Walking on the Greek Islands - the Cyclades : Naxos and the 50km Naxos Strada, Paros, Amorgos, Santorini

Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, and Santorini reward exploration on foot in their own distinctive ways. Traditional paths wind through marble hills, past mountain monasteries, along volcanic cliffs, and between Cycladic villages across a landscape shaped by 2,500 years of history. This detailed guidebook covers 35 day walks across all four islands plus the 5-stage Naxos Strada coast-to-coast route, with practical information on accommodation, ferries, and public transport woven throughout. Routes range from 4 to 16km and take 2 to 7 hours, with options for all abilities and shortcuts available on many walks. The walks span Byzantine village paths and marble quarry trails on Paros (9 walks), Mount Zas and traditional working paths on Naxos (10 walks), remote monasteries on Amorgos (7 walks), and the famous caldera rim walk on Santorini (4 walks). The Naxos Strada itself is one of the finest multi-day island walks in the Cyclades, following 52km of traditional paths from Plaka to Apollonas. Every route includes Anavasi maps and downloadable GPX files, with refreshment and transport options clearly marked. Beyond practical route planning, you'll discover background sections on Greek wildlife, wildflowers, history, and geology—plus must-see highlights including 2,500-year-old statues abandoned in their quarries, 9th-century BC stone circles, the highest peak in the Cyclades, and remote cliff monasteries. This is the guide to the walking landscapes that lie beyond the beaches.