Cyclades: Naxos, Amorgos and Santorini

Highlights by
Kélifos

  1. The discovery of 3 major Cycladic islands, very different from each other
  2. A program combining hikes, swimming, visits as well as beautiful moments of relaxation on the terraces of taverns
  3. A small paradise where reigns an authentic sweetness of life "in Greek style"

2 travellers have added this tour to their selection

Three daughters from the great Cycladic family! Born in the mythical waters of the Aegean Sea, they are three very different sisters in terms of geology, landscape, and history.
Naxos, the largest of the three, is also the most forested. Made up of granite, marble, and limestone, bordered by beautiful sandy beaches near its alluring capital, Chora (6,500 inhabitants), it is home to Mount Zas (1,001 m), the highest point in the Cyclades.

Amorgos is located further east. This large limestone pebble placed in the sea is less populated. Amorgos offers austere and grandiose landscapes promise of sumptuous hikes. This austerity is softened by the charm of its villages and its perched capital, Chora, with its typical Cycladic architecture. Amorgos is also famous for the image of its Chozoviotissa monastery, embedded in the cliff. Amorgos was used as a set for the film "Le Grand Bleu" (The Big Blue) in 1988.

Your journey ends in Santorini, a fascinating volcanic island, sculpted by the eruption that destroyed a good part of the primitive island of Santorini, around 1600 BC There remains an archipelago including the main island, Santorini (or Thira) hugs the edge of the caldera in an elegant crescent, at the crest of which stretch the famous towns of Fira and Oia. At the heart of this open ring, the island of Nea Kameni is the chimney of the most active volcano in the Aegean Sea. The splendor of the sunsets on the caldera, the beauty of the hilltop villages, and the magnificence of the volcanic rocks with incredible colors, made the island a bit of a victim of its success. But it offers superb hikes, intimately linked to the archaeological sites that have revealed its opulent past, dating back to the radiant Minoan period, well known in Crete.

Dates and prices

We are updating the next travel dates. Please dial +30 266 304 1476 or send us an email to info@kelifos.travel for any request.

Specify

Departure dates at your convenience.
 

 

Dates Price per person
From To 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons
01/05/2021 31/05/2021 745 € 705 € 690 €
01/06/2021 30/06/2021 790 € 760 € 740 €
01/07/2021 31/08/2021 955 € 920 € 895 €
01/09/2021 30/09/2021 790 € 760 € 740 €
01/10/2021 31/10/2021 745 € 705 € 690 €

* Price for 3:
- 1 couple + 1 child under 15: price for 3 as indicated above, accommodation in a triple room
- 1 double + 1 single: price for 3 people as indicated above with the single room supplement

Prices include

  • accommodation for 11 nights in a double / twin room
  • the breakfasts
  • transfers from and to the port to accommodation on each island
  • Transfer to Santorini airport on D12
  • the travel file
  • boat tickets

Prices do not include

  • flights
  • the drinks
  • lunches and dinners
  • transfers not included
  • the visits
  • personal expenses
  • tourist taxes must be paid on-site with hotels
  • the insurance
  • registration fees
  • anything not indicated in "Prices include"

Options, extras and discounts

  • low season single room supplement: 270 €
  • supplement for single room mid-season: 295 €
  • single room supplement high season: 390 €
  • Athens airport transfer - Piraeus or to the airport: on request

Itinerary

Carte du voyage Les Cyclades : Naxos, Amorgos et Santorin
D1

Piraeus

Arrival in Athens. You get to your hotel in Piraeus, by metro or bus (at your expense; easy and cheap). You can collect your boat tickets on arrival, especially if your ferry's departure time is early the next day; otherwise, you will take them the next morning.

Accommodation

Hotel

D2

Naxos

From Piraeus, the ferry takes you to Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades and its capital, Chora. Transfer to your accommodation. You can also reach your accommodation on foot (15 minutes) for a first approach to the endearing town of Naxos (in this case, the luggage is transported by vehicle). Depending on the time of arrival, swimming, stroll in the alleys of the upper town, to the Catholic cathedral and the archaeological museum then to the site of Portara (temple of Apollo dating from the 6th century BC) at sunset from the sun.

