CC BY-SA 3.0, Zde, Wikimedia CommonsHike· Naxos· Greece — Cyclades
Mount Zas Hike (Naxos)
37° 1.8′ N · 25° 30.1′ E
The climb to the 1,001 m summit of Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades and the mythical childhood refuge of Zeus. On a clear day you see a 360-degree panorama of the archipelago you have been sailing.
Practical
Greeka: the shortest route starts at the Agia Marina chapel on the Danakos side and takes about one hour to the top. The last stretch is steep. There is an ancient marble inscription on the way: 'Mount of Zas, protector of sheep'. The alternative route passes the Cave of Zas, about 20 minutes' walk from the road above Filoti, at 600 m altitude, next to the drinkable Aria spring. Its entrance is 10 m high (Greeka; OSM cave 37.03491, 25.49892). Start early in summer, carry water, and wear proper shoes. The mountain traps cloud and rain (Wikipedia). Get there by bus or taxi to Filoti.
Best for
Shore-leave summit hike above the whole Cyclades
Season
Spring and autumn best; start at dawn in summer
Nearby
- Griffon Vultures of Mount Zas (Naxos)Right here
- Panagia Feast at Filoti (15 August)1.3 NM away
- Danakos to Halki Trail (Trail 3, Halki–Filoti hills)1.5 NM away
- Halki Village & Kitron Distillery (Naxos)2.2 NM away
- Tragea Olive Valley Loop from Halki (Trail 4)2.2 NM away
- Apiranthos to Moutsouna Emery Trail (Trail 1)2.7 NM away
- Apiranthos Village (Naxos)2.7 NM away
- Psili Ammos Beach (Naxos east)3.3 NM away