Mount Zas hiking tour Naxos: Cave and summit views

The cave where Zeus hid from his father, and the view that reaches Crete.

A guided hike up Mount Zas on Naxos, starting above the village of Filoti with a certified local guide who knows the mountain's history and paths. You choose between an easy 3-hour route from Agia Marina church to the summit, or a medium 3½-hour option that includes the cave of Zas before reaching the top. Transfer by minivan is included.

The experience

How do you get to the trailhead without a rental car? The operator picks you up by minivan and drives you to the meeting checkpoint on Mount Zas, above the village of Filoti. From there, the hike begins on mountain paths that follow the terrain and the history layered into it: signs of habitation dating back to 6000 BC sit alongside the routes people still walk today.

The easy option begins at Agia Marina's old church and climbs straight to the summit in about 3 hours. The medium route takes roughly 3½ hours and adds the cave of Zas, where legend says the young Zeus sheltered from Kronos' wrath. Either way, you reach the top of the Cyclades' highest peak. On clear days, the view sweeps across the southern Aegean from Crete to the coasts of Asia Minor: the kind of vista that justifies the climb. Your guide is a local from Filoti with extensive experience of the area and the stories attached to it.

The hike passes mountain fountains along the route. You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness. The two routes let you pick one that suits your hiking experience.

What’s included

• Minivan transfer to the meeting checkpoint on Mount Zas.
• certified local guide speaking English and Greek.
• choice of easy or medium difficulty route.
• access to the cave of Zas on the medium option.
• panoramic views from the summit.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Naxos Tours Transfers

Is this one for you?Start above Filoti village with the transfer included, so you skip arranging transport to the trailhead. The minivan brings you to the meeting checkpoint on the mountain and you hike from there. Choose the easy route if you want 3 hours to the summit, or the medium route if you want the cave detour and don't mind the extra half-hour.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the easy and medium hiking routes on Mount Zas?

The easy route runs 3 hours from Agia Marina church to the summit. The medium route takes 3½ hours and includes a detour to the cave of Zas before continuing to the top and returning to Agia Marina, adding the legendary cave site to the day.

What does the local guide actually know about Mount Zas?

Your guide is certified, lives in Filoti village at the base of the mountain, and knows the area and its history in depth. He can tell you about the mountain's past, from the first traces of people living here around 6000 BC to the legends attached to it.

What's the view like from the top of Mount Zas on a clear day?

From the summit, the panoramic view spans the entire southern Aegean under good weather conditions, reaching from Crete to the coasts of Asia Minor: the highest vantage point in the Cyclades.

What level of fitness do I need for this hike?

The operator recommends that you be at least moderately fit. The easy route takes 3 hours and the medium route takes 3½ hours, both on mountain paths.