Naxos, the largest and greenest island in Greece’ Cyclades, known for its blend of sandy beaches, fertile landscapes with mountains and valleys, as well as a rich cultural and historical heritages and the small Cyclades, a tranquil cluster of tiny islands in the Aegean Sea,, southeast of Naxos, offering an authentic, less crowded Greek island experience with stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and quiet villages are developing an integrated hiking trail network for sustainable tourism.
Featuring trail maintenance, new signage, and reopening forgotten paths to connect settlements, highlighting biodiversity, local culture, history, and geology for an enhanced visitor experience, the aim of this project is to attract off - season visitors and benefit local businesses through ecotourism and better route management.
This new initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism in these idyllic Hellenic islands is moving forward following approval of a programme agreement between the Ministry of Environment Energy and the Municipalities of Naxos and Small Cyclades.
The development has a total budget of more than €470.000 and will be funded through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the agreement covers the planning and promotion of an integrated hiking trail network across Naxos, Ano Koufonisi, Donousa, Heraklia and Schinoussa.
The plan focuses on the creation and upgrade of certified trails design to showcase the islands’ natural and cultural landscapes. For tourism, the network is expected to support season extension and attract special interest visitors, including hikers and nature focused travellers.
According to the approved study, the routes will largely following existing paths and will include targeted interventions to improve usability and safety.
Planned works include maintenance and cleaning to improve walkability, reopening sections that have been become less accessible due to limited use in recent years, installing signage and carrying out small scale works at specific points to support safer passage.
The hiking network is also expected to biodiversity protection and more sustainable management of the natural environment, while supporting social cohesion by connecting settlements, local businesses and residents within a broader development vision.
Project planners have said the goal is to develop and promote a coherent network of hiking routes in line with national and international best practices, aiming to maximize its appeal to hiking visitors while also supporting an educational and environmentally focused approach that highlights local cultural and environmental interest.
Key Features of the Project:
• Infrastructure and Accessibility: Improving walkability, cleaning trails, reopening less – used sections, and installing signage for safer passage.
• Connectivity: Connecting villages, businesses and natural sites for a comprehensive network.
• Sustainability: Promoting biodiversity protection, sustainable environmental management, and attracting tourism outside peak seasons.
• Cultural and Natural Immersion: Showcasing Naxos’ mountains like Mount Zas, valleys, Byzantine chapels, Venetian citadels, and the unique unspoiled nature of Small Cyclades showcasing the charm of Donousa, Iraklia, and Koufonisia.
• Educational Focus: Highlighting geology, history, endemic flora, and local customs and traditions through guided or self - guided routes.
• Digital Integration: Integrating maps and trail info into mobile apps for self - guided exploration.
• Educational Focus: Highlighting geology, history, endemic flora, and local customs through guided or self-guided routes.
What Hikers Can Expect:
• Diverse Landscapes: From Naxos’s high peaks and fertile valleys to the secluded coves and beaches of the Small Cyclades.
• Rich Heritage: Ancient ruins like Portara, traditional mountain villages such as Apiranthos, Venetian castles, and historic chapels.
• Authentic Experience: Opportunities to experience genuine Greek hospitality and traditional island life.
This initiative is part of a larger national effort, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) to map and develop a National Path across Greece, boosting sustainable development and showcasing the country’s natural and cultural wealth.
Link
https://news.gtp.gr/2026/01/16/naxos-and-small-cyclades-to-develop-hiking-trail-network/
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