Naxos Hiking on Mount Zas

Location: Danakos

Located 18 km from Naxos Town, Mount Zas is associated with the history and geography of the island.

According to mythology, that mountain was where Zeus, the king of the Gods, grew up, haunted by his father, Cronus. That is the reason the mountain was named after him (Zeus -> Zas).
Some researchers claim that the god Dionysus, a son of Zeus, also grew up on the slopes of this mountain in a cave called Cave of Zas.

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At an altitude of about 1,000 m (1,001-1,004 m), the peak of Mount Zas is a popular hiking destination in Naxos.

Taking a hiking path that starts from Danakos village (Agia Marina church), on the southeastern side of the island, hikers will encounter an ancient marble inscription, which translates into "The Mount of Zas, the protector of the sheep". That confirms the importance stockbreeding has had in Naxos since ancient times.

The last meter of the hiking path is abrupt and uphill. The time needed from the chapel of Saint Marina to the mountaintop is approximately one hour.

From the top, hikers can get a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands of the Cyclades.

The slopes of this mountain are also rich in flora and fauna, which is why the area constitutes a frequent place for birdwatchers and botanists.

How to get there

Mount Zas is located in Danakos Village.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the port, airport, or your hotel. Alternatively, there’s the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 22850 25835, 0030 22850 24829, or booking your taxi online.

Car rental: Τhere's the option of renting a car and picking it up directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Using a rental car allows visitors to discover Mount Zas and many other places of interest at their own pace.

Public transport: The central bus station of the island is located at the Port of Naxos. There are buses from Chora to Danakos once a week. Consider that time schedules might change according to the season. Check the official timetables here.
Tip: Since buses don’t always stop at every scheduled stop of their itinerary, our advice to visitors is to inform the driver about their final destination in advance.