The caldera hike from Fira to Oia is probably the greatest ways to explore the island of Santorini.
It’s no surprise that the Greek islands, especially Santorini, Naxos and Paros, usually are not only extremely popular, but are also overrun with tourists through the peak summer season. If you’ve got at all times desired to experience the Cyclades, the preferred group of islands within the Aegean, but need to see them without the crowds, there are clever ways to make your dream a reality.
First of all, for those who’re planning to go to through the off-season, stroll the winding cobbled streets lined with striking white and cream architecture and small blue-domed chapels. You’ll be rewarded with fewer holidaymakers flocking straight to the sandy beaches, and the weather is more nice when it comes to the warmth index.
For intrepid travelers, exploring the Cyclades islands on foot is an excellent experience.
Second, use the services of a small group tour operator. Exodus Adventure TravelFor example, specialises in energetic small group adventures for people travelling with friends, family or alone. This long-standing company, which has been thriving since 1974, focuses on responsible tourism through countless efforts, including recruiting local guides, supporting global communities and protecting the environment through their People, Places & Planet plan.
On every organized trip, guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and containers for toiletries, save travel plans and documents on their phones as an alternative of printing them, and reduce resource consumption while staying in hotels (turn off air-con when not within the room, take shorter showers, reuse towels, etc.). You can feel good knowing that by traveling in a small group, you usually are not only minimizing the impact on local communities that rely on tourism, but in addition on nature where you’re practicing Leave No Trace principles.
The relaxed atmosphere with panoramic sea views attracts holidaymakers to the Greek islands yearly. … [+]
The Hiking on the Greek islands The tour, which uses family-run accommodations, is an eight-day adventure for those ages 16 and up. Highlights include leisurely walking tours of Santorini, Paros and Naxos, learning about local communities, historical and architectural gems and geological wonders. You’ll have the identical knowledgeable guide all the time, who is not going to only provide invaluable background on what you will experience every day, but can even care for all of the logistics, including ferry and bus schedules, so you possibly can simply benefit from the sights, sounds and tastes of the Cycladic islands.
Thano Mamas, considered one of the local guides who has been leading tours of Greece for 25 years, knows the very best local island restaurants to whet your appetite and moisten your palate. He’ll likely enlighten you about Greek fava, a delicious dip accompanied by bread, olives and sometimes cheese; tzatziki, a yogurt, cucumber and garlic staple for each meal; tomato-rich Greek salad, which Thano says prevents sunburn; and syrupy sweet baklava. “It’s divine,” Mamas says.
Santorini
Hikers are rewarded with sunshine and incredible views on this island.
As soon as you step off the ferry, you will be enchanted by the imposing volcanic island of Santorini, also often called Thira. It’s so popular for good reason. You’ll experience the country in awe as you hike along the caldera from Fira to Oia – probably the greatest adventures of the week. Perched high above the Mediterranean, this cliff-side walk is a photographer’s dream with panoramic views so far as the attention can see. The crunch of the volcanic soil, dirt and pumice beneath your boots is bound to stick with you.
Days
The island of Paros is a delight for all of the senses.
As with other Cycladic islands, marble is king and Paros is not any different. From beautiful villages like Parikia, the capital of Paros, to the Church of the Virgin Mary, Ekatontapyliani, to a Venetian castle high on the hill in the normal town, there’s plenty to see and do here. Watch windsurfers on the water and luxuriate in the sand and sea – you’re in Greece in spite of everything! On the tour, you’ll explore a part of the island on foot as you hike along a rocky path over small hills. Don’t be surprised for those who see skewered octopuses as you stroll by the ocean.
Naxos
There are quite a few olive and citrus groves on the island of Naxos.
Located in the center of the Cyclades, Naxos is the biggest and most lush island within the archipelago. The charming whitewashed town of Old Chora, with its cobbled streets and Venetian architecture, is accessible directly from the ferry, making it easy to spend the day shopping and having fun with delicious Greek foods and drinks. While you are inundated with Greek mythology, enjoy a stroll through the Valley of Tragea, where olive and lemon trees dominate the landscape, and spend time on the Temple of Apollo within the Venetian Castello town of Hora.
“This is the grave of Emmanoyha,” says Mamas. “He lived to be 100 years old.”
The flavors of Greece with a view of the ocean are best experienced at sunset.
Good to know: The peak travel season for Greece is summer. Not only are you able to expect more tourists, but in addition higher prices in hotels and restaurants. Weather-wise, July and August are also the most popular months of the yr. If you are traveling in summer, book early and pack loads of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
The shoulder seasons in spring and autumn are arguably the very best times to go to Greece. However, some sights and attractions on the islands can have limited hours or be closed completely through the shoulder or off-season, so be sure you check this before you visit.
