Mount Zas Summit Hike

At a little over a thousand metres, Mount Zas is the highest peak in the Cyclades, and its name comes from Zeus, who according to local tradition was raised on the mountain. It rises behind the village of Filoti, and a path winds up through scrub, rock and low oak woodland to the top, where on a clear day you can see a large part of the Aegean: the beaches of the west coast, the neighbouring islands and the long ridge of the interior. Along the route is the Cave of Zas, a large natural cavity with a small chapel at its mouth, used in antiquity and later as a place of worship. The Mt Zas Summit Hiking Tour with Picnic Lunch and Transfers takes the logistics away: a guide leads the hike, a vehicle brings you to the trailhead and back, and a picnic waits at the summit or on the way down.

This is a proper walk, so be honest about fitness. Expect a few hours of steady uphill on rocky ground and a similar time coming down. The path is well known but can be steep and loose in places, and there is little shade. Start early in summer to beat the heat, wear hiking shoes with ankle support rather than sandals, and carry at least a litre and a half of water, a hat, sunscreen and a light windproof layer, because the summit is exposed and can be cool and breezy even in July.

A guide is valuable on Zas because the trail can be hard to follow in places, and the tours usually bring local knowledge on plants, myth and the history of the cave and the shepherds who used the mountain. Check the group size, distance, elevation gain and age limit when you book. Children who walk regularly may enjoy it, but it is a challenging day for the very young.

On a clear day, the view back toward the beaches is the reward. In spring the slopes are green and the wild flowers are at their best, and autumn light is soft. Avoid the hike in thunderstorms or in strong wind. After the walk, the village of Filoti offers cafes and tavernas for a cold drink and a plate of local food, and the nearby Aria Spring is a pleasant stop. The hike combines well with a food-focused day in the villages.

The mountain has a strong sense of place. As you climb you pass terraces, goat tracks, thorny shrubs and patches of oak, and the air smells of thyme and sage in warm weather. The Cave of Zas is a cool, shadowy hollow with ancient associations, and a little chapel nearby is a reminder that the site has been sacred for centuries.

Local guides often share stories of shepherds, springs and mountain festivals. If clouds gather around the summit, your guide may change the route or turn back, which is a sign of good judgement rather than a failed trip.

Prepare as you would for any mountain walk. Check the forecast, tell someone your plan, carry a small first aid kit and start early. Hiking poles help on loose ground, and a hat and long sleeves protect against sun and thorny scrub. Follow your guide's pace, drink water regularly and eat the picnic when offered to keep energy up. Remember that the descent is hard on the knees, so allow time and go slowly. A cold drink in Filoti afterwards is a tradition for good reason.