Greek Islands Strolling Tour: Santorini, Naxos, Paros 

When you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Greece in a singular manner—this simply may be your dream journey. I lately went on the Strolling on the Greek Islands tour with Exodus Journey Travels and this small-group tour took us to not only one Greek island, however three: Santorini, Paros, and Naxos. Every island had its personal distinctive persona (and scrumptious Greek meals!), and we explored them one of the best ways doable—on foot. 

I’m sharing all the small print concerning the expertise, so you already know precisely what incredible-ness you may count on! From how difficult the walks are (spoiler: they’re completely doable), to what the itinerary included, to the very best bites I had alongside the way in which.

About Exodus Journey Travels

When you’re searching for a singular solution to discover the world—particularly on foot—Exodus Journey Travels has you coated. They provide tons of of excursions, every part from tradition to wildlife to biking. However, their strolling excursions are really one thing particular. They accommodate all health ranges, rated from 1 (simple breezy) to six (carry your A-game).

For reference, the Strolling on the Greek Islands journey I simply took is a stage 2, which implies it’s lively however relaxed—nothing like the extent 5 Inca Path to Machu Picchu (which I’ve accomplished, and let me let you know, it’s no joke!).

Arrival Info

We flew into Athens and hopped on the complimentary lodge shuttle (a couple of 25-minute journey) to our first in a single day keep: Avra Resort in Rafina. It’s conveniently near the port, and that is the place we met our information, the opposite adventurers and had our pre-trip welcome assembly. We obtained an summary of the week forward, from ferry occasions to climbing plans.

We arrived later within the day, so we stored issues easy and ate dinner on the lodge restaurant—which was truly fairly yummy! That stated, when you’ve got time and vitality, I’d additionally suggest trying out Melinia for an area chunk.

After dinner we obtained some shut-eye earlier than catching an early ferry within the morning and formally beginning our island-hopping journey.

The Greek Islands

Santorini

Santorini (locals name it Thira) is straight-up magical. It’s a part of the Cyclades island group and was truly shaped by a large volcanic eruption 1000’s of years in the past. What’s left is a crescent-shaped island perched on the rim of a collapsed volcanic caldera—which explains these jaw-dropping cliffs and dramatic views. Some even say it may be the actual website of the misplaced metropolis of Atlantis!

You’ve seen the blue domes and whitewashed buildings in 1,000,000 images—however strolling it in actual life? Wow. It’s much more stunning.

Getting There: The Scenic Route

We drove about 45 minutes to Piraeus Port to catch our ferry. Throughout sure occasions of 12 months, you can catch a ferry from Rafina as a substitute, however we missed that window by only a few days. No worries although—this route was a part of the journey.

We hopped on Blue Star Ferries for the 8-hour journey to Santorini. Now earlier than you panic on the quantity eight, hear me out: this factor is extra like a mini cruise ship than a fundamental boat. There are cafés, an off-the-cuff restaurant, a bit of store, and loads of cozy lounge seating (when you snag it early).

Sure, flying is quicker. However driving the ferry is a part of the magic of this tour—floating previous these iconic Greek islands, catching glimpses of Naxos and Paros as we made temporary stops.

➞ Tip: Until you’re in enterprise class (the place they’ve these soft airplane-style seats), get onboard early and seize a great lounge spot. And when you’re questioning about baggage, they’ve a free storage space once you first board. I left my large bag there and simply carried a small tote with me. Completely protected and manner simpler than lugging it upstairs.

The Stroll

We have been speculated to hike the complete 6-mile Fira to Oia path, which hugs the sting of the caldera and climbs to over 1,300 ft. However Mom Nature had different plans (hiya, rain). As an alternative, we did a shorter hike later within the day, ranging from Imerovigli to Oia. Even with the condensed route, it was nonetheless unimaginable. Assume winding paths previous cozy cafés, white-washed church buildings, and the sort of views that make you cease in your tracks.

There have been a number of ups and downs, however nothing too tough—and 100% price each step.

Different Highlights

Wet morning? No downside. Our superior information nonetheless made positive we noticed the very best of Oia—these well-known blue-domed church buildings, the windmill photo-op, and the artsy little outlets which are begging you to wander by way of. We strolled for about an hour and a half, with a number of sprinkles, however nonetheless loving it.

