32 independent reviews for Naxos and the small Cyclades walking vacation, Greece
Reviews for Naxos and the small Cyclades walking vacation, Greece
Deirdre Prentice review 25 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
How different the islands are, some are very busy but others so relaxed but it is easy to escape the hustle and bustle.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just go it was brilliant and guide knowledgeable. Parts of the walks were challenging in terms of the terrain and loose gravel but were all walkable with care. Good shoes and poles are advised. Try all the local food it is delicious and very reasonably priced and uses local produce. Our Greek was very limited but most people had a good level of English and were very helpful and we all felt safe.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed in small hotels run by locals and ate in small family run taverns where locally sourced ingredients were on the menu. Our guide gave us an insight into the culture and life on the island and how this has changed over the years. We visited agricultural areas where the way of farming is still done on a small scale using traditional methods. We always walked on marked paths paying attention to the flora and fauna. There was a minimal amount of litter and any found was collected by our guide.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation experience was excellent, booking was easy and all transfers and ferries can be booked if required. From the time we met our guide until we said goodbye the vacation was seamless.Matt Hoffmann review 12 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Annie's wonderful knowledge along with exploring incredible landscapes and seeing a part of Greece that's a bit off the beaten path.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for serious hiking.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Very much so--we patronized local places for food and lodging off the main tourist paths. Annie made a significant effort and emphasis on local benefits. This was definitely low-impact tourism with benefits for local people as a clear goal.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
First rate--we had an amazing time, saw unbelievable sights, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.Kevin Kelly review 8 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The sheer beauty of Amorgos looming up out of the Aegean, then walking next morning on those looming mountains in a totally unspoilt landscape. The Cyclades, especially the smaller islands, were beautiful: the villages, the perfect little churches and of course the food - an absolute delight, so fresh and healthy , with new dishes and flavours each day, and served with such generosity and grace.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack lightly but well bearing the weather in mind (May is changeable), and because you will bring your own luggage on and off the ferries. Check that your fitness level matches the terrain and pace.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Visiting smaller islands and the more remote villages does offer some support to local communities. I also liked Annie's recommendation that we spread our custom around a village and not go to the same place more that once. The local taverna owners showed us unfailing hospitality and generosity and made us feel that our business mattered. A walking vacation felt less impactful on the local environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent- everything we expected it to be. It was great to have Annie, our guide, who opened up island history and culture for us - and her easy relationship with local people made us feel welcome and appreciated as we walked through villages or into local tavernas, where we were served only the best!Evelyn King review 26 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Arriving at Amorgos and the walks there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get as physically fit as possible.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes , especially in rural villages.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb.Sue Winterton review 10 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Arriving at Iraklia and Amorgos by ferry and enjoying the secluded walks and restaurants - the real Greece! Annie was an excellent guide whose local knowledge was invaluable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The walks are great but the terrain is challenging on some walks; take some strong walking boots with good support.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the restaurants and accommodation certainly benefitted the locals; we kept to the designated footpaths and used public transport and/or taxis wherever possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, personal service, challenging but enjoyable walking, plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views, swim and picnic.The guides were very friendly and looked after me well! All in all a great walking vacation - thankyou!Caroline Macdonald review 5 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I cant think of a particular part of the vacation that was better than the rest. It was all so good. Very well organised without being too restrictive and everybody catered for. Wonderful walks with fantastic information on the fauna and flora. Our guide Annie was just brilliant and her offsider Dimitri.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go along with an open mind and absorb everything that is on offer. Be prepared to be part of a group and get on with everyone. You will have such fun and see some amazing country.