An Island-hopping Cultural Hike Of the Aegean Archipelago

Day 1 – Hello Athens!

Touch down in Athens and hit the ground running in the city where democracy was born! Our driver will meet you at the airport and guide you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your Greece hiking adventure. 

Depending on when you arrive, you might have time for a quick orientation walk around the capital with your guide. But don’t wander too far. Tonight, you’ll get to meet your fellow Camino companions for a welcome dinner of legendary proportions. It’s your first night in Greece and as the city buzzes around you, you’ll feel the excitement bubbling. 

This is just the start of the adventure with a bunch of soon-to-be lifelong pals and it’s going to be incredible!

Accommodation: Acropolis Select (or similar)
Included: Dinner

Day 2 – Athens Acropolis

It’s your first full day in Greece, and there’s no time to waste, so we’re kicking things off with Athens’ crown jewel – the mighty Acropolis. It’s no secret that it gets crazy-busy here, so we’re getting in early. Why? So you can soak it all in and snap your photos without having to elbow other travellers out of the way!

At the heart of it all is the Parthenon – prepare to be awestruck by its sheer size and the fact it’s still standing after thousands of years. The Acropolis is far more than just the Parthenon, though, which you’ll soon figure out as you explore other structures like the eye-popping Theatre of Dionysus and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Feeling peckish after all that exploring? Perfect timing. We’re whisking you off to a spot locals dub “the belly of Athens”. Any guesses on what you’ll be doing there?

Accommodation: Acropolis Select (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Tastings

Day 3 – Naxos

Say a breezy “goodbye” to Athens this morning as you hop aboard a ferry heading for the sunny shores of Naxos. After ditching your bags at the guesthouse, there’s only one thing for it: it’s beach time! The craziness of Athens will feel a million miles away already.

As the evening rolls in, it’s time to explore the island’s oh-so-irresistible Old Town before witnessing your first Greek Island sunset. There’s only one place to catch the sunset from in the Old Town, and that’s the Temple of Apollo. Does anything scream “epic trip to Greece” more than watching the sun set over the ocean from an ancient temple? We don’t think so!

Naxos is famous for its drool-worthy produce, so it’s time to see what all the fuss is about tonight as you dine with your Camino crew at one of our favourite local tavernas, sampling local cheese, wine and potatoes, amongst other local dishes that’ll make your mouth water. Kali Orexi!

Accommodation: Hotel Anixis (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 – Naxos Villages

We’ve eased you into island life so far, but today is the moment you’ve been waiting for: it’s hiking time!

Today’s 10 kilometres of trails are an absolute treasure trove of highlights, kicking off in the village of Apiranthos, snuggled at the foot of Mt. Fanari. While sipping a local drink, you’ll learn all about the Aegean’s unique biodiversity – a bit of knowledge that’ll add an extra layer of “wow” to today’s walk.

With some extra facts in your pocket, it’s time to ascend Fanari’s summit – and let’s just say, the view from the top of a confetti of islands scattered across the sea is enough to make you gasp. It’s a view that’s hard to beat, but the bougainvillaea-laden village of Kaloxylos, where you’re heading next, will certainly try its best. 

The finish line is up ahead in the village of Chalki and a scrumptious supper made from organic local ingredients is your prize. Enjoy – you’ve earned it!

Accommodation: Hotel Anixis (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 – Naxos Villages

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast – you’ve got another day of world-class hiking ahead of you. A 7.2-kilometre route with a few kick-ass stops along the way to catch your breath and soak it all in, is what we have in store for you – so what are you waiting for?

Ag. Mamas, a 9th-century Byzantine church, is the first stop of the hike and a sneak peek into the day’s historical treats. The smell of citrus dances in the air as you walk along this fertile part of the island, passing the Flerio aqueduct, ancient Kouroi statues and hidden marble quarries along the way. It’s hard to stop gawping!

Post-hike, you’ve got some well-deserved chill time to freshen up and catch your breath. Then, with your batteries recharged, you’re off to a local farm for dinner. Pick your veggies and get ready to chop, stir and sizzle your way to a delicious dinner with your Camino buddies!

Accommodation: Hotel Anixis (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner 

Day 6 – Mount Zas

Today’s mission? To tackle the mighty 1,004-metre Mount Zas, named after none other than Zeus himself. Did you know that Zeus, the boss of the Greek gods, apparently kicked off his godly status right here in Naxos?

At the top, brace yourself for views that’ll knock your socks off. On a clear day, the entire Cycladic archipelago seems to unfurl beneath you – it’s enough to make you feel like a Greek goddess! On the descent, you’ll swap the island’s tallest mountain for its biggest cave, chock-full of twisted stalagmites and damp, cool air. What a relief after hiking all morning in the beating sun!

After refuelling over lunch in the gorgeous village of Filoti (and sharing collective gasps as you devour more incredible Naxian produce), there’s only one way to spend the afternoon: sun-worshipping on the beach. After all, you’re on a Greek island. It’d be rude not to!

Accommodation: Hotel Anixis (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 – Iraklia

A well-deserved lazy morning is all yours today, so take advantage of the opportunity to relax and reflect. Can you believe you’re only halfway through the adventure? It feels like you and your band of Camino hikers have been mates for years!

This afternoon, you’re ferrying off to the hidden gem of Iraklia, a slice of unspoilt Cycladic paradise with just 80 locals. It’s stunning here, there’s no doubt about it, but the real reason you’re here is to hike up Mount Papas… at sunset! Some very exciting creatures call these steep rocks home, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled on the way up to see if you can spot them.

