Naxos hiking/exploring
 

If you had a car and could explore Naxos for a day where would you go? i've been reading a lot about the different hikes and there are sooo many, I'm curious to see what Fodorites would suggest. We'll be on Naxos for more than one day but on our other days we plan to get some beach time in, explore the main town, take a kayaking trip, etc.

We'd like to rent a car and wander the island one full day. Any suggestion? We'd like to maybe visit a village, hike a trail that goes to a beautiful secluded beach or hike a trail that is in the mountains and get beautiful views. Naxos is so large I know we can't do it all. Any ideas?

topping

It's not exactly off the beaten path but both times I've been in Naxos I enjoyed the drive up to Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos. The views on the drive are beautiful. All three villages are worth stops. Just beyond Filoti is Mount Zeus where you can hike up to Zeus's cave. I found the hike difficult I'm not sure if it's just because I had a bad chest cold or if it was that hard. The hike wasn't very crowed I think we saw three other couples total. We also drove down to Demeters Temple which is alos very pretty. As far as quiet beaches go the stretch between Plaka and Aghia Anna was very quiet the roads were tough going on our scooter because they were sandy but should be easier in a car. If you want to see some pictures my Naxos page has quite a few especially under the things to do section. http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/4a4b1/669be/

Thanks so much Trish. I really appreciate the ideas and I'm putting them in by travel file! About how long was the hike to Zeus's cave? approximately?

thanks again!

Wug, I would say the walk was 45 mins or so, my husband made it all the way to the cave I quit close to the top I was just feeling too sick. Parts of the walk are on a more well worn path parts of it are more wide open with loose rock. If you pick up the lonely planet greek islands book (sorry fodors) it gives directions on a hike that goes beyond the cave up to the top of Mount Zeaus.

Thanks again Trish. We leave tomorrow morning and we're sooo excited!!

check this link. It might be useful:
http://www.igogreece.com/EN/Greece.a...reas&id=85