Greek Islands Walking Tour: Santorini, Naxos, Paros 

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Greece in a unique way—this just might be your dream trip. I recently went on the Walking on the Greek Islands tour with Exodus Adventure Travels and this small-group tour took us to not just one Greek island, but three: Santorini, Paros, and Naxos. Each island had its own unique personality (and delicious food!), and we explored them the best way possible—on foot. 

I’m sharing all the details about the experience, so you know exactly what incredible-ness you can expect! From how challenging the walks are (spoiler: they’re totally doable), to what the itinerary included, to the best bites I had along the way.

About Exodus Adventure Travels

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the world—especially on foot—Exodus Adventure Travels has you covered. They offer hundreds of tours, everything from culture to wildlife to cycling. But, their walking tours are truly something special. They accommodate all fitness levels, rated from 1 (easy breezy) to 6 (bring your A-game).

For reference, the Walking on the Greek Islands trip I just took is a level 2, which means it’s active but relaxed—nothing like the level 5 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (which I’ve done, and let me tell you, it’s no joke!).

Arrival Information

We flew into Athens and hopped on the complimentary hotel shuttle (about a 25-minute ride) to our first overnight stay: Avra Hotel in Rafina. It’s conveniently close to the port, and this is where we met our guide, the other adventurers and had our pre-trip welcome meeting. We got an overview of the week ahead, from ferry times to hiking plans.

We arrived later in the day, so we kept things simple and ate dinner at the hotel restaurant—which was actually quite yummy! That said, if you have time and energy, I’d also recommend checking out Melinia for a local bite.

After dinner we got some shut-eye before catching an early ferry in the morning and officially starting our island-hopping adventure.

The Greek Islands

Santorini

Santorini (locals call it Thira) is straight-up magical. It’s part of the Cyclades island group and was actually formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. What’s left is a crescent-shaped island perched on the rim of a collapsed volcanic caldera—which explains those jaw-dropping cliffs and dramatic views. Some even say it might be the real site of the lost city of Atlantis!

You’ve seen the blue domes and whitewashed buildings in a million photos—but walking it in real life? Wow. It’s even more beautiful.

Getting There: The Scenic Route

We drove about 45 minutes to Piraeus Port to catch our ferry. During certain times of year, you can catch a ferry from Rafina instead, but we missed that window by just a few days. No worries though—this route turned into part of the adventure.

We hopped on Blue Star Ferries for the 8-hour ride to Santorini. Now before you panic at the number eight, hear me out: this thing is more like a mini cruise ship than a basic boat. There are cafés, a casual restaurant, a little shop, and plenty of comfy lounge seating (if you snag it early).

Yes, flying is faster. But riding the ferry is part of the magic of this tour—floating past those iconic Greek islands, catching glimpses of Naxos and Paros as we made brief stops.

➞ Tip: Unless you’re in business class (where they have those cushy airplane-style seats), get onboard early and grab a good lounge spot. And if you’re wondering about luggage, they have a free storage area when you first board. I left my big bag there and just carried a small tote with me. Totally safe and way easier than lugging it upstairs.

The Walk

We were supposed to hike the full 6-mile Fira to Oia trail, which hugs the edge of the caldera and climbs to over 1,300 feet. But Mother Nature had other plans (hello, rain). Instead, we did a shorter hike later in the day, starting from Imerovigli to Oia. Even with the condensed route, it was still incredible. Think winding paths past cozy cafés, white-washed churches, and the kind of views that make you stop in your tracks.

There were a few ups and downs, but nothing too difficult—and 100% worth every step.

Other Highlights

Rainy morning? No problem. Our awesome guide still made sure we saw the best of Oia—those famous blue-domed churches, the windmill photo-op, and the artsy little shops that are begging you to wander through. We strolled for about an hour and a half, with a few sprinkles, but still loving it.

Later, we headed to Santo Wines, one of the most famous wineries on the island. It was quite an experience with a tour of the production process, a tasting that included 6 different local wines and a gorgeous charcuterie board. My favorite wine? The Kameni dry red—definitely worth bringing a bottle home.

Where We Ate (and Loved)

Nikolas Taverna: A charming, cozy spot run by a husband-wife duo (she cooks, he handles the front). It felt like being invited into someone’s home—and the food? Unreal. We ordered all the things: tomatokeftedes (Santorini tomato fritters), zucchini fritters, feta me meli, lamb kleftiko, grilled squid, and more. So much goodness.

Mama’s: This place serves up traditional Greek dishes with so much love. Their Santorinian Salad and lamb chops were perfection—and don’t miss the housemade bread. They focus on super fresh, local ingredients, especially the seafood.

Parea Tavern: Right in the heart of Fira, this spot feels like a classic Greek taverna. We devoured moussaka, chicken souvlaki, and crispy fried zucchini. They’ve been around since 2005 and really know what they’re doing. 

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Golden Star Hotel, just a short walk (150m) from the heart of Thira (Fira) town. It’s a 3-star hotel with classic Cycladic charm—think whitewashed buildings, sea views, and quiet surroundings that are just far enough from the buzz. Our room was simple, yet spacious and comfy, and yes—it had a Nespresso machine (very important for my coffee-loving husband).

Naxos Island

Naxos completely surprised me (in the best way possible). It’s the biggest of the Cyclades islands, but it still feels charming and under-the-radar. People come here for the chill beaches, traditional villages, lush valleys, and seriously good food. We spent four nights on this gem of an island (though we did sneak away one day for a little adventure over to Paros). And it was the perfect combo of culture, hiking, and mouthwatering meals.