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We used local accomodation, ate at local tavernas and local food and used public transport where possible4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I enjoyed this vacation so much and I would say that it was made by our wonderful guide Annie. Nothing was too much for her and she was on duty almost 24hrs. She even helped me with information on islands that I was going onto independently. A good variety of walks and nothing too difficult. We always ate so well as Annie would choose the restaurant and suggest what to eat. Accomodation was very good. Information on everything about the islands was given and I would highly recommend this vacationPhilippa Hull review 24 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it was memorable! Our guide Annie Antonatou was absolutely wonderful in every respect, a real professional and delightful company. Her passion for the mountains and local history shines and she clearly loves sharing this with her clients. Annie's attention to detail (and her patience!) in advising about the joining travel arrangements was faultless and she looked after us as a group and as individuals with constant attention. The accommodation in small family run guesthouses was delightful, and Annie suggested local tavernas every day where we were able to enjoy local produce prepared in the traditional way by the owners. The walking was amazing - every day was different and Annie taught us so much about the landscape, the history, the ecology and local customs. For part of the tour we also had her colleague Dimitra, a very knowledgeable ecologist, who identified birds and flowers along the way. Great excitement when we saw vultures and Dimitra was able to tell us the exact species! The ascent of Mount Zas was exciting - we made it to the top in a very strong wind and were rewarded with a fabulous view over the islands. This was the best walking vacation I have experienced, and I can' t wait to return to the islands and explore some more, hopefully with Annie as the guide!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are looking for an authentic Greek experience, away from noise, crowds and tourist places, staying in small guesthouses where you are welcomed as a friend, with the opportunity to meet local people and enjoy their locally produced food, and feel as if you have made a discovery as the islands are so peaceful and unspoilt, this is for you. You do need to be aware that the weather in the islands can be changeable and our schedule altered as there were no ferries one day, but Annie rearranged everything around our different schedules and it all worked perfectly.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly. We stayed in family run guesthouses, ate in local village tavernas where the owners did the cooking using their own produce, we used local transport and we were very aware all the time of the need to respect the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Perfect! Annie was brilliant, the people in the group were excellent company and all the arrangements worked perfectly. And the walking was wonderful!Ann Tector review 14 Sep 2019
My vacation with has to be one of the most memorable vacations I have ever had Right from the beginning meeting Annie our tour guide and Dimitria (biologist )we were all made to feel at ease and had utter confidence in both Annie and Dimitria. We were shown so many different types of walks to show off the Cyclades at their best . Mountains valley trails ..villages architecture ..history and wonderful information on indigenous species plants and village life . What a wonderful experience . We were also introduced to the wonderful food of the islands and their brilliant produce . Annie and Dimitria with their brilliant interpersonal skills helped to keep our group cohesive and we now have forged great friendships with each other .. we had soo much fun . Oh our accommodation was also first class with amazing views .. I was traveling on my own and was a bit nervous to begin with but I now will never have worries traveling on my own . Well what else can I say this operator should take a bow and having such wonderful personnel. I will be back .. Ann tector ..rena alekperova review 24 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentVictoria Taylor review 21 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking through traditional villages and learning from Annie, our leader, anout the history of Naxos and the natural history of the island. Staying in a very old, interesting guest house.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we ate lunch in local village tavernas at lunchtime and had a picnic at a farm. We kept to marked paths4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent and well organised and choosing walks bearing in mind everyone's walking abilityAlexander Kartashov review 16 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything was exciting: the weather, scenery, local food and drinks were marvellous (well, I don't think there's an appropriate adjective to describe the kind of emotions the environment provokes). Barren rocks and mountains with peaks touching the clouds, the Sun's warmth, warm and quiet southern nights with almost no light pollution, mountain breeze touch, smell of drying mountain herbs, sound of waves washing the shore, calm deep-blue sea spreading out t the horizon, and rocky walking paths provided quite a refuge from everyday chores of the city life. Narrow streets of peaceful island villages, small street cafes and taverns with food-sharing dinners and suppers, and tiny local dwellings decorated with plants and flowers remind constantly of what the appropriate human scale actually is. The intricate mix of contemporary dwellings and ancient ruins generated the feeling that the time doesn't reign over this realm and the low level of development made the place feel almost unreal. So it's quite difficult to single out the most exciting part of the journey; however, the most unusual experience was a night walk in complete darkness to Aegiali with only stars above, goats bleating (but unseen) and livestock bells ringing all around; the idea was simple but the enjoyment was enormous. This kind of simplicity was the most prominent and attractive feature of the vacation experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try staying here as long as possible: I actually regretted that I had planned for a 7-day trip only. Don't forget about the night walk to Aegiali!