Hiking// Meander through Melanes & Potamia’s Lush Valleys, Ending in a Feast of Tradition
Our adventure begins in Naxos Town (or another designated pick-up location), and after a scenic 15-minute drive through beautiful landscapes, we arrive at the enchanting area of Flerio.
This fertile region, brimming with sycamore trees, olive groves, citrus orchards, and a variety of aromatic herbs, is home to two ancient wonders. Here lie two colossal statues that have rested peacefully for thousands of years. The first, the Kouros of Farangi, is a majestic 5.5-meter (18-foot) statue dating back to the early 6th century BC. Nearby, shaded by a rural garden, rests the Kouros of Flerio—a 6-meter (19.6-foot) figure, believed to have been carved around 570 BC.
We then set off westward, embarking on a hike to another “must-see” marvel: the imposing ruins of the Jesuit Palace. This 17th-century structure, nestled between the villages of Melanes and Potamia, stands as a testament to unique architecture and history, inviting us to explore its deserted grandeur.
Our journey continues as we make our way to the two villages of Potamia. Winding through their charming alleys, we are greeted by a tropical-like landscape, with a serene creek and lush orchards guiding our path. This picturesque setting leads us to Koko’s Tower—a fascinating 17th-century Venetian structure hidden amidst verdant greenery, with a mysterious, perhaps even eerie, story woven into its walls.
As our hike unfolds, we meander through countless olive groves, savoring the tranquility of the landscape, before finally returning to our starting point, completing a day rich in history, beauty, adventure and an optional delicious traditional lunch at a nearby picturesque village!
Trail distance: 8km/(5miles)
Difficulty: easy
Total Duration: 4-5h (travel/lunch time included)
Starting time: after breakfast, approx. 10 a.m.
We provide
- Local certified guide
- Hotel pick up/ drop off
- Trekking poles
- Backpack
- Snack
- Optional Full-course lunch at the village
- First aid kit
You should wear/bring
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Hat/buffer
- Sunscreen lotion
- Water bottle (we encourage our guests to bring reusable and not single-use plastic water bottles! )
max. group size is 6 people (Exceptions for bigger groups after further arrangements)