Getting There

We left Santorini in the early afternoon and hopped on a Seajets high-speed ferry headed to Naxos. It took about 90 minutes, and it was a smaller ferry than the one we took to Santorini (so a little bumpier), but totally manageable—even for my husband, who’s a bit of a motion-sickness magnet. The seats were super comfy and you could even buy Wi-Fi if you wanted to stay connected.

Walk/Hike

One of my favorite adventures on Naxos was our hike through the lush Tragea Valley to see the Apano Kastro (a Venetian castle perched high on a rocky peak). The trail started in the adorable village of Chalki, wound past the old Byzantine church of Agios Stefanos and even an old washhouse (laundry had a perfect view back then). The scenery slowly changed from green olive groves to wild rocky landscapes as we climbed closer to the castle.

Even though this ten minute uphill hike was the hardest part of all the hikes we did on this trip, it was fairly easy (just a little rocky).  And the views from up there? Unreal. You could see the entire southwest coast and the sea beyond.

On the way down, we wandered through tiny traditional villages and even stopped at Vallindras Kitron Distillery for a little tasting break (because what’s a hike without a sip of something local, right?). We also got to walk along an ancient marble path and ended up at the Kouros of Flerio—the statue dates back to the 5th century BCE and depicts a young man of super natural size with a height of about 18 feet.

Other Highlights

Wandering through Naxos Castle: This isn’t your typical castle-on-a-hill. It’s woven right into the old town, with winding alleys, hidden courtyards, and sweet little shops tucked between stone walls. Built by the Venetians in the 13th century, it feels like you’re stepping straight into a medieval fairytale.

Limpertas Manolis Pottery Workshop: Watching this local artisan spin clay into works of art was mesmerizing. It’s such a cool way to connect with the island’s creative roots—and of course we had to buy a little handmade something to bring home.

Sunset at the Temple of Apollo (aka the Portara): This massive marble doorway is all that’s left of an ancient temple to Apollo, and when the sun sets behind it? Let’s just say the Instagram filter is totally unnecessary. 

Where We Ate

Ammos: They literally bring the fresh catch of the day to your table so you can choose what you want grilled up. We had grilled calamari with lemon confit capers, crab balls with roasted pepper sauce, Naxos potatoes with garlic butter, and salt cod doughnuts (I know—sounds weird, tastes amazing). 

This is also where we had a ginormous plate of lobster over pasta that I will never forget. 

Caffe Greco: This is where I fell in love with the Naxos salad. I also had one of the best burgers I’ve had in Greece—juicy, spiced with Greek herbs, and served with homemade ketchup and mayo. It was casual, cozy, and perfect for lunch.

Sto Ladoxarto: If you’re a beef lover, RUN here. We ordered the Black Angus beef kontosouvli (17 ounces of perfectly grilled heaven), and I’m still dreaming about it. We also had kadaifia with minced meat and strawberry jam (don’t knock it till you try it), Naxian cheeses with tomato jam, and another version of the Naxos salad (yes, I’m obsessed). And to top it all off—they brought us the most decadent Mosaiko dessert on the house.

Maros: Traditional, cozy, and full of heart. This little taverna served up Greek salad, hummus, and “drunkin’ pig” (yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds). It’s the kind of place where you just know every recipe’s been passed down through generations.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Aeolis Hotel, which is a small and simple spot in a super convenient location—just a few minutes’ walk to both the beach (Saint George) and the town square. Our room was clean and comfy, with a fridge and even daily housekeeping. 

The staff was super friendly—we were greeted with a cold bottle of water at check-in—and breakfast was actually really great! Nothing fancy, but totally did the trick. 

Day Trip from Naxos to Paros

Even though we were based on Naxos for four nights (and loved every minute of it), our tour had us hopping over to the neighboring island of Paros for a little day trip adventure. It’s only about an hour away by ferry—super easy, and totally worth it!

Paros is another gem in the Cyclades, known for its charming whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and a laid-back vibe that somehow still feels totally alive. It’s got that quintessential Greek island beauty—cobblestone streets, vibrant bougainvillea, and views for days. People come here for the cute towns, great food, and a more low-key feel compared to places like Santorini or Mykonos.

Once we arrived, we hit the ground running (well, more like strolling with purpose). 

Some of My Favorite Stops in Paros

Archaeological Museum of Paros: If you’re into history (or just love wandering through cool old things), this museum is a treat. It’s filled with ancient pottery, sculptures, and artifacts from Paros, Antiparos, and Despotiko—some of it dating back to the Neolithic era. 

Streets of Parikia: Parikia is the island’s capital and main port, with classic white-and-blue Cycladic homes, narrow little alleyways, tiny shops with handmade goodies, and just enough buzz to keep things interesting. The waterfront is lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect for a mid-walk coffee or cocktail.

Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani: This ancient church is one of the oldest in Greece—like 4th century old. The name literally means “the church with 100 doors,” though legend has it only 99 have been found… (so if you find the 100th, let me know, okay?). The architecture is stunning, and the whole place just feels sacred and peaceful. It’s an important pilgrimage site and a major piece of Paros history.

Where We Ate

Sigi Ihthios (Silence of the Fish): This seaside spot in Naoussa (a cute little fishing village) had the freshest fish, caught that morning and prepared to perfection. The vibe here is cozy and welcoming—you can even walk through the kitchen if you’re curious about how the magic happens. If it’s a nice day, then definitely sit outside with a view of all the docked boats.

PS: I highly recommend the octopus, it was yummy—tender, flavorful, and perfectly charred.

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