A 15-day "bike and hike" tour (biking on Paros, Antiparos and Naxos, hiking on Santorini). Biking, hiking and touring on Paros, Naxos and Santorini, including excursions to Antiparos, Delos and Mykonos. Paros was the birthplace of the lyric poet Archilochos. Naxos had become the centre of the Venetian dukedom of the Archipelago. Delos was the Bethlehem for the ancient religion: There the god of light Apollo was born. Is Santorini the mythical Atlantis? “Island-hopping” at the coasts of light, biking by the sea through arid landscapes and lonely areas, walking on medieval paths to archaic statues, along the crater’s border. It’s really (at least) as beautiful as shown in the pictures.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 - Welcome
Arrival in Athens. Transfer to the hotel. One night in Athens
Day 2 – Boat trip to Paros. Biking to the north of the island
Early in the morning: transfer to the harbour of Piraeus. On a Ferryboat we enjoy our trip towards the island of Paros (approx. 5 h). We settle to our hotel in Parikia, the main town of the island, and take our mountain bikes. In the afternoon we bike to the picturesque village of Naousa and have a walk through its old harbour-quarter. On an alternative road we return to Parikia [22 km, 200 m uphill, easy to medium, A-B]. In the evening we stroll through the labyrinth of allays of the traditional settlement to the little church of Konstantin and Helen on the hill of Kastro, where we can wait for the sunset and then we continue to the tavern. 3 nights in Parikia
Day 3 - Around the Island by bicycle
We bike towards the ancient marble quarries of Marathi, where the famous Parian marble was extracted from underground galleries. Further biking to the inland village of Lefkes and walk through its traditional settlement. Through the village of Prodromos we join the east coast. On a panoramic road (Photo stop always possible) and past nice beaches (where we can swim) we bike through the villages of Dryos, Aliki and Voutakos returning Parikia [50 km, 450 m uphill, medium to demanding, B-C].
Day 4 - The neighbouring island of Antiparos
This bike tour passes the monastery of “Christos tou Dasous” (“Christ of the forest”), 180m, goes to the “Butterflies-valley” (open only in summer time) and continues to Pounta, at the strait between Paros and Antiparos. By ferry, we reach the neighbouring island. We bike to the cave, 160m, where we can read between the stalactites even the signature of the first, Bavarian king of modern Greece Othon. In the center of the traditional settlement the medieval fortified village remains virtually intact. There are several beaches to choose for swimming. Late in the afternoon we return to Paros and Parikia [30 km, 350 m uphill, medium, B].
Day 5 - An early Christian church. Cycladic idols and archaic statues. To the volcanic island of Santorini
In the morning we visit the early Christian church of Panagia Katapoliani and the archaeological museum. At noon we take the ferry to Santorini (3 h). The entry of the boat into the caldera (the crater of the always active volcano itself) is an overwhelming experience. Transfer from the harbour of Athinios to Kamari on the east coast of the island (10 km). Dinner at a tavern. 3 nights in Kamari
Day 6 - Medieval villages. Fira, the capital of the island. Hiking along the border of the crater. The marvel of Oia
Bus ride to the medieval villages of Pyrgos and Emporio, walk through their picturesque settlements. Short stop at Saint Nicolas Marmaras, a small ancient temple, transformed into Christian church. We continue to Fira, the capital of the island (approx. 25 km). Short guided walk, then free time to stroll around and visit the museums. After lunch, hiking opportunity on a panoramic path, along the border of the caldera on Prophet Elias mountain towards Oia [3 h, 360 m up, easy to medium, B+]. Free time to enjoy a walk around one of the most picturesque villages of the world. Return to Kamari (19 km).
Day 7 - Ancient Thera, one of the most impressive excavation sites in Greece. Optional excursion to an active volcano
Hiking from Kamari to Ancient Thera on the mountain Mesa Vouno, 369m, to visit the ruins of the ancient city. Its location makes it one of the most impressive excavation sites in Greece. We go downhill on a path which passes by the small church of Zoodochos Pigi [3 h 30 min, easy, B+]. The rest of the day at leisure. Opportunity for an optional visit to the active volcano on the island of Nea Kameni. Transfer to Fira (5km). On the donkey path descend to the old harbour. Short boat trip to Nea Kameni, where the volcano is still smouldering. Hiking forth and back to Georgios crater, 127m, [1 h, easy, A+]. Witnesses of a unique geological phenomenon, one shudders at the thought of standing on an active volcano. Return to Fira. From the harbour to the village we can walk, ride or use the cableway. Return by bus to Kamari (8km).
