Walking on the Greek Islands

8 Days Starting in Rafina and ending in Athens

Visiting: Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Paros

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TEJ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2325

NB: Prices correct on 21-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The Greek islands have much to offer: archeological treasures, history, culture, dramatic landscapes, azure seas, and, of course, delicious food. Our week starts on the beautiful island of Santorini, before heading to Naxos and Paros. Exploring the irresistible island of Santorini on foot will certainly be the highlight of our week. Hopping from one wonderful island to the other, we enjoy a relaxed week of gentle walks through picturesque villages, lush valleys and sandy beaches.

Highlights

  • Experience the finest walks on three Greek islands with a small group of like-minded adventurers

  • Uncover the distinct cultures of Santorini, Naxos and Paros with the help of our expert tour leader

  • Walk a volcanic caldera from Fira to Oia for spectacular views of the Aegean Sea

  • Take the opportunity to indulge in the local Greek delicacies

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Athens; To Rafina And Overnight

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idontlikemushroom

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn or Avra Hotel (or similar)

We gather at our hotel and have our first meeting as a group at 8pm – a good chance to get to know your leader and fellow group members. Rest well tonight; tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry.



Accommodation: Avra Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 : Morning Ferry To Santorini; Then Explore The Town Of Fira

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Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, we take the ferry to Santorini (approximately eight hours). There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving food and drinks throughout the journey. Santorini (known locally as Thira) is one of the most famous islands in the world. Known mainly for its beautiful beaches, it is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off. A huge eruption (estimated 1650 BCE) gave it its crescent shape and many speculate that it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to walkers, including magnificent views of the Mediterranean. In the late afternoon, we walk around the town of Fira on a flat paved path to enjoy the stunning views of the caldera.



Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Day 3 : Walk Along The Caldera From Fira To Oia

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irvin_shaquil
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Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 we transfer back to Fira.



Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Day 4 : Free Time In Santorini; Afternoon Ferry To Naxos

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Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we have free time in Santorini. Optional extras 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 ferry to Naxos, the journey is approximately two hours.



Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 5 : Walk The Ravine Of Potamia Villages In Tragea Valley, Visiting The Ancient Statue Of Kouros

Athanasios Athanasiadis
Noah Schneider
ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ ΓΑΡΟΦΑΛΑΚΗΣ

Location: Naxos

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we transfer for one hour to trek the lush valley of Tragea, best known for its 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. We 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)

Day 6 : Morning Ferry To Paros; Hike The 1,000-Year-Old Byzantine Path From Lefkes; Evening Ferry Back To Naxos

Location: Paros

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, we take a one-hour ferry to Paros, 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 villages and medieval villages. Then we explore the town, the castle and Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before we take a ferry back to Naxos in the evening.



Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 7 : Explore The Town And Visit The Temple Of Apollo

Athanasios Athanasiadis
Noah Schneider
ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ ΓΑΡΟΦΑΛΑΚΗΣ

Location: Naxos

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with its 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)

Day 8 : Ferry Transfer To Piraeus; End Athens

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idontlikemushroom

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

We take the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to London.



Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season and you might return to Rafina.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts

  • All accommodation (see below)

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel Insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Tourist tax (paid locally)

Food

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 local 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.

Accommodation

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).

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    16

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Arrival & departure transfers

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Walking on the Greek Islands

Altogether a very enjoyable and varied holiday. The walks were excellent and not too challenging. Scenery was out of this world and so was the weather. Ferry journeys very enjoyable and the length did not bother me. Very friendly group of travellers. All in all a very successful holiday.

Walking the Greek Islands

This was a wonderful holiday with just the right amount of hiking. Some was a bit strenuous, but very doable. The accommodations were good-commensurate with the cost of the trip. The best part was our guide, Thanos. He was knowledgeable, accommodating and went out of his way to make the trip wonderful.

Great introduction to the Greek Islands!

This walking trip to the Greek Islands was a fantastic introduction to Greek food, culture, and the fun of island hopping!

Fantastic Week

A really enjoyable, relaxing trip. Accommodation was excellent in all places, our guide Cecile was fantastic, Greek food is wonderful, and the walks were brilliant. Everything was well organized. I hadn't been to the Greek Islands before, and this tour was the perfect introduction to this beautiful corner of the world. Santorini was overflowing with tourists (there were three cruise ships there when we arrived, and the chaos at the ferry terminal--which is not where the cruise ships go--was truly something to experience) but everyone should visit this stunning and unique island once in their lifetime. The walk on Santorini was incredibly beautiful (although hot--very little shade). Naxos and Paros were more laid back, also stunningly beautiful, and exactly what I dreamed the Greek islands might be like--I took SO many photos! You have some time to explore on your own. The walks are not difficult, and the pace matches the group--steady but no rush. You need sturdy walking shoes for sure, but not boots. If you often walk with a pole, bring it as paths are rocky and uneven in many places. You do spend a fair few hours on ferries but that's part of getting around between islands, so bring a book and enjoy the experience. I'm sure all groups are different, but ours was a really nice mix of people from the UK, NZ, Australia, and the US, with a median age in the 50-65 range. If you're even thinking about this trip, don't hesitate--just book it.

Walking on the Greek Islands

A great trip, beautiful walks, stunning scenary, good culture, simple-small-friendly hotels in perfect locations, knowledgeable leader - couldn't have asked for more from my first Exodus walking holiday.

Walking on the Greek Islands

If you want a lovely, leisurely, sunny trip with a great mixture of scenery, culture and gentle walks this is great. There were only 9 people which was perfect. Plenty of flexibility for free time and eating with the group or choosing to wander off on your own or in smaller groups. In June the weather was lovely, it started to get too warm for walking at the end of the week, so I skipped the last day to enjoy on the beach in Naxos. Hotels were good standard, with pools. The ferries can be slightly tedious, but an experience. Great mix of 3 islands, of course whilst Santorini is touristy it is absolutely stunning.

Greek Islands.

This is an ideal trip to get a flavour of three Greek Islands, Paros, Santorini & Naxos. Also it is a good way of experiencing the culinary delights of the islands. I would question the classification of the trip, which is Leisurely. While there is plenty of time to relax on the ferry crossings betwen each island, all the walks while, relative short have ascents and decents on rough country paths. The path on Naxos is graded Difficult on the local trail board. However our mixed aged group (50 to 70+) coped with only a few minor difficulties.

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

Fantastically well organised trip with a great variety of walking, sightseeing, travel and cuisine. Good group size, interesting itinerary and clever use of local transport. Our guide was entertaining, informed and helpful throughout. Highly recommended (Be aware the walking is not challenging if that's what you're after)

Great trip!

Very good in spite of unseasonable weather for September. High winds cancelled ferries for several days. As a consequence we stayed only one night on Paros and missed Santorini entirely. But we got to know Naxos very well, and it is an island with plenty to do. it might have been frustrating, but leader Cecile Deltreil made superhuman efforts to keep us well occupied. Although we saw her frequently glued to her cell phone, she never seemed stressed out and explained changing arrangements in a way that kept us calm and happy. She was also an excellent guide on walks and in the towns we visited. If Cecile is typical of Exodus quality of service, it is an excellent company. In general accommodation was good and food excellent. Cecile has friendly relations with lots of good restaurants. I would certainly recommend this trip, and will be investigating other Exodus trips in future.

Walking on the Greek Islands

My first group walking experience and I thoroughly enjoyed joining a group of like-minded people for a very well organised holiday. The islands were beautiful, the weather kind and the balance of walking, sight-seeing and relaxing just about right.

Read all 47 reviews

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.