Later, we headed to Santo Wines, one of the well-known wineries on the island. It was fairly an expertise with a tour of the manufacturing course of, a tasting that included 6 completely different native wines and a beautiful charcuterie board. My favourite wine? The Kameni dry purple—positively price bringing a bottle residence.

The place We Ate (and Beloved)

Nikolas Taverna: A captivating, cozy spot run by a husband-wife duo (she cooks, he handles the entrance). It felt like being invited into somebody’s residence—and the meals? Unreal. We ordered all of the issues: tomatokeftedes (Santorini tomato fritters), zucchini fritters, feta me meli, lamb kleftiko, grilled squid, and extra. A lot goodness.

Mama’s: This place serves up conventional Greek dishes with a lot love. Their Santorinian Salad and lamb chops have been perfection—and don’t miss the housemade bread. They deal with tremendous contemporary, native elements, particularly the seafood.

Parea Tavern: Proper within the coronary heart of Fira, this spot appears like a traditional Greek taverna. We devoured moussaka, hen souvlaki, and crispy fried zucchini. They’ve been round since 2005 and actually know what they’re doing. 

The place We Stayed

We stayed at Golden Star Resort, only a brief stroll (150m) from the guts of Thira (Fira) city. It’s a 3-star lodge with traditional Cycladic attraction—assume whitewashed buildings, sea views, and quiet environment which are simply far sufficient from the thrill. Our room was easy, but spacious and cozy, and sure—it had a Nespresso machine (essential for my coffee-loving husband).

Naxos Island

Naxos utterly shocked me (in one of the best ways doable). It’s the most important of the Cyclades islands, however it nonetheless feels charming and under-the-radar. Individuals come right here for the nippiness seashores, conventional villages, lush valleys, and critically good meals. We spent 4 nights on this gem of an island (although we did sneak away someday for a bit of journey over to Paros). And it was the proper combo of tradition, climbing, and mouthwatering meals.

Getting There

We left Santorini within the early afternoon and hopped on a Seajets high-speed ferry headed to Naxos. It took about 90 minutes, and it was a smaller ferry than the one we took to Santorini (so a bit of bumpier), however completely manageable—even for my husband, who’s a little bit of a motion-sickness magnet. The seats have been tremendous cozy and you would even purchase Wi-Fi when you wished to remain related.

Stroll/Hike

One in all my favourite adventures on Naxos was our hike by way of the plush Tragea Valley to see the Apano Kastro (a Venetian fortress perched excessive on a rocky peak). The path began within the lovely village of Chalki, wound previous the previous Byzantine church of Agios Stefanos and even an previous washhouse (laundry had an ideal view again then). The surroundings slowly modified from inexperienced olive groves to wild rocky landscapes as we climbed nearer to the fortress.

Regardless that this ten minute uphill hike was the toughest a part of all of the hikes we did on this journey, it was pretty simple (just a bit rocky).  And the views from up there? Unreal. You may see your complete southwest coast and the ocean past.

On the way in which down, we wandered by way of tiny conventional villages and even stopped at Vallindras Kitron Distillery for a bit of tasting break (as a result of what’s a hike with no sip of one thing native, proper?). We additionally obtained to stroll alongside an historical marble path and ended up on the Kouros of Flerio—the statue dates again to the fifth century BCE and depicts a younger man of tremendous pure dimension with a peak of about 18 ft.

Different Highlights

Wandering by way of Naxos Fortress: This isn’t your typical castle-on-a-hill. It’s woven proper into the previous city, with winding alleys, hidden courtyards, and candy little outlets tucked between stone partitions. Constructed by the Venetians within the thirteenth century, it feels such as you’re stepping straight right into a medieval fairytale.

Limpertas Manolis Pottery Workshop: Watching this native artisan spin clay into artistic endeavors was mesmerizing. It’s such a cool solution to join with the island’s inventive roots—and naturally we had to purchase a bit of handmade one thing to carry residence.

