Hike & Sail on the Southern Coast

7.5km30m4h30m***

Description Take a hike… and a boat trip! Walk with us along the rugged & beautiful southern coast & return by sea on a traditional ‘caique’!

We depart early in the morning from peaceful Alyki port where the fishermen clean their nets on traditional ‘caiques’ (fishing boats), with the hilly silhouette of Antiparos island as a backdrop. Moving on to sandy Piso Alyki beach, the first in a string of pristine, clear-water beaches ahead, we continue on flat but stony trails sometimes above and sometimes by the water, walking on the rocky coastline covered in low juniper and lentisk. After some more donkey trail and a couple of narrow cliffside passes, we reach the three golden-sanded beaches of Farangas and continue by the water to even more scenic coves and pocket beaches with turquoise waters.

The seascape becomes more rugged as we veer to the north; we find ourselves in an impressive rocky shore – massive, white marble slabs descending to the sea, cracked and layered by millennia of corrosion from the wind and the salt. We navigate this spectacular terrain and scramble to higher ground and walk above the rugged coastline, until we reach the discreet beach of Trypiti, with its ‘castaway’ feel; on a summer day, the golden sand and the crystal-clear waters beckon us for a swim.

It’s a hard choice indeed, was we must continue on the last leg of our walking tour above impressive vertical cliffs to a spectacular roofless sea-cave and the rocky Pirate’s Cove. At this marauders’ hideaway in wilder times, we reach a flat rocky platform perfect for a refreshing sea dip- and a nice location for a well-deserved ‘gourmet’ picnic with fresh salad, local cooked food and traditional fresh produce – and wine, of course!

After our swim and picnic, our ‘caique’ transfer arrives just on time to pick us up. Once aboard, we continue our exploration of the lace-like coastline from another perspective, enjoying the spray of the waves. Another swim is optional, but feasting your eyes is obligatory as the boat stops at the turquoise waters of Cape Mavros Cavos along the way. After a cruise of 20-25 min, we reach the port of Alyki, where the tour ends.

Questions or more info? Ask us!

In a nutshell  [Rugged trails, marble coasts, turquoise waters… and a mini cruise!]] Hiking/coastline/views/sea dip, moderate, duration 4h30m-5h (incl. picnic & boat return), walking distance 7.5 km (walking time 3h30m w.stops), elevation clearance ±0-30m.