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I did: we stayed at hotels run by locals, ate locally-grown food and drank locally-produced beverages at taverns run by locals, bought some local products.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb.Jocelyn Wessling review 15 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Enjoying nature and the small villages - I loved the local food we had when the taverna wasn't even open yet.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make it as long as possible!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentZahava Seewald review 23 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having a good meal after a long walk in a restaurant of the different villages we went through with water from the well, local wine, local food and a marvellous view on the landscape!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
certainly because we ate local and we respected the nature.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Too short because 7 days with all the travelings is too much for me. One island during 7 days is also enough, even if naxos and amorgos were really fantastic to discover. I would suggest certainly 10 days for both. I think that for the entire group it would have been better.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Zahava thank you very much for your kind comments both in person and at this page. We really enjoyed your company and we are very glad that you also enjoyed the vacation. I'm really sorry we couldn't offer the 10-day option. Our vacation in Naxos and the Small Cyclades is a 10-day itinerary but the rest of the people in your group (by chance) could only join us for 7 days. We also believe that the 10-day option allows you to see and experience a lot more. We hope that you will stay in touch and walk with us again in the near future. Best wishes.
Joy Field review 11 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The variety of walks and the stark differences of the three Islands. The abundance of Spring flowers and herbs along the trails - beautiful! The thrill of reaching the top of Mt Zeus, and the many delicious meals shared in small village Tavernas.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for some steep and rocky climbs and descents.....solid walking boots and a pole would be beneficial.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We enjoyed excellent accommodation from local providers and ate at local Tavernas that utilized locally grown produce.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! Annie, our guide was fantastic, and was passionate in sharing her comprehensive knowledge of the Cyclades islands with us. Her commitment to the conservation of the environment, her sense of humor, patience and friendship all ensured that our experience would be unforgettable.Jamie Johnson review 14 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The views from the top of Mount Zas on Naxos and the tranquillity of Iraklia.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get in a lot of practice for walking up and down hill. Stamina is essential.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly spent money with local businesses and did a bit of rubbish collection, but other than primarily using public transport I doubt we did much to reduce environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The guide was excellent, the fellow walkers were like-minded, the accommodation varied from traditional to comfortable. Overall it was thoroughly enjoyable.Joanne Davidson review 7 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The people, food and landscape, especially seeing the other islands from Mt Zas - amazing! The local people are really friendly & helpful and their cooking is fantastic!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you tell the vacation company what you would like to do/see while you are there. They are incredibly helpful & knowledgeable and will do their best to fulfil your requirements. This was the best organised walking vacation we've been on and that was totally down to the Guide - nothing was too much trouble and she went out of her way to help us.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes definitely benefited local people going out of normal season. Much more relaxing4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Best organised walking vacation ever! Would definitely use this company againSusan Leeds review 29 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It's hard to know where to start - there were so many memorable parts! The jaw-dropping beauty of Naxos and the chance to be outdoors in perfect weather for a whole week. The sound of the goat bells in the mountains. The smell of growing herbs and wildflowers. The warmth and generosity of the Greek people. My delightful traveling companions. The delicious, fresh food - including the best goat cheese and tomatoes I've ever had. And our wonderful guide Annie, who was an absolute pleasure to be with and whose thoughtfulness, attention to every detail, and knowledge and love of the natural world, made this an unforgettable experience. This was my first visit to Greece, but will certainly not be my last.