For those with a dash of pioneering spirit, Walking Plus have introduced independent walking programmes on the Cycladic islands of Naxos and Tinos – the first UK company to do so. This is exciting new territory for self-guided walkers, following traditional working paths that are tailor-made for exploring on foot. They cut through the countryside to the rural hearts of the islands, and you’re unlikely to encounter anyone but a lonely goatherd. The walks are longer and more challenging than their guided counterparts. Many paths are not waymarked, and because the routes are designed to show as much of these wonderfully diverse islands as possible, we take you along some that are little used – or known.

 You can walk for one-week on either Naxos or Tinos, or combine the two islands for satisfying fortnight’s holiday. Each island has its own distinctive character and landscape (see the various destinations pages).

 The written Walking Plus self-guided routes have detailed map and directions, plus observations on the landscape you are walking through, presented with the well-informed enthusiasm that is the company’s hallmark. They are recce’d and prepared by Robin Cameron Cooper, using expertise gained in the Army, and researched and written by author and editor Gilly Cameron Cooper (Walking London’s Docks, Rivers & Canals, Beatrix Potter’s Lake District), They combine clear, reliable directions with interesting titbits of information about what to look out for on the way.

DATES

Whether you are opting for a one-week or fortnight holiday, you can start your self-guided walking tour on either island any day you like between the beginning of May and mid October. You may like to have a two-night stopover in Athens (see ‘Add-on Athens’ below) at the beginning or end of your island holiday.

We arrange all accommodation, as well as transporting your baggage from place to place, so all you carry with you is a day pack. If there are any difficulties, we – or our route manager – will be a phone call away to ask for help.