefing at 8pm, in which the tour leader provides important information about the week ahead.
Rest well tonight, tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry.
If you’d like to explore the many ancient wonders of Athens, we highly recommend adding extra days to the beginning or end of the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Ferry to Santorini; explore Fira town
Take the ferry (approximately eight hours) to Santorini in the morning. There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving throughout the journey.
Santorini (known locally as Thira) is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off and many speculate it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to hikers, including excellent beaches and magnificent views of the Aegean Sea.
Walk around the town of Fira in the late afternoon, taking a flat paved path to enjoy stunning views of the caldera.
Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Hike 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. Half the path is pathed, while the other is a mix of volcanic soil, pumice and lava.
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 a transfer back to Fira.
Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Free time in Santorini; afternoon ferry to Naxos
Enjoy free time in Santorini this morning. Optional excursions 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 approximately two-hour ferry to Naxos.
Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Hike through the lush Tragea Valley
Transfer (one hour) to hike in the lush Tragea Valley, best known for 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.
Wander along the ancient stoney 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. Our transfer back is approximately one hour.
Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Ferry to Paros; hike the Byzantine path from Lefkes; return to Naxos
Take a one-hour ferry to Paros in the morning, then a 20-minute bus to the heart of the island and Lefkes village, where we join an Old Byzantine path that runs all the way to the east coast of Paros. The route, which is on paved path and over small hills, is believed to be about 1,000 years old and used to traverse the entire island.
Today’s trail passes through beautiful Cycladic and medieval villages. Then we explore the town, the castle and Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before our ferry back to Naxos in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Explore Hora town; visit the Temple of Apollo
Take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with 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)
Ferry transfer to Piraeus; end Athens
Catch the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends.
Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season.
Ferry transfer to Piraeus; end Athens
Catch the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends.
Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
A selection of three-star hotels
We spend seven nights in three-star hotels on this walking trip. On the islands, we use family-run hotels, ensuring our visit benefits the local communities. We also have one night in a hotel in Rafina. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
Rafina: Avra Hotel (night 1)
Right by the port, Avra Hotel is ideally placed for our early morning ferry on Day 2. It also means we can enjoy sea views from the hotel and we’re within a short walk of the whitewashed Agios Nikolas Chapel. There’s also a modern restaurant (with floor-to-ceiling windows over the port), which serves a Cretan-Mediterranean menu.
Santorini: Hotel Golden Star (nights 2-3)
Our two nights in Santorini are spent at the 24-room Golden Star, which sits just outside the main town of Thira. There’s a pool area with sun loungers (a great place to watch the sunrise) and plenty of seating spaces to gather as a group.
Naxos: Hotel Aeolis (nights 4-7)
Just a three-minute walk from the main town square and a five-minute walk from the sandy Agios Georgios Beach, Hotel Aeolis is in the right place for our adventures. When you’re not out exploring the island, relax at the hotel pool or grab a sun lounger.
Worth knowing
- The hotel bathrooms can sometimes be a little small and old fashioned.
- The swimming pools are open seasonally (May to October).
Single supplement from CAD 722
Food & Drink
All breakfasts included. In Santorini, it is a basket breakfast in the room. 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 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.
Transport
We use a mixture of public transport, bus, ferry and local taxis. Occasionally, the ferry schedules in the Cyclades are changed at the last minute and this can affect your itinerary. Whenever this happens, we try our best to limit the impact this has and find the most suitable alternative.
Weather & Seasonality
The Cyclades enjoy typical Mediterranean weather with mild winters and hot dry summers.
- March and November: cooler daytime temperatures of 10C-15C (50F-59F) and nights of 5C-8C (41F-46F), a chance of some rain.
- April, May and October: pleasant daytime temperatures 12C-22C (53F-71F) nights of 5C-13C (41F-55F), a chance of some rain.
- June and September: daytime temperatures 20C-35C (68F-95F), nights of 15C-20C (59F-68F); very dry.
- July and August: temperatures can get hot (normally around 35C/95F) but there is always a sea breeze.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: 5pm at the start hotel
Airport: Athens International Airport (AIA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 25-minute drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily by public transport. Take the KTEL Attikis bus service from the airport to Rafina. The hotel is on the waterfront, 1,300ft (400m) from the bus station.
The hotel also runs a free shuttle bus; this must be pre-arranged directly with the hotel. If you prefer to travel in more comfort, speak to your sales representative to arrange a private arrival transfer.
Occasionally, we may need to change the start hotel for logistical reasons. For more information, please refer to the Final Joining Instructions (sent two weeks before departure) or speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join.
If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Rafina
Location end: Athens
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Light waterproof jacket (just in case)
- Sunhat
- Water bottle
- Lightweight but sturdy boots with ankle support
- Backpack for camera, water bottle etc
- Swimwear
- Shoes (such as sandals) that you don’t mind getting wet for swimming
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing outside of the day walks
- Walking poles
- April-May: Two-/three-season jacket
- June-September: comfortable light clothing, sunhats, sunglasses, and a high-factor sunblock
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Greece
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
Vaccinations and Health
There are no required vaccinations. However, ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/insect-bite-avoidance#Ticks.
Local Time
Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are some ATMs that take Visa/Mastercard or Switch, but we still recommended travelling with some cash. Major credit cards are accepted in most places.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow approximately €250-€300 for food and drink throughout the week.
Climate resilience fee: Each hotel charges a mandatory ‘climate resilience fee’ at check in, the cost of which depends on the season and hotel rating. The rates for the hotels in which we stay are normally €5-€6 per night from April to October and €1-€2 per night from November to March. Please note, if you’re booking pre- or post-tour accommodation, the rates are normally €5-€10 per night from April to October and €1.50-€3 per night from November to March.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work; however, most wish to tip their tour leaders in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. If you would like to leave a tip, as a guide we would suggest a total of approximately €20 per person for the tour leader. You may wish to leave a couple of euros in your room for hotel staff at the end of your stay in each hotel.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.