Finest Castle View Of The Island

Consider how your subjects live and what concerns you have for their well-being. Observe the privileges of the nobility and local customs. The trek is moderately to highly challenging, commencing from the historic commercial center of Halki in Naxos. As we proceed westward through the Tragea valley, the landscape transforms dramatically, with enormous stone formations resembling a lunar terrain, a geological feature unique to the Cycladic area. We’ll follow a brief, rugged trail to Apano Kastro, an imposing fortress that affords a panoramic vista of the island’s heartland. During the Venetian period, this was the Duke’s residence. The medieval ambiance of the fort and the partly destroyed old churches is quite impressive. As we descend from the castle, we’ll visit the Geometric Era Cemetery (Necropolis) and the adjacent Menhir, a large upright-standing stone that hints at the prehistoric presence of people in the region. We’ll then traverse the ancient footpaths that farmers have used for centuries to access the quaint, traditional villages of Heimaros, Damalas, and Damarionas, before arriving back in Halki. Throughout our journey to Halki, we’ll discover picturesque churches. The trek is moderately to highly demanding and lasts four hours, plus a one-hour drive. The distance covered is 9.2 kilometers, with an elevation gain and loss of 236 meters, respectively. The maximum gradient is 23.5% (ascending) and 23.6% (descending), while the average gradient is 4.6% (ascending) and 5.1% (descending). The hike is recommended for all seasons, excluding very windy days.