Compare Walking on the Greek Islands by Exodus Travels vs Karpathos Walking Holiday by Oxygen Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,175 | $ 937 |
| Price Per Day | $ 272 | $ 134 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts included. In Santorini it is a basket breakfast in the room. Simple buffet-style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch and dinner, we normally go to different local tavernas and restaurants (at times, picnics of locally sourced food will be suggested for lunch instead), where we can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and much more. | N/A |
| Description |
The Greek islands have much to offer: archeological treasures, history, culture, dramatic landscapes, azure seas, and, of course, delicious food. Our week starts on the beautiful island of Santorini, before heading to Naxos and Paros. Exploring the irresistible island of Santorini on foot will certainly be the highlight of our week. Hopping from one wonderful island to the other, we enjoy a relaxed week of gentle walks through picturesque villages, lush valleys and sandy beaches.Enjoy walks on Santorini, Naxos and Paros |
Hiking themed holiday to Karpathos, this unique island born place to Prometheus and his Titans according mythology, with its wild mountains and gas-blue coves, cloud-wrapped villages and rugged beauty. Explore traditional villages, solitary bays, an ancient acropolis, caves, churches and its unique culture. In Karpathos you’ll discover an island with its Greek soul intact and its living traditions, real people, local musicians and mythic festivals untarnished by modern fads. We’ll walk in protected areas characterised by a variety of rare and endemic plants and animals protected by international agreements and the Greek law. Karpathos, along with the island of Saria which we’ll be visiting, is one of the most important destinations in Greece for the protection of rare species and ecosystems. Two sites are included in the Natura 2000 network for their bird and seal populations. |
Day 1 Start Athens; to Rafina and overnight
We gather at our hotel and have our first meeting as a group at 8pm – a good chance to get to know your leader and fellow group members. Rest well tonight; tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry. Accommodation: Avra Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Morning ferry to Santorini; then explore the town of Fira
In the morning, we take the ferry to Santorini (approximately eight hours). There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving food and drinks throughout the journey. Santorini (known locally as Thira) is one of the most famous islands in the world. Known mainly for its beautiful beaches, it is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off. A huge eruption (estimated 1650 BCE) gave it its crescent shape and many speculate that it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to walkers, including magnificent views of the Mediterranean. In the late afternoon, we walk around the town of Fira on a flat paved path to enjoy the stunning views of the caldera. Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Day 3 Walk along the caldera from Fira to Oia
The 6mi (10km) Cliff Trail is a spectacular walk 1,310ft (400m) high above the volcanic caldera, a photographer’s delight and not too challenging. Half the path is pathed, while the other is a mix of volcanic soil, pumice and lava. Views of the Aegean are virtually ever present as we wind gently up and down to the pretty village of Oia, home to artists, galleries, boutiques and cafes. There’s time to explore, relax and soak up the culture before we transfer back to Fira. Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Day 4 Free time in Santorini; afternoon ferry to Naxos
This morning, we have free time in Santorini. Optional extras include a visit by bus to the buried city of Acrotiri, time at the black beaches of Kamari and/or a visit to the prehistoric museum of Thero in town. Leaving Santorini in the afternoon, we board the ferry to Naxos, the journey is approximately two hours. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 5 Walk the ravine of Potamia villages in Tragea Valley, visiting the ancient statue of Kouros
Today we transfer for one hour to trek the lush valley of Tragea, best known for its ancient olive and citrus groves. It is a great opportunity to discover the most authentic part of Naxos, where picturesque villages and churches punctuate our walk. We wander along the ancient stoney path in the middle of the Naxian marble quarries until we reach Kouros, a gigantic statue from the fifth century BCE, which was damaged during transportation and then abandoned ever since, lying under trees in the Melanes Valley. Our transfer back is approximately one hour. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 6 Morning ferry to Paros; hike the 1000 years old Byzantine path from Lefkes; evening ferry back to Naxos
In the morning, we take a one-hour ferry to Paros, then a 20-minute bus to the heart of the island and Lefkes village, where we join an Old Byzantine path that runs all the way to the east coast of Paros. The route, which is on paved path and over small hills, is believed to be about 1,000 years old and used to traverse the entire island. Today’s trail passes through beautiful Cycladic villages and medieval villages. Then we explore the town, the castle and Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before we take a ferry back to Naxos in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 7 Explore the town and visit the Temple of Apollo
Today, we take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with its craft shops, chapels and quaint restaurants. On the islet of Palatia stands the impressive Portara, an ancient marble gateway and the entrance to the remains of the Temple of Apollo. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 8 Ferry transfer to Piraeus; end Athens
We take the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to London. Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season and you might return to Rafina.