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There's a lot of mountain walking on uneven surfaces, so make sure to bring trekking poles and a good, broken-in pair of hiking boots. If you're not used to walking up and down hills, try to incorporate it into your exercise routine before you arrive. Sunscreen is a must. Also, try to learn a little Greek before you arrive it's a way of showing respect for your hosts and I found people truly appreciated the effort to speak their language.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We used public transportation as much as possible to get to and from our day hikes and ate in many locally-owned tavernas.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I loved every minute of it. I'm already thinking about when I can come back again.Anne Ward review 15 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Pretty much everything was memorable, fabulous scenery, beautiful ancient paths and villages, swimming off lovely secluded beaches, meeting local people and eating delicious food. It was the Greek Orthodox Church Easter during our stay and it was fascinating to see the the processions and traditions associated with this. Annie Antonatou is a really excellent guide, knowledgeable, funny and great company.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take reliably comfy walking boots that are up to several hours walking.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Perhaps in a small way - we enjoyed eating and drinking in lovely small restaurants and used public transport to get around.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really enjoyable, fantastic way to see the islands in spring and get a sense of local culture and tradition. Also good to relax and absorb a quieter way of life.Alice Byram review 2 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The spectacular views back onto the mountains whilst swimming in turquoise waters. Amazing hikes discovering nature with knowledgeable guide. Delicious food served by friendly locals happy to stop and chat...then surprise pieces of cake or savouries to try.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book for as long as you can go.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes-we ate in local taverns, not the tourist ones. Random bits of plastic come across were picked up to be binned-generally extremely clean.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent mix of relaxing and walking in stunning scenery. Extremely well organised-no need to think about anything. I will be back...Laurence Copeland review 21 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing to the top of Mount Zas (Zeus) on a beautifully warm sunny day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book early so that you can get a direct flight to Naxos itself, rather than having to fly to Mykonos or Santorini and then use the ferry.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people were very friendly and hospitable. I should like to think they benefitted from our presence. Certainly the hotel and restaurants all seemed to be owned by local people, rather than global brands. Some of the tavernas in remote villages were glad to welcome half a dozen hungry and thirsty walkers4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A marvellous and memorable week, with a nice mix of walking, relaxation and (my weakness) eating.Elaine Blatchford review 7 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were many. We happened to be there to experience the Greek Orthodox Easter Celebrations in the villages. Swimming in the turquoise sea. The beautiful scenery and aromatic flora. The wonderful fresh food. The friendly people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Annie did have walking poles but you definitely need to use one. Ankle walking boots are advisable.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly. We met some wonderful hospitable people all trying to make a living despite the uncertain political situation. All the rooms, restaurants and cafes were small establishments run by local families. The fresh produce used to prepare meals came straight out of their gardens.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of our best ever vacations. Annie is a superb guide and we had a wonderful introduction to the quieter Cyclades Islands. She knew the islands well and many of the wonderful people we met were her friends.Sarita Chitrapu review 21 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It would have to be - experiencing Greece, like a local, in the truest sense possible. Annie, the tour leader and guide was always suggesting places and experiences that would help us experience and appreciate the land, its people, the culture and history in the truest sense. I came back from my vacation feeling totally refreshed and also enriched with knowledge of a land that I had until read about in my history books! Our interactions with the locals were so enriching and a definite eye-opener! To me, life in Greece epitomized simplicity and that is endearing to say the least! I may have booked my vacation tour driven by curiosity to see and experience the country, but I came back loaded with an experience of a lifetime and made friends for a lifetime! I didnt just come back from a vacation, but I came back with an experience that echoed I lived in Greece, like a true local and experienced life in Greece in its truest sense be it lunching with locals, exploring old castles or sitting on the edge of a cliff looking over the Aegean sea or plucking olives as we walked past little villages and smiling at the villagers and arriving famished at the local restaurants to be treated to delicious Greek salad with fresh veggies and responsibletravel.com and Annie made that possible!