Accommodation

Hotel

D3

Naxos: Chalki - Apano Kastro - Kouros of Flerio - Potamia

Scheduled bus (at your own expense) to the fertile inner valley of Tragea and its superb villages like Chalki, amidst olive groves and at the foot of the highest mountains in the Cyclades. Following ancient and sometimes cobbled paths, you go up to the fortress of Apano Kastro, perched on a defensive site used from antiquity to the Venetian period. Further on, there are ancient marble quarries with their colossal statues of (unfinished) Kouros.

Accommodation

Hotel

Walking time

5h

Elevation +

400 m

Elevation -

400 m

D4

Naxos - Mount Zas

Today you reach Mount Zas (1004m), the highest point in the Cyclades: It is THE mountain of Zeus on Naxos! Take a bus or taxi to Filoti, a white village built like an amphitheater on the side of the mountains. Bring water, headwear, and sunscreen, as there is no shade on this course. The panorama is sumptuous. There follows a beautiful hike on ancient mountain trails to the beautiful village of Apiranthos.

Accommodation

Hotel

Walking time

5 h

Elevation +

900 m

Elevation -

900 m

D5

Naxos, then crossing to Amorgos

If the boat leaves early in the afternoon, you can enjoy the charm of the alleys of Chora one last time and, in two hours, have a complete tour of the city. If the ferry leaves in the evening or at night for Amorgos, you can extend the fun of the mountain:
1. Hike from Apiranthos to Chalki via Moni
2. Hike from Stavros Chapel to Skinou reservoir via Keramoti
Crossing to the island of Amorgos, immortalized by the film the Big Blue. Transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Walking time

4 h

Elevation +

600 m

Elevation -

600 m

D6

Amorgos

You can adapt the program to your desire or your state of freshness.
Possible hikes
1. Short hike from Aigiali to Lagada then Tholaria. Very beautiful villages and ancestral paths.
2. Longer hike: Aigiali - Lagada - Agios Ioanis Thologos Monastery in A / R with an extension to the chapel of Stavros in a sumptuous mountain environment above the sea.

Itinerary
Accommodation

Hotel

Walking time

2h 45

Elevation +

400m

Elevation -

400m

Walking time

4-5h

Elevation +

800m

Elevation -

800m

D7

Amorgos: Chora - Moni Chozoviotissa - Aegiali

One of the most beautiful hikes in Amorgos, in a quiet - not to say deserted - part of the island. Departing from Chora, the island's capital, you descend to the superb Chozoviotissa monastery, and its dazzling whiteness, admirably embedded in a cliff. Then you follow the backbone of the island, on an old path that brings you back to Aigiali. Check the bus timetables, to possibly choose to do this hike in the opposite direction.

Accommodation

Hotel

Walking time

5h

Elevation +

600m

Elevation -

800m

D8

Amorgos: Katapola – Arkesini

Between the port of Katapola and the mountain town of Arkesini, the path lingers in forgotten valleys and runs alongside major elements of the island's heritage: the ancient cities of Minoa and Arkesini, Agia Triada tower ... the fresh air of the open sea accompanies you while the goats that look like wild animals move away as you approach. The route approaches the sea around Lefkes, giving you the prospect of a swim.
Depending on the bus timetable, it may be advisable to hike in the Arkesini-Katapola direction. You will then have a taxi transfer (at your own expense) to your starting point - the Agia Triada tower - which you can visit as it is open in the morning. Arriving in Katapola will allow you to daydream on the terrace of a tavern in front of a cold cafe before catching a bus to Aigiali in the afternoon.

Accommodation

Hotel

Walking time

5h

Elevation +

600m

Elevation -

800m

D9

Santorini: Megalochori - Akrotiri - Loumorades / Oia Fira

Transfer to the port. Ferry to Santorini, usually via Naxos. Transfer to the hotel.
Possible hikes:
1. Depending on your time of arrival, you can go by scheduled bus to the Akrotiri site, in the south of the island. Possible visit of the astonishing site museum presenting the ruins of the Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic explosion of - 1600 BC and then covered with ash. If the famous Akrotiri frescoes are almost all on display in the Athens Museum, it is an exciting visit to make.
2. You can continue with a short circuit on the Loumorades hillside via the red beach and the modern village of Akrotiri. You can also choose to visit Fira and extend with a 3-hour hike along the caldera to in Oia (pronounced Iya). Superb views of the sea and the white sash of houses stretching along the ridge, above the successive layers of volcanic rocks corresponding to the various eruptions of the volcano. You can also easily make this crossing in the direction Oia - Fira.

