The large expanse of Naxos and the existence of a mountain mass (more to the point, the largest mountain in the Cyclades, Za) have created the ideal conditions for aficionados of hiking and nature lovers. Trekking as well as mountain biking are clearly two pleasant ways for the visitor to get to know the island, and to get a first hand taste of its little-known nooks and crannies as well as its natural beauty.

Numerous paths - beaten and unbeaten - crisscross the island and create innumerable excursions. Uphill roads and gardens, glens and valleys, abundant brooks and rivers, mountain topology and hills, abandoned settlements and little churches – all await the traveler for exploration and enjoyment.

Most routes are ideal for cyclists, while most uphill roads are still accessible by amateurs and suchlike. Laid out on the island is a labyrinthine network of gentle dirt roads; nevertheless mountainous Naxos constitutes a true challenge because it includes quite a number of difficult routes - ideal for those that wish to test their limits.

Suggested Routes

Halki - Upper Kastro - Potamia
Starting out from Halki village, we reach Tsikalario village and the church of Ag. Stefanos. There you’ll find a path that leads to the northern side of Apano Kastro (Upper Kastro), where the remains of an ancient burial site, walls and embattlements are discernible – and the view is unique. Leaving Kastro and heading in a northwesterly direction (crossing over the fields), we come to a path that leads from Halki village to Potamia village.

Kinidharos - Engares
Starting out at Kinidharos village and heading out in a southwesterly direction, we find flat surface (with a view towards a lush green valley) and we continue downhill until we meet up with the path that crosses the valley. We keep on parallel to the river, among springs, stone bridges, abandoned water wills and gardens. The end of the route brings us to Engares village, to the road leading to the Chora and to Apollonas village.

On the route up to Za
The route to the highest point in the Cyclades rewards the outdoorsman. Starting out from the intersection of the central road (after Filoti village) with the road leading to Danako village (where the church of Ag. Marina is located], we cross over the path and head in a southeasterly direction until we reach a spring (nearby there is a marble rock with ancient Greek signage carved into it).

Our advance towards the top is certified by the red markings that we find on our way, an indication of how the path is crossed by herds (of sheep). At the top of Za, the view is singular, since in addition to Naxos, one can make out the surrounding islands. Those of us who are bold enough can descend towards the caves of Za, a route that’s difficult and precipitous. Continuing on, there’s a path leading to the flatland north of Filoti village.

Melanes - Kalamitsia
Setting out from the entrance to the village of Melanes, we follow the relatively easy dirt road located on the right fork. Continuing on, we come upon a path leading to the area of Flerio, where the renowned Kouros statue is located. If we continue on this road, we’ll reach Kalamitsia village, where in 1673, a monk built the palace of the Jesuit monks within a verdant valley that was used as a place of rest and relaxation, meditation and recreation.

Skeponi
A little bit beyond Engares village there is a dirt road that parallels the dam of Faneromenis and leads to Skeponi, which is an abandoned stone settlement built within a splendid location with streams.

On Naxos there are many places to rent bicycles, where you can equip yourself with the necessities for beginning an adventuresome exploration of Ariadne’s island…

Motor & Mountain Bike Rental
Distances by Kilometers
Flora & Fauna