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you wish to experience Greece and breathe its soul, then this is the tour to go on! Annie is passionate about what she does and of the land itself and it comes across her conversations she never gets tired of the questions and is always so excited to explain and show more! The more I saw, the more I wanted to know and Annie was always quick to spot the curiosity and even before I asked, she was showing and telling me stories of the place we visited she bought the land the history to life right there in front of your eyes as she spoke. Advice for those booking the tours travel light and be cognizant of the way of life in Greece you will be advised not to waste natural resources (Water, paper etc.). Traveling light (a backpack and a day pack) would help you cover more places than you would if you had plenty of luggage! Keep a good water proof jacket and fleece jacket handy the weather in the mountains changes without warning being prepared helps! Good shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen and you are all set! WiFi is available in all the places, you will be staying, but a little piece of advice from a fellow traveler - leave those phones and tablets in the room go out there talk to the locals, enjoy a glass of wine and hear what they have to say you will be amazed at what you will hear and how much there is to see!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it certainly did, in every which way be it eating at the local restaurants, shopping local made wares or ensuring no water was wasted. The tour is designed to ensure to benefit the locals as much as it allows a lovely vacation experience for its clients!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 Stars all the way! The tour I booked saw some cancellations and I ended up being the only one on the tour and Annie still went ahead and took me on the tour and she made sure it was the best I had - no compromises were made, none whatsoever and I am ever so glad, that she ensured that I was taken care of and felt comfortable, no matter where we went and ensure the smile on my face stayed put all throughout the tour!ERIK Svanes review 24 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in beautiful landscapes, visiting fantastic beaches and wonderful villages,meeting Greek people and eating great food. If you aim for just one thing it must be the mount zas hike in Naxos.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be open for whatever happens. Things may not go according to plan and have to be changed. For me it turned out fine. Another important thing is to walk quietly, I.e.no talking. Then you can more be in the moment. Really be here and now and enjoy your surroundings.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I really think we did that. We supported local businesses. We took care of our garbage and also picked some from others. We took buses many places rather than taxi or car. By walking we chose an activity giving low environmental impact. It also gives local authorities an incentive to better protect the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had a fantastic vacation. Ten out of ten possible. Annie the guide was large part of that. Very professional and with a big heart.Steve Gattey review 17 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing Mount Zas, the birthplace of Zeus on Naxos, and watching a big flock of ravens flying almost out of sight and descending was very special. Also eating island food, including greens picked from the wild and boiled hyacinth bulbs (the place was alive with tasselled hyacinths in bloom) and of course lots of raki on Amorgos in a rustic restaurant that was really our hosts' home was something I will never forget. Finally for the first time eating about 50 of the snails I had seen feasting on mandragora (mandrake)throughout our vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready for some serious but very enjoyable walking and unpredictable weather. It was very windy and cool for much of our 2 weeks in March/April, but it didn't stop us enjoying ourselves!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. We always stayed in locally-owned accommodation and ate in locally-owned restaurants, with locally-sourced food like the hyacinths, greens and snails mentioned above. Annie even objected to eating at Greek-owned chains! The smaller Cyclades are very depopulated, but the kind of vacation offered must encourage those who fed and housed us to stay.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was great. I hope to climb Mount Olympus with the same vacation company when I have learned enough Greek!Charlie Cahn review 27 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation was memorable (I will not forget it for a long time) and exciting. Everything about it was excellent - the organisation, the type and variety of hikes, the accommodation, the helpfulness and knowledge of the guides, the local cuisine - and even the weather.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for a wonderful time. No other special tips required - the information provided was so complete and helpful.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes visiting the villages helped to provide economic support for them. There was an emphasis on being environmentally friendly - our guide even picked up rubbish at one point.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