Accommodation

Hotel

Elevation +

270m

Elevation -

350m

D10

Santorini: Pyrgos - ancient Thera - Kamari

Hike of 3 to 4 hours from Megalochori, Emborio or Pyrgos, to the peak of the island (Mount Profitis Ilias - 567 m) before descending on a perched plateau, to ancient Thera, which was the capital of Santorini in the days of ancient Greece. There follows a very beautiful descent to Kamari, where you can relax on the black beach, famous as one of the most beautiful on the island.

Accommodation

Hotel

Walking time

3-4h

Elevation +

300m

Elevation -

510m

D11

Santorini: Kameni Islands

Several choices are available to you.
1. You can take a trip to Kameni Islands, hot springs, and Thirassia or you can just relax the day on one of the island's beaches.
2. If you have not done it, you can also choose to do the hike between Oia and Fira described above.

Accommodation

Hotel

D12

End of stay

End of stay after breakfast. Transfer (included) to the airport or port of Santorini.

We may have to modify the indicated route: either at the organizational level (problem of overloaded accommodation, modification of the state of the ground, landslides, degraded paths, etc.). These changes are always made in your interest, for your safety, and for better comfort!
Boat schedules are subject to change. We adapt our program to these times, and cannot be held responsible for any changes caused. Likewise, early departures (boat or plane) can prevent you from having breakfast in your hotels. This will not result in a refund from us.
The hikes on each island can be done in any order you wish, taking into account, of course, the arrival and departure times of ferries and planes.

Technical description

Grade

Easy to medium, no portage. You have to love walking and be in good shape. 2 to 7 hours of walking per day. The days are often flexible. No technical difficulty, hiking experience is desirable, but not essential.

Luggage transport

You only carry a small backpack with your daily things, the picnic and the groceries. You will have to transfer all of your luggage when traveling from / to the airport or the boat.

Transfers

Included in the price:
- boat tickets as described in the program
- transfer of luggage from the port of Naxos to the hotel in Naxos round trip
- transfer from the port of Amorgos to the hotel in Amorgos round trip
- transfer from the port of Santorini to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport (or port) of Santorini
Other transfers are your responsibility.

Boats:
You travel from island to island on the regular ferries that ply the Aegean Sea from Piraeus.
Warning! Scheduled times may change, and it is essential to check them when you arrive on an island. You should also know that Greek ferries can sail up to force 9 (that's already a lot), but beyond that, they must stay in port. Anyway, our local partners are there and do their best (fortunately, it's rare!) To redesign your circuit.

Indicative times for boat crossings:
Piraeus - Naxos: departure 07:25 am / arrival 12:30 pm
Naxos - Amorgos: departure 11:00 p.m. / arrival 1:10 a.m. or 2:50 a.m. (depending on the boat), where possible we offer a boat at 11:30 a.m. that arrives at 1:15 p.m. or another leaving at 2:00 p.m. that arrives at 7:00 p.m.
Amorgos - Santorini: early morning departure via Naxos or departure 6:40 p.m. / arrival 7:45 p.m.
Please note, these times are indicative and must be checked. They can change depending on your departure period, we will systematically give you the schedules when confirming your stay.

Group

From 2 people.

Duration

12 days / 11 nights.

Accommodation / Catering

► Accommodation
In 2 * hotels or 2 * comfort pension and 3 * hotel in Santorini (depending on availability), in a room of 2 with bathroom. The hotel in Santorini has a swimming pool (subject to availability). We can offer you superior category accommodation, consult us. Possibility to book a single room, on request and with supplement.

Tourist tax
This tax must be paid on-site, at the hotels. Its amount depends on the hotel category and may vary.
1 * and 2 * hotel: € 0.50 / room / night
3 * hotel: 1.50 € / room / night
4 * hotel: 3 € / room / night
5 * hotel: 4 € / room / night

► Catering
Breakfasts included. Lunches and dinners are not included. Please note: early departures (boat or plane) may prevent you from having breakfast in your hotels. This will not result in a refund from us. In the islands, some hotels will prepare a "breakfast box" for you in the event of an early departure. Please let us know when registering any food allergy or special diet; we will do our best to adapt your breakfasts.

Travel documents

A complete travel file will be given to you, including, among other things, detailed maps, the topo guide, the list of accommodation as well as the vouchers. Depending on the case, you will receive your file before departure, or you will find it at the first accommodation. There is no guide for this trip.

Start / End

► Appointment
Day 1 to your hotel in Piraeus.

► Dispersion
Day 12 after breakfast in Santorini (port or airport).