Day 8 - To Naxos. The island’s capital
We take the ferry towards Naxos (route direct or with a stop on the island of Ios) (2 h 30 min). City tour in the capital of the island, Chora of Naxos. The castle was the seat of the dukes of Naxos during the Venetian period. The former Jesuit monastery houses the archaeological museum with its rich Cycladic idol collection. The best sunset view is from the Portara (“Great Door”), at the ruins of the temple of Apollo or from one of the taverns by the harbour promenade. Six nights at Chora of Naxos
Day 9 - Bike tour to the SW of the island
Biking across a fertile plane. Near the Chora a temple of Dionysus was excavated. Through the picturesque villages of Agios Arsenios and Tripodes we soon reach the highest point of that day’s bike tour (170 m). After a long, panoramic downhill ride we reach the Bay of Aliko with its beautiful sandy beach. Swimming opportunity. Along the west coast, partially on lonely tracks, we bike through Agia Anna back to the town of Naxos [38 km, 220 m uphill, medium, B].
Day 10 - Impressive biking tour in the inland
We bike to Melanes on the asphalt road and continue on a narrow way to Flerio, where the ancient marble statue of a young man lies in a beautiful garden waiting for visitors. We continue on the road, passing the marble quarries and the village of Kinidaros, to reach the highest point for the day (480 m) and the Byzantine church of Panagia Drossiani. Very old olive trees stand on the plateau of Tragaea with Venetian family towers in the villages. Behind Chalki we traverse a bizarre rocky landscape. On a hill stand the ruins of the fortress of Epano Kastro. After traversing the three villages of the valley of Potamia, we return to Chora [40 km, 600 m uphill, medium to demanding, B-C].
Day 11 - An abandoned episcopal church and the sanctuary of a pagan goddess
A nice mountain bike tour. From the town of Naxos, on roads and on narrow paths, we ride to the abandoned (nowadays) former episcopal church of St. Mamas. After traversing the main road we continue to the sanctuary of the goddess Demeter near Sangri. Through a solitary landscape we reach again the main road near Damarionas. We pass the Pyrgos (tower) of Belonia-family, traverse the village of Tripodes and reach the west coast near Plaka. Through Kalamouria we return to the Chora [50 km, 500 m uphill, medium to demanding, B-C].
Day 12 - At leisure. Optional boat trip to Delos and Mykonos
Delos was a Bethlehem for the ancient religion (birth-place of Apollo, the god of light, music and oracles for the Greeks), later an international commerce and shipping centre of the ancient world, today the most important excavation in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos has a beautiful Cycladic settlement; it is famous today for the sandy beaches and its intense night life as well.
Day 13 - Rough mountain landscape, lonely villages, Byzantine churches and a very old young man. A bus trip with a walking tour
All-day excursion to the mountains and the northern part of the island. We visit a pottery workshop in the village of Damalas, traverse the plateau of Tragea driving through its main village Chalki and then along the slopes of mountain Zas, via Filoti we reach Apirathos. After a short stay at the amphitheatrically built mountain village, we continue via the villages Emery, Koronos and Skado to Koronis, 550 m (40 km). From there we can walk down to Apollon village [2 h, easy, B+] and swim. Near the village the 2500 years old marble statue of a young man still lies in the quarry. On a panoramic road along the N, NW coast we drive back to Naxos town (35 km).
Day 14 - Return to Athens
In the morning we leave by ferryboat to Piraeus (ca. 5h). Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon free time to visit Athens. One night in Athens
Day 15 - Goodbye!
Transfer to the airport.
HIGHLIGHTS
On Paros
- Parikia: Capital of the island with the paleochristian church of Panagia Katapoliani and its traditional settlement on the Kastro hill
- The fishing village of Naousa.
On Antiparos
- The cave with its stalactite-decoration.
- The medieval fortified village
On Santorini
- The entrance to the caldera
- The medieval villages Pyrgos and Emporio
- Fira: Capital of the island, high above the caldera
- The panoramic walk along the border of the crater
- Oia, one of the most picturesque places in the world
- Ancient Thera, one of the most beautiful excavation-sites in Greece
- Boat trip to the active volcano.
On Naxos
- The Chora with its Castle of dukes of Naxos
- The sunset from the Portara
-The walk to Apollon
- The biking tours through lonely landscapes
- The ancient marble young man in the garden of Flerio
On Delos
- The excavations of the ancient city
- The sanctuary of Apollo.
On Mykonos
- The traditional settlement
TRAVEL NOTES
BIKING
6 biking tours of medium difficulty
HIKING
3-4 easy walking tours
ACCOMMODATION
14 overnight stays in well maintained BB mid-range hotels in generally quiet surroundings.
MEALS
Dinner in traditional taverns. At noon a picnic or a light meal are previewed.
In Athens the meals are not included
SERVICES
- Transport, excursions, biking and walking tours as described in the program
- 14 nights BB in rooms with WC and bath or shower in medium class hotels
- 12 dinners in taverns (daily, except in Athens)
- 12 picnics or light meals at noon time
- A mountain bike for the biking tours
- Professional guide
- NOT included in the price: All trips that are indicated as "optional"; admissions to museums and excavations; meals in Athens; flights to/from Greece
Participants: min. 6, max. 16
Prices in Euro: from 1494 euros per person in a double-room
Extras:
- Single-rooms + 210 €
- Optional excursions: Nea Kameni: 28 € + Entrance 2 € + cableway 5 €; Delos-Mykonos: 44 € + Admission: 12 €