Finest Castle View Of The Island

Feel like the duke on the top of your duchy. What a view! How do your people live? What was your main concern about your duchy? How have people's lives changed since that time? Witness the Nobles' privileges and local way of living.
A moderate-to-demanding walk, starting from the village of Halki, Naxos’ old commercial centre. As we cross the lush valley of Tragea, heading west to Apano Kastro (Upper Castle), we can see the rapid change of the geomorphology: huge stone rocks form a lunar-like landscape, on geological formation unique in the cycladic region. A short, rough footpath leads us to Apano Kastro, a formidable citadel with a view over the central part of the island. This was the residence of the island’s Duke during the period of Venetian rule. The view from this point is breathtaking. The medieval scenery of the fort and the half-ruined old churches is quite theatrical. Descending from the castle, we visit the Geometric Era Cemetery (Necropolis) and the nearby Menhir, a large upright-standing stone suggesting pre-historic presence of people in the area. We then follow old footpaths that peasants used for centuries which connect the nearby small charming, traditional villages of Heimaros, Damalas and Damarionas, before ending up in Halki. Picturesque churches can be encountered all along our hike to Halki.

Level: moderate to demanding
Duration: 4h (plus driving time 1+ h)
Distance: 9.2 km
Other Technical Details: Elevation gain: 236m, elevation loss: -236m, maximum inclination: 23.5% (asc.) -23.6% (desc.), average inclination: 4.6% (asc.) -5.1% (desc.)
Recommended seasons:
All year round (except very windy days)