The Angeria- Aneratza- Ai-Giorgis sta Damalia Circular Hike

10/13km±450m4h30/5h30

Description  This is a moderate difficulty hike on the lesser-known but very scenic southern heights!

We meet outside Aghios Georgios, the main church of quaint Angeria, just off the bus stop. We start walking uphill though the village alleys and we quickly find ourselves on the old hillside footpath to Lefkes, with great views to Alyki bay, the Antiparos channel and beyond. Then we start moving N-NW into the green, secluded valleys of Kamari and Aneratza, tucked into the terraced hills. We go alongside age-old stone-built ‘pezoules’ (Cycladic terraced hillside fields) and countryside with barley & wheat fields vineyards, old olive groves, as well as bushland with fragrant thyme, sage, cistus and lentisk bush. A tour of the nicest parts of the valley of Aneratza and the abandoned settlement (+3km) is a must, if the group is willing to go the extra mile!

After admiring the idyllic landscapes of gentle, rolling hills and the unique rural serenity of Aneratza valley, we then take the old mule road (now a footpath) in the ravine and up Skafi hill, all the way up to the little chapel of Ai- Giorgis sta Damalia (‘St. George of the Calves’ – name due to the old stone-built stables still standing on the side). On this high ground, we pause to take in sweeping views to the sea and the surrounding islands to the S-SE (Naxos, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Ios, Sikinos and more!), but also have a nice picnic with fresh local produce & wine! Next, an easy, downhill dirt road with more great views, takes us past the nunnery of Agioi Theodoroi and back down to Angeria to end our hike, first on cement-paved track and then on old footpath!

There’s also an extended version (+3 km) walking on the dirt tracks that skirt Kastellovouni hill for more beautiful sea views to the E-SE, all the way down to Angeria village.

See route map here. Questions or more info? Ask us!

In a nutshell  [Terraced hillsides, rural serenity & sweeping views] Countryside/hillside/unique landscapes/views, moderate difficulty, distance 10/13 km, duration 4h30/5h30 (incl. picnic stop), elevation gain/loss ±450m.