Hiking the Greek islands: Andros, Naxos, Tinos, Kea

The Pezoparea team · Updated 4 November 2026 · 7 min read

For island hiking in Greece, Andros has the best-organized network: over 240 km of waymarked trails run by Andros Routes. Tinos has 152 km of Tinos Trails, Naxos has Mount Zas (1,004 m), the highest peak in the Cyclades, and Kea has about 80 km of paths, an hour by ferry from Lavrio.

The Cyclades aren't only for summer beaches. They're crossed by old mule paths, cobbled lanes and dry-stone walls that linked villages long before roads, and many have been cleared and waymarked in recent years. Spring and autumn, with fewer crowds and mild weather, are the best times to walk them.

Which Greek islands are best for hiking?

What are the Andros Routes?

Andros Routes is a volunteer initiative that since 2012 has cleared, waymarked and maintained the island's old footpaths. The network now exceeds 240 km. Its backbone, the Andros Route, crosses the island north to south in about 100 km, split into 10 day stages. In October 2015 it received the “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” certification from the European Ramblers Association, the first for a Greek destination.

For a first taste, routes around Chora are easier logistically. Maps, GPX files and trail updates are on androsroutes.gr.

What trails does Tinos have?

Tinos Trails is a project of the Municipality of Tinos with Paths of Greece: 12 themed loop routes totalling 152 km that pass through every village on the island. There's an official app, currently iOS only. Have a look before you go, because in places the network has deteriorated and vegetation has covered the path.

How do I hike Mount Zas on Naxos?

Zas is 1,004 m (some sources say 1,001), the highest point in the Cyclades. The shortest route starts at the Agia Marina chapel near Danakos, at about 600 m, and passes the Cave of Zeus and the Aria spring. The climb takes about an hour. The loop from Filoti takes 4–5 hours in total. In summer start early, and expect strong wind at the top.

Why is Kea good for a day trip from Athens?

The ferry from Lavrio takes about an hour, so Kea is an easy day from Athens. The island has 12 waymarked routes, about 81 km in all, many following roads that once linked its ancient cities. Route 1 passes the Lion of Ioulida, and Route 3, Ioulida to ancient Karthaia, is 12.5 km and takes about 5.5 hours.

Ferry timetables change with the season and the weather. If you go independently, check your boat back before you set off.

When should I go and what should I bring?

March to June and September to November. In summer, heat makes the trails tough because there's almost no shade. Wind, especially the meltemi, can cancel ferries. Allow about two hours from Rafina for Andros, two to four for Tinos depending on the ship, and several hours from Piraeus for Naxos.

• Shoes with good grip, since cobbled paths are slippery
• Hat, sunscreen and 1.5–2 litres of water
• A windproof layer for the meltemi
• Swimwear for routes that end at a beach
• A map or GPX on your phone for sections with sparse waymarks

How do I join a group hiking trip to the islands?

Athens clubs and companies run day trips to Kea and two- or three-day trips to Andros, Tinos and Naxos, mostly on long weekends. The organizer handles ferries and accommodation, which are often the hardest part to plan. On Pezoparea you'll find them on the islands page and among the mountain-and-sea routes. If Greek isn't your language, ask the organizer whether the guide speaks English.

Ferry timetables, trail conditions and dates change. Check with the organizer or the trail network before you go.