Naxos: Mount Zas Hike Ancient Trail & Cyclades Summit Picnic

Hiking up Mount Zas in Naxos for wild views and old stories

You’ll hike an ancient trail up Mount Zas with a local guide from Naxos, passing wild herbs and goat bells on your way to the highest point in the Cyclades. At the summit, share a traditional snack with your group as you take in sweeping island views—and maybe feel a little mythic yourself.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide throughout the hike, all entry fees and taxes covered, liability insurance for peace of mind, first aid kits and necessary equipment provided by Trekking Hellas, plus a traditional snack at the summit and a picnic to finish things off before heading back down to Naxos town.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Mount Zas and enjoy views

• Start hike on ancient trail
• Ascend to Mount Zas summit
• Enjoy 360-degree views
• Take photos and have traditional treat
• Descend back down the trail
• Enjoy traditional picnic at end

The Experience

“So this is where Zeus grew up?” That’s what I blurted out, halfway up Mount Zas, still catching my breath. Our guide, Maria, just grinned and handed me a fig from her pocket—she said the trees here have watched hikers for centuries. The trail started off rocky and dry, with the kind of silence you only get on Greek islands before noon. I could hear goats somewhere below us (or maybe they heard me first), and every so often the wind would bring this sharp, herbal smell—like thyme and sunburnt grass.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing on that ridge. There’s this moment about an hour in when you look back and realize how far Naxos town is—just a white smudge now—and suddenly it’s just you, the sky, and the Aegean stretching forever. Maria pointed out Paros and Amorgos in the haze. She told us people have climbed this same path since ancient times; I tried to imagine sandals instead of hiking boots crunching over these stones. The climb gets steeper near the top but not too crazy—if you’re moderately fit it’s totally doable. My legs were burning but honestly? Worth it for that 360-degree view. I still think about that light bouncing off all those islands.

At the summit we sat on warm rocks while Maria unpacked our traditional snack—some crumbly cheese pie and olives she’d brought from her aunt’s kitchen (she swears by her aunt’s pies). Everyone was quiet for a minute except for someone laughing about their sunhat blowing away. Maybe it was just hunger or maybe it was being up there together, but food tasted different at 1000 meters. We took photos but none of them really captured how blue everything looked—or how weirdly proud I felt eating pie where Zeus once played hide-and-seek (maybe).

Top questions

How long is the Mount Zas hike in Naxos?

The hike covers about 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip.

What is the elevation of Mount Zas?

The summit reaches 1003 meters or 3290 feet above sea level.

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

The trail is moderate difficulty; travelers should be moderately fit.

Are snacks or meals included during the hike?

A traditional snack at the summit and a picnic at the end are included.

Will there be a local guide on this day trip?

Yes, an English-speaking Trekking Hellas guide leads your group.

What kind of terrain can I expect on Mount Zas?

The path includes dirt trails and rocky sections typical of Cycladic mountains.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Naxos town?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check details with your provider if needed.

Are service animals allowed on this hike?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to tour info.