Access

How to reach Piraeus from Athens airport
By Metro
From the airport you must: take line M3 (blue) to Monastiraki then take line M1 (green) to Piraeus stop, the terminus. It takes about 1h30 of journey in all.
Price: between € 6 and € 10 / person for a one-way ticket. The hotel is 800m from the metro stop.

By bus
From the airport, there is a direct bus to Piraeus (line X96). The trip lasts about 1h50 and the ticket price is 6 €. The hotel is 800m from the bus stop.

By taxi
Around € 50/70 per trip.
We can book the private transfer for you, consult us.

How to reach Athens airport from the city center
By Metro
The hotel in Athens is a 350m walk from Omonia metro station M2 line (red). You can take this line towards Elliniko, change at Syntagma and then take the M3 (blue) line towards the airport. You can also go directly to the Syntagma stop for a direct trip to the airport (15 minutes' walk from the hotel). The trip lasts about 1 hour.

By bus
There is a direct bus between Syntagma Square (about 15 minutes' walk from then the hotel) and the airport. You have to take the X95 bus. It takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and the ticket costs 6 € / person for a one-way ticket.

By taxi
Around 40/60 €.
We can book the private transfer for you, consult us.
 

Swimming

A number of our trips are suitable for swimming, during a stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to enjoy. We stress, however, that you are the sole judges of the advisability of a swim; these swims are therefore done under your responsibility and at your own risk.

Photos

You take great photos! Do not hesitate to send us a CD, a USB key, a Dropbox or WeTransfer link of your best photos taken during your trip. The fact that you provide us with photos implies that you accept that your photos will be used free of charge on our various media (catalog, website, technical sheet, etc.).

Travel Blog

Do you want to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your comments that we will publish for you on our blog.

Equipment

To hike
- Mountain boots holding the ankle with a good notched sole, with a heel counter, and good waterproofness
- Comfortable “special hiking” socks
- A fleece jacket
- Comfortable pants for walking (technical material that dries quickly)
- Shorts, t-shirts, and technical underwear (quickly drying material)
- A long-sleeved shirt (technical material that dries quickly)
- Walking poles (telescopic), very important to facilitate walking

Note: synthetic technical clothing is very efficient. New merino wool clothes have also appeared; they are very efficient and comfortable to wear, and have the advantage of not developing perspiration odors! (Icebreaker brand, Ruka, etc…).
In general, beware of cotton, which cools when wet.

For the midday picnic
- Plastic bowl, box, or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- Water bottle with a minimum of 1.5 L. Otherwise, bottled water, inexpensive and very easy to find in Greece.

Against the sun and the rain
- Sunscreen (high protection) and sunglasses
- Hat, cap, or bob
- A rain cape (or a "Goretex") or an umbrella (possibly Goretex pants)

After the effort
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers for the evening
- Change of clothes and personal linen
- Kit and towel (mini)
- A swimsuit, a beach towel (it is often possible to swim)
- A mini-pharmacy: personal medicines, elastoplast, biogaze or "2nd skin", gauze, disinfectant, medicine for seasickness, arnica in granules and aspirin in case of small injuries ...

Luggage

- A small, comfortable 30 to 40 L backpack with a lap belt to carry your personal belongings and the picnic during the day
- A following baggage: a backpack, a travel bag in good condition, or a suitcase that is not too bulky. One piece of luggage per person; limited to 20kg

The country

Country: Greece
Capital: Athens
Archipelago: Cyclades
Population: 10,757,292 inhabitants

Formalities

► Papers
Travelers to Greece, including minors, must be in possession of a national identity card or passport (EU nationals).

► Health
Bring the European health insurance card, to ask your health insurance fund at least 15 days before departure. The sanitary conditions are similar to those in most European countries.

Weather

The climate of the islands is Mediterranean, that is to say, hot and dry in summer and mild and rainy in winter, but with significant differences depending on the regions and archipelagos. The Cyclades regularly suffer from lack of rain and during the beautiful season, which lasts here almost 6 months, precipitation is scarce or even completely absent from the end of May to the beginning of October. The Cyclades also benefit from relatively cool summers (for Greece) thanks to the famous "Meltem", a seasonal wind which during the summer season pleasantly refreshes the atmosphere, but which sometimes gets carried away to the point of immobilizing the boats in the port. for a few hours.

Language

Greek, English, and sometimes a little French or German

Currencies

Euro

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