If you’re searching for the best hiking experience in Naxos, ELaiolithos is the place to begin. Ideally located in the heart of the island’s untouched hinterland and surrounded by its most scenic trails, this eco-conscious hotel is the only one on the island to receive the prestigious Gold Certification for Hikers. ELaiolithos serves as a perfect base for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and travelers eager to connect with the authentic soul of Naxos.
Why Hikers Love Staying at ELaiolithos in Naxos
ELaiolithos isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a launchpad for outdoor exploration, where luxury meets sustainability, and every path leads to an enriching encounter with nature, history, and culture:
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🥇 Gold-Certified by the Hikers’ Friendly Network & Ecotourism Greece
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🌿 Eco-conscious hospitality rooted in sustainability and local sourcing
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🧭 Centrally located at the intersection of 3 major hiking regions of Naxos
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🏛️ Surrounded by ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and dramatic landscapes
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🌄 Trails begin right at the doorstep, leading to landmarks like Mount Zeus, Fanari, Marble Quarries, Panagia Drosiani, Saint George Diasoritis, and Profitis Elias
- 🧭 Close to Naxos’ most picturesque and historic villages—Chalkio, Kaloxylos, Filoti, and Moni—all reachable on foot
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🥗 Fresh, healthy cuisine with organic, local ingredients—detox smoothies, salads, and dishes for all dietary needs
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🥾 Free personalized trail advice and guidance from knowledgeable locals
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🪵 Locally handcrafted olive wood hiking sticks available
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🍷 Unwind post-hike with a signature cocktail, local wine, or smoothie on the panoramic terrace
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🧀 Experience authentic Naxian culture through food, music, and nearby artisan villages
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🧘♀️ Ideal for slow travel and mindful adventurers seeking meaningful connections with nature
Trails Begin Where You Wake Up
A multitude of scenic trails begin right at ELaiolithos’ doorstep. This is the only place on Naxos where three major hiking networks converge, making it the most strategic and convenient base for trekking, walking, cycling, or quad-biking adventures.
From ELaiolithos, you can hike in any direction—literally—into the island’s most authentic and untouched landscapes.
Discover a Naxos few ever see:
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🏛️ Hidden Byzantine monasteries, ancient temples & remote chapels
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🪨 Towering Cyclopean rock formations & age-old marble quarries
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🏘️ Whitewashed villages like Moni, Kinidaros, Kaloxylos, Filoti and Chalkio, rich in tradition
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🏰 The Upper Castle and the mysterious Jesuit Palace of Kalamitsia
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🌊 Secluded beaches and unspoiled coastlines in the East and North
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🌿 Wild flora, natural springs, olive groves, citrus orchards & terraced hills
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🏞️ Breathtaking Aegean panoramas and serene mountain landscapes
Every trail tells a story—you’ll walk in the footsteps of gods, monks, farmers, and marble artisans. ELaiolithos invites you to explore the soul of Naxos one step at a time.
Reconnect Through Nature and Local Life
Hiking around ELaiolithos is more than scenic—it’s immersive. As you wander through the region, you’ll encounter local farmers, artisans, and villagers. Stop for a glass of raki, share stories, or sample a farm-to-table dish at a village taverna where everything is made from scratch using Naxian ingredients.
Whether you’re trekking to ancient sites or pausing for fresh figs along the trail, every moment is rooted in authenticity and connection.
Relax & Refuel with the Nutritional Goodness of Naxos
After an inspiring day on the trails, return to ELaiolithos and nourish both body and soul with nutritional, fresh, locally sourced delights. Our open-air café and expansive panoramic terrace are the perfect post-hike haven to unwind and take in the breathtaking views.
Here’s what hikers love to enjoy at ELaiolithos:
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🥗 Fresh-cut salads, gluten free, vegetarian & vegan-friendly dishes made with organic, seasonal ingredients
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🧀 Famous Naxian cheeses from our family’s grass-fed goats & sheep, high in the surrounding hills
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🍷 Local wines, and signature craft cocktails infused with stories and regional spirits
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🥤 Detox smoothies, wild mountain herbal teas & authentic Greek coffee
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🍳 Healthy brunch, homemade jams, hearty breakfasts & delicious options at dinner time
As the sun melts into the horizon behind the ridgelines, the sky transforms into a symphony of orange, grey, and gold. Sip, savor, and soak it all in—because here, every bite and every view is part of your journey.
The Heart of Nature, The Soul of Naxos
ELaiolithos is a true sanctuary for nature-inspired travelers who want to explore and unwind in equal measure. This part of the island is wild, serene, and rich in natural and cultural beauty—and still undiscovered by mass tourism.
