Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, stands out for its fertile valley planted with olive groves, offering one of the archipelago’s most pleasant family bike rides, far from the rocky aridity of the neighbouring islands.
A green crossing at the heart of the Cyclades
From Chora, the island’s capital overlooked by its Venetian kastro, country roads cross the Tragaia valley toward Halki and then Filoti, at the foot of Mount Zas, the Cyclades’ highest point. Expect around 25 km for a loop representative of the region, on moderately rolling terrain crossing olive groves, citrus orchards and Byzantine villages.
Getting the family ride right
With a modest 250 m of elevation gain over the whole route, this ride stays accessible to kids used to riding moderate distances. Heat can be intense in the middle of the day: good sun protection and regular breaks in the shade of the olive trees remain recommended.
When to go
April to June and September to October, as summer heat is often too intense for a family ride during the day. Spring also benefits from particularly lush vegetation in the Tragaia valley.
Good to know
Chora, the island’s main port and town, offers a wide choice of accommodation, with convenient access to Halki and its kitron distillery for combining the ride with a taste of local heritage.