See under 1 above.Carrie Jack review 27 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The locations were excellent and scenery was beautiful. The walks allowed us to visit parts of the islands that were really off the beaten track. I also loved the archaeology.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take good boots and the right equipment and your camera!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it benefited the local people in using services such as restaurants, shops, transport etc4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent week. The vacation was well organised, allowed for excellent walks and was a great opportunity to find out lots about many aspects of Greece. Both guides were really helpful and knowledgeable and were able to tell us lots about the islands. It was a very enjoyable week.Maureen O review 16 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Arriving at the different islands.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
1. Be aware that ferries do a very fast turnaround 2. Bring binoculars 3. Very light tshirts & shorts for walking 4. Ideally walk for 5 or 6 days with a day off and a few days more for just relaxation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
General spending i.e. Restaurants, souvenir shops, buying clothes, taxis etc. Would have benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Would definitely take similar vacation again.Lisa Lazuli review 10 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing to the top of Mount Zas on Naxos - birthplace of Zeus. Walking the ancient marble paved mule tracks passing varied landscapes of olive groves, picturesque villages, deep ravines, rocky outcrops and an ever changing coastline where islands appear and disappear beneath startling blue skies, haze and shifting clouds. The swim in crystal clear sea at Lionas on Naxos after descending from the remote village of Koronas. Wonderful pebbles there too! Arriving at The bay of Aegali with the sun setting behind us over Paros and the moon rising above the steep slopes of Amorgos. Sunset drinks at Amorgis in Aegali. Breakfasts at Hotel Kymata in Naxos. Seeing a griffin vulture.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use all your senses and take time to savour the scents and the scenery. Take time to just stop and be still and listen to the silence broken only by goatbells and the cry of a bird of prey.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed at small family run hotels and ate and drank at a variety of tavernas and cafes - some of which were in remote villages where passing thirsty tourists clearly boosted their trade. The vacation provider is a small Athens based company with a team of passionate guides keen to pass on their local knowledge. We left a few footprints - but only in the sand!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A feast for the senses!Monica Wen review 8 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
HIking to the summit of Mt. Zas and enjoying panoramic views of the Cycladic Islands!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring hiking poles and be prepared for rocky surfaces.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I feel we benefited the local businesses by frequenting family-run hotels and restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was very enjoyable, a great blend of nature and history.Eimear Fitzgerald review 7 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Enjoying the nice food, walks and scenery.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To be reasonably fit before it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited locals as we supported the food and wine producers and also purchased a few items of jewellery, and food items as presents.We helped the environment by using local transport and consumed local produce as much as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We would rate it v highly and have recommended it to friends. We would appreciate a coffee stop or break after about 2hrs walking.The same in the afternoon. There is always a great rush to finish the walk for no apparent reason. All the restaurants and walks and guides were better than Exodus .Cliodhna Foley-Nolan review 29 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beach side walk2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Absolutely excellent- Annie gave it her all. Some walking surfaces quite tricky - bring suitable shoes/ light boots Take breaks/ supplies on longer walks3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
MarvellousEsteve Marie review 15 May 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wild spring flowers everywhere, with Mediterranean blue in the background, even with the odd flamingo in the "laguna"!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Late April is a wonderful time, still off high season: almost deserted beaches where you can already swim - although water is still a bit on the chilly side, and wonderful spring blossoms on every trail. The friendly guides can arrange any walk to suit the group's needs and wishes: from lovely countryside strolls when you are still jet-lagged on arrival day to sunrise uphill more demanding climbs if you wish - stopping or ending on some wonderful beaches whenever you want!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes : accomodation at a local farmer's family home now renovated as a very comfortable and charming guest house. Using local buses (also very comfortable)as often as possible or sharing a taxi to reach the walks starting points or to come back from the walks to the Chora or main town on the island where we stayed, helped us maintain a low carbon print. Lunches or dinners at local village taverns also help Naxian inhabitants make a living on the island.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very relaxing, a real Greek "hanami" (spring flowers everywhere), guided by an enthusiastic and friendly Greek woman!Holiday Reviews
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