Essential Info

Why Walking Plus?

Walk with the experts in the Cyclades

We are a grassroots eco-tours enterprise that really lives and breathes in the Cyclades. Because we are islanders: we ‘walk the walk’ before we ‘talk the talk’ – daily. Using our knowledge, local connection & flair, we choose routes, accommodation and a general mode of travelling that impart this ‘sense of place’ unique to the Cyclades: the landscape, the light, the sea and the people. We want to share our love of walking the islands with you, either in person or through our notes.

Apart from itineraries crafted with attention to detail and mindfulness, we are also proud of something more: the spirit of Cycladic hospitality as we have known it from our ancestors. With us, you are a special guest, receiving our full attention, not just another one of our hundreds of clients. We are honoured to have you: that is why we will ‘go the extra mile’ – and offer you self-guided or group-guided tours of distinction.

Guided or self-guided tours?

Self-Guided Programmes
You choose the dates that fit you and your partner or group of friends and do it at your own pace and without the presence of guide or other group members. The local WP tour manager briefs you on arrival and provides detailed route notes and maps. He or she also handles your accommodation, luggage transportation, your programme transfers, and can offer guidance or assistance if you get lost or in an emergency.
Self-guided programs are recommended for people who have previous experience with similar tours and/or have extensive experience as hikers, know how to read a map and are able to navigate themselves.

Group Guided Programmes
These are small-group (10 p. max.) walking tours that are run with the assistance and the knowledge of an experienced escort. They are intended for people who prefer walking in the company of others and in the safety and comfort of having a tour leader.

Tailor-Made Programmes
Pick your own dates and add as many walking days or activities as you wish, choosing from our destination offers – or any other Cycladic island. Just let us know what you have in mind… and we will get back to you with a great itinerary!

Best time to walk in the Cyclades?

The islands of the Cyclades we operate on are blessed with very good weather and basic facilities open all-year round, so we can organise your walking holidays almost anytime you wish, apart from July and August when it can be too hot and crowded. We believe that the best time to visit is April to mid-June and mid-September to October.

March : First blossoms are out, but weather can be unpredictable.
April to mid June : For wild flowers, aromatic herbs, sunshine and moderate temperatures. Easter is perhaps the most important religious holiday in Greece and a great time for traditional ceremonies, feasts and gatherings.
September to mid-November : For warm seas, mostly gentle weather and autumn flowers. We have grape harvests in end of August- beginning of September and olive harvest in first half of November. Also, September is a good month for ‘panighiria’, local religious feasts with community gatherings, dancing and small bites.

What will the weather be like?

The Cyclades boast more than 300 days of sunshine per year, and coldest temperatures around 10°C (average for Paros, the centre of the island complex), and that is why walking tours are plausible all year round. However, weather conditions are most favourable for walking from March till June and from September until November:

March & November : Probably the coldest ones with an average temperatures of 12-14 °C, so we suggest that our guests bring some warm and waterproof clothing with them, including some “light” ones for the warm hours of the day. Average rainfall is around 58 mm, with 6-8 rainy days per month Sea water is probably too cold to swim in, especially in March.

April : Average temperatures range from 13-18°C, with more sunny days and an average rainfall of 30mm (3 rainy days). Warm & waterproof clothing remains necessary, and sea water temperatures range from 16-18°C.

May : Average temperatures range from 16-21°C, with an average rainfall of 15mm (1.5 rainy days). Warmer clothing for evenings remains necessary, and average sea water temperatures range from 18-21°C.

June & September : The warmest months, with an average temperature of 20 – 25 °C, while rainfall is rare (avg. 10mm for September). Guests should bring light and breathable clothes for the day and some warm ones for the night, as the temperature can drop to 18-19°C, especially for nights in mountain villages. Sea temperatures around 22 – 24°C.

October : Average temperatures range from 18-21°C, with an average rainfall of 50mm (4-5 rainy days). Warmer clothing for evenings and waterproof windbreaker strongly suggested. Average sea water temperature is 20-21°C.

What kind of gear will I need?

When you book a programme with us, we will send you a list with the things you will need (clothing, gear, backpacks, etc.) according to the programme and the weather conditions for the time of your visit. For most tours, including self-guided tours, your baggage will be transported to your next station, so you will only need a good light day-pack for your daily walks.

Almost every route on the islands has a rocky/stony stretch, so we highly recommend a good pair of broken-in walking boots, particularly so if you have any ankle or lower leg condition. The use of hiking poles is also recommended; they can be purchased locally on Paros, Naxos and Amorgos, albeit at higher prices (and rather limited choice) than at home; for Paros tours, we can also lend you a pair free-of-charge for the period of your stay.