Day 1: Welcome To Karpathos & Olympos Village
Meet your tour guide and settle into your rooms. Olympus is a living museum as time seems to have stopped here. We’ll walk around the village to learn the history and observe the architecture and traditions of this unique culture. Don’t be surprised if you happen to come across women wearing their traditional dress and baking bread in ovens alongside the narrow paths of the village. Visit to the cultural museum and “show cooking” where you’ll have the chance to observe the preparation and taste the most traditional dish, “makarounes”!
Day 2: Marine Park Visit & Coastal Walk To Tranquil Beach
We’ll start the day with a visit to the Information Centre of the Protected Area of North Karpathos, where you’ll learn about the natural features of the Marine Park area and one of the healthiest populations of monk seals in the Aegean Sea. We’ll continue with a coastal hike to the tranquil beach of Papa Minas. The next hours will flow smoothly along the seaside letting you relax and enjoy the Aegean landscapes and deep blue waters. The day ends with a traditional cooking lesson and a BBQ!
Day 3: Exploration Of Saria Island North Of Karpathos
We’ll start the day with a ‘kaiki’ boat ride, from Diafani to Saria Island, located north of Karpathos, and the bay of “Giaplos”. We’ll cross Saria island from south to north ending at the well-preserved rural settlement of Argos. Our biologist guide will introduce you to the unique flora and fauna of the island which will fascinate you. Our walk will end at Palatia beach where you’ll have the chance to swim and rest. The day will end with snorkelling from our boat in order to discover the magnificent, crystal clear seabed of Saria island. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Hike From Avlona Settlement To The Bay Of Tristomo
This is one of the most beautiful paved paths in Karpathos. The smell of herbs will accompany you. After a 4-hour walk, you’ll have the chance to rest at the natural sanctuary of Tristomo and explore its picturesque settlement, standing right upon the brink of the waves, and the old dilapidated Italian barracks (kazarmas). Opportunity for swimming, snorkelling and a voluntary beach cleanup attended by the staff of the marine park. A barbecue will be you reward.
Day 5: Hike To Ancient Doric City & Top Of Avlona Plateau To Admire The View
In the morning, we’ll follow another old path through incredible nature and landscapes from the little port of Diafani to Vroukounta bay. We’ll guide you around the fortifications’ ruins and the burial chambers of the sacred ancient Doric city of Vroukounda (1st millennium B.C.). We’ll have a picnic in the shade before continuing our walk towards Avlona village. A 3-hour ascend may seem challenging but the magnificent view of the Avlona plateau at the end of the trail is definitely rewarding. Dinner with traditional music.
Day 6: Boat Excursion To Remote Unspoilt Beaches
You’ll enjoy the sun and the sea and relax your mind and body at the most beautiful and virgin beaches of the island! We’ll have a special fish BBQ under the shade of the trees!
Day 7: Walk Around The Island’s Most Traditional Villages
Our last day is dedicated to exploring Karpathos’ traditional villages. In the morning, we’ll go south and walk around Spoa, Mesochori and Lefkos villages. We’ll swim at Lefkos beach and rest for few hours. In the afternoon we’ll continue our walk towards Arkasa village to enjoy the most incredible sunset and our farewell dinner.