Whether you’re here for hiking, cultural immersion, or simply to breathe cleaner air, ELaiolithos offers a rare blend of adventure and comfort.
Top Reasons ELaiolithos Is the Ultimate Stay for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Naxos
When it comes to hiking-friendly accommodation in Naxos, ELaiolithos stands in a league of its own. This luxury eco-hotel impresses on every level—from its commitment to sustainability to its privileged position at the heart of the island’s most enchanting hiking region.
1. A Location Like No Other: In the Heart of Authentic Naxos
Perched at 450 meters elevation between the picturesque villages of Chalkio and Moni, ELaiolithos is brilliantly nestled in the untouched hinterland of Naxos. Far from the noise of mass tourism, here lies a serene natural haven where the wild landscapes meet ancient history.
Wake up to uninterrupted views over the Drimalia/Traghea Valley, a lush green expanse home to 400,000 olive trees, Byzantine churches, and imposing Venetian towers. Whether you’re basking in the morning light or stargazing at night, the view from every suite and the expansive terrace is nothing short of ethereal.
And the best part? No matter which suite you book, you’ll experience the same stunning scenery, complete peace, and a deep connection to nature.
2. Easy Access to Mountains and Beaches Alike
ELaiolithos’ strategic central location offers hikers the rare opportunity to explore both Naxos’ rugged mountains and its serene coastline, all within short driving distances.
From this base, you can:
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Hike Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades (1004 m), just minutes away
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Visit Panagia Drosiani, the oldest Byzantine church in the Balkans (350 m away)
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Explore nearby Kinidaros (2.5 Km), rich in history, traditional music, and Naxian marble quarries
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Discover Moni village (1.5 km), famed for its loom weaving and vibrant local culture
- Hike through the scenic Kaloxylos village (2 Km) and visit the Ergostasio-Olive Oil Taste Experience
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Stroll through Chalkio (3 Km), the former capital and home of the Citron Distillery Museum
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Reach remote beaches in the East and North, all within a 25–30-minute drive
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Take in views of the 8-shaped mountain complex and distant islands like Sikinos, Ios and Folegandros.
3. A Gateway to Naxos’ Most Iconic Hiking Trails
ELaiolithos is uniquely positioned at the intersection of three major trail networks, making it the perfect starting point for hiking, trekking, mountain biking, or quad-biking across the island’s natural landscapes.
Trails from here take you through:
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Cyclopean rock formations
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Ancient marble quarries
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Scenic ridge lines and gorges
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Olive groves and citrus orchards
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Remote Byzantine churches
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Secluded, postcard-worthy beaches
Each path offers a sensory journey through the sounds, smells, and spirit of the real Naxos—raw, beautiful, and rooted in tradition.
4. Luxurious Eco-Accommodation with Soul
At ELaiolithos, you don’t have to choose between comfort and adventure. Each of the five uniquely designed Concept Suites blends artful Cycladic decor with eco-conscious luxury. From organic bedding to handmade furnishings and stunning vistas from every room, this is where well-being and design meet nature.
Whether you’re returning from a sunrise hike or winding down after a full day on the trails, ELaiolithos invites you to relax in style with:
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A rooftop terrace café offering smoothies, fresh teas, Greek coffee, and detox drinks
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Signature cocktails, local wines, and farm-to-table meals
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Light, nutritious brunches and famous Naxian cheeses
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A vibe of quiet elegance, rooted in hospitality and love for the land
5. A Place to Disconnect and Truly Reconnect
ELaiolithos is more than a hotel—it’s a soulful encounter with the spirit of Naxos. Here, time slows down, and you’ll find space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with nature and yourself.
It’s a destination for intentional travelers—those who value culture over crowds, experiences over schedules, and quiet moments over packed itineraries.
ELaiolithos: A Rebirth of the Naxian Spirit
If you’re seeking a hiking holiday in Naxos that’s as enriching as it is relaxing, ELaiolithos is the experience you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group, this is a place where a story of true hospitality is written—step by step, path by path.
Come when your heart says it’s time.
Choose the season, lace your boots, and let the trails of Naxos guide you.
Let ELaiolithos be your home, your trailhead, and your haven.
For more information see under Activities Hiking Naxos and Hikers Friendly Hotel
📍 Plan Your Next Hiking Adventure in Naxos
Skip the crowds and cliché experiences. Come to Naxos and discover a new kind of Cycladic adventure—authentic, raw, beautiful, and deeply personal.
Start your journey at ELaiolithos, where hiking, hospitality, and heritage meet.
Article written by Helen Marakis
October 2018
