MOUNT ZAS

Mount Zas (Ζας, in local Greek, "Zeus"), nicknamed Myti tou Za ("born of God") by the locals, is the highest peak in the Cyclades, 1,100 to 1,004 metres depending on the source. The surrounding massif is classified as an "Area of Community Importance" by the European Union's Natura 2000 project. The well-marked path passes through the Cave of Zeus where, according to mythology, the god was raised. In summer, it is advisable to leave early in the morning and think about taking water, although the path is often shaded and passes in front of springs. Good shoes are also to be expected. In link (above), we also propose you another itinerary in French on the website of the specialist of hiking in the Cyclades, the Belgian Raymond Verdoolaege.

Itinerary. In Filoti, starting from the Platanos tavern, walk 15 meters, then cross the small bridge on the right and continue the alley to the square with the fountain. Take the street on the left up to the top of the village (10 minutes). There you have to follow the sign for path no. 2 indicating "Zas". From that point on, the markers are well indicated along the path that winds between the terraced crops. After 30 minutes, the path crosses the road that leads to Appolonas and then the road that leads to Danakos. You have to follow the latter for 300 meters until you reach the chapel of Aghia Marina. The very well marked, wide and shady path starts on the right ("Koryfí tou Za" sign, "summit of Zas") and leads to the summit in 1 hour and 15 minutes. On the way, the path passes along the cave of Zeus (or Zas, see below), then next to a marble block bearing the inscription in ancient Greek "ΟΡΟΣ ΔΙΟΣ ΜΗΛΩΣΙΟΥ"(Oros Dios Melosiou) meaning "mountain of Zeus, the protector of sheep". At the summit, a trigonometric post indicates the altitude. Next to it, a metal box contains a large notebook where one can leave one's name and impressions. Return by the same route.

Cave of Zas (Spileo tou Za). Located at an altitude of 600 metres, this cave is, according to mythology, the place where Zeus was raised. The entrance, which is partly walled, opens onto a 10-metre wide space that narrows down to 100 metres underground with impressive stalactites. The place is not dangerous, but the ground is slippery and there is no lighting (bring a flashlight). Archaeologists have discovered prehistoric tools, the oldest traces of habitation on the island. To the left of the entrance is the small church of Zoodohos Pighi.