Giannakis Filoxenia

The hike to the top of Mount Zas starts in Filotio, a small, traditional Greek village. From the town you will climb 625 meters to the summit of Mount Zas. The path consists mainly of a bumpy road full of rocks and boulders. Here and there salamanders shoot under the stones when they see our big feet passing by. Birds (especially a striking number of sparrows) whistle as if their lives depend on it. Bright yellow butterflies fly from one nectar plant to the other just before our eyes....

Filoti - Agios Ioannis Chapel (Φιλότι - Ξωκλήσι Άγιος Ιωάννης) A short route to the centre of Naxos, which starts from the semi-mountainous village of Filoti, at the foot of Mount Zas and heads towards the hill to the west. The Byzantine chapel of Agios Ioannis is built on the steep rock of the peak. The view of Mount Zas and the wider area is panoramic and breathtaking.

Filoti - Za Cave - Za Summit (Φιλότι - Σπήλαιο Ζα - Κορυφή Ζας) Starting from the largest village of Naxos, Filoti, the route heads south and ascends the slope of Mount Za, initially encountering the ruins of a windmill. The course then continues uphill to the southeast and meets the Arion spring. The trail starts to become more difficult and meets the Za cave. From here to the peak it becomes rougher and steeper. But the panoramic view from the top is amazing. The return by the same route.

Filoti - Za - Za Cave Loop (Φιλότι - Κορυφή Ζα - Σπήλαιο Ζα κυκλική) The trail begins and ends at the largest village of Naxos, Filoti. The ascent follows the easier route and is directed to the east, passing by the Agios Romanos chapel. The trail then turns south to the peak, the highest point in the Cyclades islands. The panoramic view from the top to the entire island and surrounding sea is amazing. The descent is challenging as it is steeper and not well marked. Cairns and red dots help...

Mount Zas Trail (Μονοπάτι προς τον Ζα) From Filoti, in the center and east of Naxos, an uphill and well-marked path leads the hiker to the top of Mount Zas. The trail has some steep points. The route, however, compensates with the magnificent view of the neighboring islands and the Aegean Sea. Just before the top, the last rocky part of the trail requires special attention as it runs along on a rock and is usually windy.