Sundown on the Temple of Apollo (aka the Portara): This large marble doorway is all that’s left of an historical temple to Apollo, and when the solar units behind it? Let’s simply say the Instagram filter is completely pointless. 

The place We Ate

Ammos: They actually carry the contemporary catch of the day to your desk so you may select what you need grilled up. We had grilled calamari with lemon confit capers, crab balls with roasted pepper sauce, Naxos potatoes with garlic butter, and salt cod doughnuts (I do know—sounds bizarre, tastes wonderful). 

That is additionally the place we had a ginormous plate of lobster over pasta that I’ll always remember. 

Caffe Greco: That is the place I fell in love with the Naxos salad. I additionally had the most effective burgers I’ve had in Greece—juicy, spiced with Greek herbs, and served with home made ketchup and mayo. It was informal, cozy, and ideal for lunch.

Sto Ladoxarto: When you’re a beef lover, RUN right here. We ordered the Black Angus beef kontosouvli (17 ounces of completely grilled heaven), and I’m nonetheless dreaming about it. We additionally had kadaifia with minced meat and strawberry jam (don’t knock it until you attempt it), Naxian cheeses with tomato jam, and one other model of the Naxos salad (sure, I’m obsessed). And to high all of it off—they introduced us essentially the most decadent Mosaiko dessert on the home.

Maros: Conventional, cozy, and filled with coronary heart. This little taverna served up Greek salad, hummus, and “drunkin’ pig” (sure, it’s as scrumptious because it sounds). It’s the sort of place the place you simply know each recipe’s been handed down by way of generations.

The place We Stayed

We stayed at Aeolis Resort, which is a small and easy spot in an excellent handy location—only a few minutes’ stroll to each the seaside (Saint George) and the city sq.. Our room was clear and cozy, with a fridge and even each day housekeeping. 

The workers was tremendous pleasant—we have been greeted with a chilly bottle of water at check-in—and breakfast was truly actually nice! Nothing fancy, however completely did the trick. 

Day Journey from Naxos to Paros

Regardless that we have been primarily based on Naxos for 4 nights (and liked each minute of it), our tour had us hopping over to the neighboring island of Paros for a bit of day journey journey. It’s solely about an hour away by ferry—tremendous simple, and completely price it!

Paros is one other gem within the Cyclades, identified for its charming whitewashed villages, golden seashores, and a laid-back vibe that one way or the other nonetheless feels completely alive. It’s obtained that quintessential Greek island magnificence—cobblestone streets, vibrant bougainvillea, and views for days. Individuals come right here for the lovable cities, nice meals, and a extra low-key really feel in comparison with locations like Santorini or Mykonos.

As soon as we arrived, we hit the bottom working (effectively, extra like strolling with goal). 

A few of My Favourite Stops in Paros

Archaeological Museum of Paros: When you’re into historical past (or simply love wandering by way of cool previous issues), this museum is a deal with. It’s full of historical pottery, sculptures, and artifacts from Paros, Antiparos, and Despotiko—a few of it courting again to the Neolithic period. 

Streets of Parikia: Parikia is the island’s capital and predominant port, with traditional white-and-blue Cycladic properties, slim little alleyways, tiny outlets with handmade goodies, and simply sufficient buzz to maintain issues fascinating. The waterfront is lined with cafés and eating places, good for a mid-walk espresso or cocktail.

Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani: This historical church is among the oldest in Greece—like 4th century previous. The identify actually means “the church with 100 doorways,” although legend has it solely 99 have been discovered… (so when you discover the one centesimal, let me know, okay?). The structure is gorgeous, and the entire place simply feels sacred and peaceable. It’s an necessary pilgrimage website and a significant piece of Paros historical past.

The place We Ate

Sigi Ihthios (Silence of the Fish): This seaside spot in Naoussa (a cute little fishing village) had the freshest fish, caught that morning and ready to perfection. The vibe right here is cozy and welcoming—you may even stroll by way of the kitchen when you’re interested by how the magic occurs. If it’s a pleasant day, then positively sit outdoors with a view of all of the docked boats.

PS: I extremely suggest the octopus, it was yummy—tender, flavorful, and completely charred.

Greek Islands Strolling Tour Video

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