Naxos Hiking Trail 4: Discover the Olive Groves and the Byzantine Park in Chalki
- Circular: Chalki (Tragea) – Agia Marina – Monoitsia – Rachidiotissa – Drosiani – Moni – Kaloxylos – Acadimi – Chalki
- Distance: 7,2km
- Duration: 2h 10′
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Bus Routes: Here
Elevation Graph of trail 4
At a glance:
Trail 4 starts and ends at Chalki. Chalki is also known as Halki or Tragea and it is located at the center of Naxos. It is 16 km away from Hora and can be reached by bus. At Chalki you will come into contact with its neoclassical buildings, the church Panagia Protothronos (9th century) and the Venetian Tower Barozzi-Gratsia.
Leaving the village of Chalki and heading towards the village of Moni, you will encounter many Byzantine churches. The most famous are Agios Georgios Diasoritis and Panagia Drosiani. The first one is near Chalki and the second one near Moni.
The village of Moni is the highest point of the the trail, almost at 500 meters. As you continue the hike, you will get to the village Kaloxilos. Near Kaloxilos you will find the Byzantine church Panagia Damiotissa. The trail continues to Akadimi village where you can see the Markopolitis tower. The walk ends with Barozzi Gratsia tower, at Chalki.
Along the route you will come into direct contact with a forested landscape, smooth dirt paths, places with dense and low vegetation. Long trousers and closed shoes are ideal for walking the trail.
Suggestions:
- Use closed shoes for this trail. Sneakers / Hiking / Trekking shoes would be great.
- Hiking / trekking poles are not required but they will be useful.
- Bring a lot of water with you.
- During summer start hiking early in the morning. There aren’t many places of shade to rest. Also wear hat and sunscreen.