Cycling Vacation in Naxos, the Quietest Island in the Cyclades

Discover Naxos by Bike: A Sustainable Island Tour Through the Heart of the Cyclades

White villages, mountain landscapes, coastal roads, and olive groves: Naxos is an island best explored at a leisurely pace. And what better way to do that than on an (electric) bike? During this unique tour, you’ll explore Naxos by bike over seven days, traveling from the coast to mountain villages, past archaeological gems and hidden tavernas. You’ll wrap up your cycling trip with a few days in Athens. A journey for those who love nature, culture, and a touch of adventure.

You’ll start and end your trip in Athens. You can book this 11-day trip with our local specialist. Read more about this below.

Why Naxos?

Unlike its better-known neighbors, Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos is authentic, lush, and surprisingly diverse. From high mountain peaks like the legendary Mount Zas to quiet beaches with crystal-clear water. Here, in just a few kilometers, you can go from rugged nature to charming villages. Thanks to electric bikes, the island is accessible to anyone with a little stamina and a great desire for freedom.

Day-by-day itinerary with overnight stays

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

  • Transfer from the airport to Piraeus.
  • Overnight stay: Port Square Hotel, a modern 4-star hotel near the ferry terminal, ideal for a relaxing start to your trip.

Day 2: Taking the ferry to Naxos

  • Transfer and ferry to Naxos.
  • Check in at: Grotta Hotel, located on a hill overlooking the sea and the Temple of Apollo. Warm, small-scale, and personal.
  • Pick up your e-bike at Naxos Bikes.

Day 3: From Naxos Town to Mikri Vigla (approx. 27 km)

  • Cycle along the southwest coast via Agia Anna and Plaka to Mikri Vigla.
  • Overnight stay: Orkos Beach Hotel, built in the Cycladic style, with a view of the sea and within walking distance of the beach. Popular with windsurfers.

Day 4: From Mikri Vigla to Filoti (approx. 22 km)

  • Via Ano Sagkri to the mountain village of Filoti, at the foot of Mount Zas.
  • Accommodation: Giannakis Filoxenia, a small-scale, welcoming family-run guesthouse nestled among lemon trees and whitewashed houses.

Day 5: Free day in Filoti

  • Optional hike to the summit of Mount Zas for views of the Cyclades.
  • Second night: Giannakis Filoxenia

Day 6: From Filoti to Apollonas (approx. 30 km)

  • Hike through Apeiranthos and descend to the coastal village of Apollonas.
  • Overnight stay: Adonis Hotel, located by the sea, with a view of the Aegean Sea and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Day 7: From Apollonas to Naxos Town (approx. 28 km)

  • Back to Naxos via Ayia Tower, Abram Beach, and the olive press museum in Eggares.
  • Overnight stay: Grotta Hotel – coming home again with a view of the sea.

Day 8: Tour of the Naxos Interior (approx. 34 km)

  • Circular route past the Kouros of Flerio, Chalki, and Ano Potamia.
  • Second night: Grotta Hotel

Day 9: Ending in Athens

After enjoying the island’s tranquility, you’ll take the ferry back to Athens, where you’ll spend two nights at the charming Evripides Hotel in the Psiri neighborhood. It’s close to the Acropolis and the historic city center. An included bike tour takes you past the city’s highlights and Hidden gems, with stories from Dutch-speaking guides who live here.

  • Ferry back to Piraeus, transfer to the hotel.
  • Overnight stay: Evripides Hotel, in the lively Psiri neighborhood, with a rooftop bar and a view of the Acropolis.

Day 10: Highlights of Athens

  • Includes a bike tour of Athens led by Dutch-speaking guides.
  • Free time to explore the Acropolis or the Plaka neighborhood.
  • Second night: Evripides Hotel

Day 11: Departure

  • Transfer to Athens Airport.

Sustainable and local

What makes this trip special is its focus on sustainability and connecting with the local community. You’ll travel by ferry, stay in small-scale accommodations, and ride e-bikes. Plus, you’ll book this trip directly with a (Dutch-speaking) local travel specialist who has mapped out the routes themselves.

Practical Information for a Cycling Vacation in Naxos

  • Duration of trip: 11 days
  • Price: starting at €1,374 per person (May, based on 2 people, including accommodations, e-bikes, ferries, and transfers)
  • Level: moderate (20–35 km of cycling per day on an e-bike)

Included in the Naxos cycling vacation

Hotels

  • Port Square Hotel Piraeus: 1 night, breakfast included
  • Grotta Hotel: 1 night, breakfast included
  • Orkos Beach Hotel: 1 night, breakfast included
  • Giannakis Filoxenia: 2 nights, breakfast not included
  • Adonis Hotel: 1 night, breakfast included
  • Grotta Hotel: 2 nights, breakfast included
  • Evripides Hotel: 2 nights, breakfast included

Transportation

  • Transfer from Athens Airport to Port Square Hotel
  • Piraeus–Naxos Ferry
  • Transfer from Naxos to Grotta Hotel
  • Bike Rental (E-Bikes) Naxos, 7 Days
  • Transfer from Grotta Hotel to Naxos Port
  • Naxos–Piraeus Ferry
  • Transfer from Piraeus Port to the Evripides Hotel
  • Transfer from Evripides Hotel to ATH AIRP
  • Luggage Transport

Activities

  • Highlight Bike Tour
  • Active Nav App with bike routes
  • Bicycle Rentals on Naxos

Not included

  • Meals other than those described
  • Transfers other than those described
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Admission fees for archaeological sites
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel Insurance
  • Fuel and GPS
  • Accommodation & Environmental Tax per night per room: 1-2* HOTELS: 2.00 EURO 3* HOTELS: 5.00 EURO 4* HOTELS: 10.00 EURO 5* HOTELS AND VILLAS: 15.00 EURO
  • Anything not expressly listed under “Included”

Request a quote for a Cycling Vacation in Naxos

When you request a quote, we’ll forward it to our local partner (who speaks Dutch), and they’ll confirm it directly with you if they agree. You’ll pay the same price as if you were booking directly. You’ll handle the rest of the booking and payment directly with the local provider (with whom we have a good working relationship and established agreements). We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.

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Naxos Cycling Vacation on the Map

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Madelon Seignette - author

About the author

Madelon Seignette

With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.

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