As dusk settles, you’ll finish up today’s 6-kilometre hike in the island’s main village. Here, a local taverna has prepared a feast of home-cooked heaven, bursting with fresh flavours and oozing Greek charm – just the ticket to top off another marvellous day.

Accommodation: Speires Suites (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 – Ioannis Cave

Iraklia is jam-packed with secret treasures, and you’ll get to discover a few of them today on a 10 kilometre walk that has a bit of everything. Cool caves? Check. Quiet, unspoilt beaches for the group to enjoy all to yourselves? Check. Knockout coastal views with every step? You bet!

As the sun sets, you’ll head over to the island’s fishing port for dinner at a local restaurant. This place is so good that it makes the locals want to shout from the rooftops about it! Here, the owner has prepared a fresh fish extravaganza with your name on it. The fish you’re devouring were caught by the restaurant owner this morning, so you know each dish is the real deal!

It’s been a good few days of solid hiking by now, so when your head finally hits the pillow tonight you’ll surely be fast asleep within seconds. Zzzzzz…

Accommodation: Speires Suites (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Amorgos

Slow down, you’re on Iraklia time now! It’s hard to do anything on this island in a hurry, so why not embrace the slower pace and start the day with a short stroll to the beach?

By afternoon, you’re setting sail (well, hopping on a ferry) to Amorgos, where your home base will be the lovely Aegiali Bay. Here, you’ll find more sandy beaches than you can shake a stick at and a laid-back fishing port where the boats bob lazily in the water. It’s bliss!

Every sunset on the Greek Islands is special, but the ones on Amorgos are next-level stunning! Don’t miss rounding off the day by watching the sky erupt into hues of pink, orange and red before dining under the stars with your newfound friends. Another meal of tzatziki, pita and all the Greek goodies is waiting for you. 

Can you overdo it on Greek cuisine? Spoiler: Absolutely not!

Accommodation: Amorgos Filoxenia (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 – Amorgos Villages

Got your walking shoes laced up? Brilliant, because you’re wandering on Amorgos’s kalderimi today, the island’s historic highway that weaves through Aegiali’s trio of villages: Lagada, Stroumbos and Tholaria. Expect to dodge the occasional mule traffic jam and exchange nods with the village’s ever-friendly, ever-chatty elders as you walk. It’s all part of the adventure!

As you amble along the trail, you’ll quickly notice the herbal scent hanging in the air, all thanks to the local flora. We bet you’ve never been on a floral-perfumed hike before! If hiking in the heat has got you melting, not to worry: the nearby church of Panagia Epanochoriani is a cracker of a spot to catch your breath for a shady break and a natter.

After trekking 8 kilometres, what better way to chill than with a dive into Aegiali’s waters? It’s the ultimate refresher, readying you for tomorrow’s hike which is one that’s going to test your mettle!

Accommodation: Amorgos Filoxenia (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Amorgos Villages

Today’s trek is an absolute belter that’ll see you tracing the backbone of Amorgos, from Chora to Aegiali. But first, let’s have a nosy around Chora. This Cycladic town is a stunner. We’re talking narrow streets, whimsical chapels, ancient windmills and houses so white you’ll need your sunnies! It’s straight out of your Greek Island travel dreams and it would’ve been a crime to skip it.

Now, it’s time to walk. The 15-kilometre route kicks off at the uber-impressive Hozoviotissa Monastery, which clings to the cliff face like something out of a Greek legend. You’ll then continue along Amorgos’s spine, winding through a landscape dotted with remnants of ancient times and through sleepy villages frozen in time.

What’s the perfect way to end such a cracking day? A group feast at one of the oldest restaurants on the island. So, what will it be? Moussaka? Grilled octopus? Chicken souvlaki? It’s hard to choose when every option is delicious!

Accommodation: Amorgos Filoxenia (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 – Santorini

Make the most of your final morning in Aegiali before making your way over to the island that needs no introduction. A last dip in those inviting waters? Absolutely!

Post-lunch, you’ll board the ferry, waving goodbye to the smaller islands as you glide towards Santorini’s famous volcanic shores. As the island comes into view, you’ll understand why it gets so much hype. Those cliff-top villages aren’t just pretty, they’re downright spellbinding.

Once on land, it’s time to stretch your legs with an orientation walk around Fira. Ever wandered through a place so beautiful it almost feels unreal? That’s Fira for you. Darting between the town’s whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, you’ll soon understand why so many people fall in love with Santorini, and you’ll find yourself falling fast, too.

Accommodation: Villa Ilias (or similar)
Included: Breakfast 

Day 13 – Fira to Oia Hike

Soak up Santorini at your own pace today with a free morning. Maybe a lazy breakfast, or some time spent lapping up the views? Be sure to save some energy, because come early evening, you’re off on a hike you’ll be telling all of your friends about.

You’ll join the trail in Fira, hugging the caldera’s edge all the way to the town of Oia, with knockout views of the clear blue sea keeping you company every step of the way. 

Pulling into Oia, it’s time to do the thing you can’t miss: watching the world-famous Santorini sunset! Sadly, the setting sun means that your final full day on this Greek adventure is coming to an end, so what better way to bid farewell to your hiking crew than with a final Greek supper at a taverna? Devour Santorini’s tastiest dishes, raise a glass of the finest local wine and toast to an adventure that’s been world-class! 

Accommodation: Villa Ilias (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 – Farewell Friends!

Well, here we are – the last page of your Greek adventure story. It’s time to pack up those memories (and maybe a few souvenirs) as you say your goodbyes over breakfast. Our team’s ready to whisk you off to the airport, so you’ll arrive with plenty of time for your journey home.

See you next time!

Included: Breakfast