Hiking on Naxos – 5 Routes for the Perfect Active Vacation
Hiking on Naxos is the best way to discover the island beyond the beaches. Naxos is the most mountainous Cycladic island – with the 1,004-meter Mount Zas, traditional marble villages, and spectacular coastal paths. Our 5 hiking routes lead through olive groves, over ancient steps, and to hidden viewpoints. All routes are reachable from Villa La Natura within 20 minutes.
1. Mount Zas Summit – The King’s Route
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard (4.5 km, 420 m elevation)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Start: Apiranthos or Filoti (30 min from the villa)
Best season: March–June, September–October
The hike up Mount Zas (Zias) – the highest peak in the Cyclades – is a must for hiking fans. The ascent from Filoti passes the Cave of Zas (mythological birthplace of Zeus) and rewards you with a 360-degree panorama.
2. Chora – Grotta – Palatia (Coastal Walk)
Difficulty: Easy (2.5 km, 80 m elevation)
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Start: Chora harbor (15 min from the villa)
Best season: Year-round
A short but spectacular coastal walk along Chora’s northwest coast. From the harbor, the path leads past the Grotta rocks to Portara, the Temple of Apollo. Especially magical at sunset.
3. Apiranthos – Koronos – Stavros Keramotis (Mountain Village Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate (7 km, 290 m elevation)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Start/End: Apiranthos → Koronos
Best season: March–May, September–November
Connecting two of the most beautiful mountain villages on Naxos: the marble village of Apiranthos and traditional Koronos. The path leads through olive groves, past small field churches, and along ancient donkey trails.
4. Mikri Vigla – Alyko – Hawaii Beach (Coastal Trail)
Difficulty: Easy (4 km, 60 m elevation)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Start: Mikri Vigla (12 min from the villa)
Best season: Year-round
A stunning coastal walk: from the windsurf hotspot Mikri Vigla through the protected cedar forest of Alyko to the secluded coves of Hawaii and Glyfada. Swimming opportunities along the way!
5. Agios Prokopios – Agia Anna – Plaka (Beach Promenade)
Difficulty: Very easy (3 km, 0 m elevation)
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Start: Agios Prokopios (10 min from the villa)
Best season: Year-round
The easiest and most beautiful walk on the island: from Agios Prokopios beach via the Agia Anna promenade to the Plaka beach path. The entire route runs right along the water.
Route Overview
| Route | Length | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Zas Summit | 4.5 km | 3–4 h | Moderate-Hard | Highest Cycladic peak, Zas Cave, panorama |
| Chora – Portara | 2.5 km | 1–1.5 h | Easy | Coast, antiquity, sunset |
| Apiranthos – Koronos | 7 km | 3–4 h | Moderate | Mountain villages, olive groves, tavernas |
| Mikri Vigla – Alyko | 4 km | 1.5–2 h | Easy | Cedar forest, hidden coves |
| Beach Promenade | 3 km | 45–60 min | Very easy | Three beaches, beach bars, swimming |
Practical Tips for Hiking on Naxos
- Best time: Early morning (6–10 AM) or late afternoon (4–7 PM). Midday heat is intense even in May and October.
- Equipment: Good shoes with grip, sun hat, sunscreen, and at least 1.5 liters of water per person.
- Apps: Komoot or Wikiloc – paths aren’t always marked. Download GPX tracks offline.
- Meals: Mountain villages often only serve hot food early in the afternoon. Plan ahead!
Conclusion
Naxos is a hiker’s paradise – from easy coastal walks to challenging summit hikes. Villa La Natura is the perfect base: after hiking, return to the infinity pool and watch the sunset over the Aegean. Our favorite route is the Mikri Vigla – Alyko coastal trail: minimal elevation, stunning coves, and a swim in the sea afterward.
