ELaiolithos – Keramoti – Routsouna Falls and back to Elaiolithos

This hiking path is through pristine landscape, the picturesque village of Keramoti located steep down from the top of the mountain of Koronos and ends at the famous Routsounawaterfall of Naxos island. Keramoti village is seemingly cut off from civilization, but it is the start of a very nice 2 Km walk to the biggest natural waterfall of Naxos, the Routsouna falls, and you have to return the same road.

The surrounding picturesque area offers plenty to see, including the old stone-and-marble bridge over the southern stream, the old outdoor laundries, two watermills and the old water reservoir which collects the water from tributary brooks and then releases it via aqueducts to the vegetable gardens at Perada. Keramoti is surrounded by lots of greenery and high mountains. This village keeps intact its traditional character that is fully preserved and has stayed away from tourism.

A square, or platsa, as it is referred to by locals, featuring the old olive mill, lies at the village center. Close to Keramoti are the natural springs of the two rivers of Naxos. These rivers meet a few km later, at the spot of Dipotamata, and continue their flow together. Keramoti is mostly visited due to its close distance to Koronos, although the surrounding region is excellent for hiking with lots to see once you are at the tip of Koronos, the 2nd highest mountain of Naxos (3271 ft), from where the view is magnificent.

The village is also linked to three rural roads leading to the villages Apeiranthos, Koronos, Kynidaros, and Moni –all via the Stavros Keramotis junction – which is the largest intersection of rural roads on the island. At this point, a small whitewashed church, dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, offers a tremendous view of parts of Naxos’s both east and west coasts. Picture this! One of the loveliest old walking trails- experiences about the island of Dionysos.

  • Level: Moderate
  • Duration: 4 hrs
  • Distance: 7 Km
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round