From the islands to the highlands of northern Greece, and over thirty different Greek walking tours to choose from, how do you choose a bestie when the Greek gods spread their natural gifts so generously? We’ve selected a few classics, such as Samaria Gorge in Crete and trekking to the summit of Mount Olympus, but have also opted for a few less obvious odysseys on the likes of Naxos or ancient shady routes through the Peloponnese and the Pindos Mountains. Each of our eight best hikes in Greece is part of a gamut of gorgeousness, so these are just for starters, if a meze of natural marvels is to your taste.
Vikos Gorge, Zagori region
Few would win this one in a pub quiz if asked ‘what’s the deepest gorge in the world, but Vikos wins the prize. The caveat is that it’s relative to its width, with vertigo-inducing walls that stretch up and down for 1,040m, depending on where you stand (not too near the edge ideally) and 1,000m wide. On our various hiking holidays that include this trek, you get to take in views of the limestone cliffs from ancient villages perched among the pine, beech and oak trees at the top of it, or follow the 12km hike from Monodendri, located in the depths of the gorge, to the other end of it.
Distance: 12km to walk the length of the gorge
Hiking time: 5h
“Vikos Gorge is the flagship hike in Zagori, and the only one that offers even a vague threat of crowds. Head out pretty much anywhere else on the network of narrow paths that lace together the area’s 46 stone built villages known as Zagorohoria, and it’ll likely just be you, your thoughts and the soporific whir of the chicadas.” – Duncan Craig, travel writer for National Geographic Traveller, on our Walking in Zagori holiday.
Tsangarada to Milies, Pelion Peninsula
Pelion is a place where you feel as if you have been let in through a secret door to an untouched side of ancient Greece. It’s a perfectly formed peninsula, with hiking trails up and around Mount Pelion, the range that creates a natural divide between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea. This walk between Tsangarada and Milies is one of the finest on this Pelion Peninsula walking holiday, because it takes you from up and over the top of the ridge (700m), with views of both bodies of water along the way. Starting in the small town of Tsangarada (450m), you get a feel for the walk ahead, as it’s located in the heart of a chestnut forest, and encompasses several ancient settlements, and churches, dating back as far as 1500.
It also has spectacular views of the Adriatic and nearby Mylopotamos beach. Views that continue as you ascend through shady forests of ancient oaks and beech, even strawberry trees hidden amongst the maquis landscape. As the landscape opens up at the top of the ridge, you get glimpses of the turquoise waters of the Pagasetic Gulf as you descend to the village of Milies, which was the capital of Pelion at the end of the 18th century, and boasts a history of education and scholarly pursuits. There’s an inscription at the school that says, ‘Psychis Akos’, which translates as the cure of the soul. The Pelion, and this walk in particular, is certainly that.
Distance: 12km
Hiking time: 4.5-5h
“The Pelion Peninsula was an unexpected delight. The scenery and landscape were so varied – beautiful green gorges and picturesque beaches.” – Sophie, California.
Samaria Gorge, Crete
This is the jewel in the White Mountains crown, also protected by national park status, and it is home to Crete’s most celebrated 17km trekking trail. It’s also the island’s most popular trail, so get in early before the crowds descend, although not everyone takes on the whole route. For those who do, however, most start at the Xyloskalo trailhead and descend down from an elevation of 1,200m through narrow passages, rock arches and past freshwater springs and limestone caves all the way down to sea level at the Mediterranean. The perfect light at the end of one terrific tunnel. Samaria is one of several other gorges on our Walking the gorges of west Crete holiday. It’s only open for hikers between 01 May and around mid October, depending on when the autumn rains start. If there is rain during the season, the national park authorities are very strict about closing access to the trail, in which case we suggest an alternative route for you that day.
Distance: 17km
Hiking time: 6h
“Great walks in the gorges and along the coast. Still hot on the coast walks in October, and the gorges were beautiful and temperate.” – George, London, UK
Meteora Monasteries, Thessaly region
Starting out from Kastraki, a stone village located at the foot of the mega and somewhat mystical Meteora rock formations, there are a few circular routes that you can take to the Meteora Monasteries. Whichever one you take, be prepared to be swept off your feet. You will also have to work those feet a little, with endless steps up through beech, oak and Aleppo pine forests, to these towering constructions, a complex of 24 monasteries. Only six of these are active now, and keep your eye out on the walk. As well as seeing buzzards, you may spot a metal box with a monk being transported across a chasm, safely concealed from the world. Although they are rare sightings. The monasteries are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, on these holidays, you get to visit two of them, both on walks from Kastraki: Megalo Meteora, also known as the Great Meteoron, the largest monastery, founded by a monk from Mount Athos around 1340; and, the next day, you take on the 140 steps and various rocky paths through the region’s natural sculptures to Agia Triada, popping into a nunnery en route. We also recommend taking time to visit Ypapanti and Varlaam Monasteries, both of which are as outstanding as the last.
Distance: 9km loop of Meteora
Hiking time: 5h with an added hour or two to lift your jaw off the ground.
“Geologists explain this wildly anomalous landscape, erupting from the featureless plains of Thessaly in northwest Greece, in terms of tectonic movement, vertical fault lines and millions of years of erosive action. But this seems altogether too logical. Too prosaic. There’s a palpable aura and mysticism to Meteora, one that has made it a beacon of spirituality for more than a millennium.” – Duncan Craig, travel writer for National Geographic Traveller, on our Ultimate Northern Greece holiday.
Summit of Mount Olympus
On this trekking holiday to summit Mount Olympus, you get to summit Greece’s highest mountain (2,918m) on day four of the adventure. This iconic summit is the jewel of the crown of Olympus National Park in northern Greece, and part of the Olympus massif which throws its weight nearly all the way to the Aegean Sea. Mount Olympus’ massif has, in fact, 52 peaks, the highest being Mytikas, at 2,918m. This one is a serious scramble, however, and not one that’s taken on by most hikers. On our trip, you trek to the summits of both Skala (2,866m) and Skolio (2,911m) which won’t feel in any way like you are winning silver instead of gold. Especially as it has a circumference of 80km, so you’re never short of panoramic views. For more information, see our blog, Mount Olympus, the ultimate Greek odyssey.
Distance: 11km
Hiking time: 6h
Filoti to Zas, Naxos Strada trek
Mythologically, Naxos nails it, as the island where Zeus grew up, and where he was given the gift of lightning by an eagle on Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades at 1,004m. The highlight of the Naxos Strada trek, a blissful 52km coast-to-coast hiking trail over ten days, is to the summit of Zas (1,004m), which takes place half way through the tour. The journey to the summit starts in the village of Filoti, in the centre of the island, and takes you up a trail past vineyards, shady woodland as far as Levgasa spring, which is a perfect cooling spot. Next stop is the summit of the Mountain of the Gods, as Zas is named after Zeus. And he certainly gives you a heavenly outlook across the Aegean and the Cyclades. On the descent along rugged paths, you also pass Zas Cave which is the mythical place of Zeus’ growing up, as well as a few more springs and fountains to stop off on the path back to Filoti.
Distance: 9.4km
Hiking time: 4h
Spartylas to Mount Pantokrator, Corfu Trail
The Corfu Trail is one of the best walking holidays in the Ionian Islands, a 200km adventure into the heart of the archipelago’s second largest island. If you take on the whole thing it takes two weeks and one of the most demanding but also rewarding days is to the top of Mount Pantokrator, which is the highest point on Corfu at 908m. It’s also home to Pantokrator Monastery but one of the most glorious aspects of this hike is the descent through a series of ancient villages. Such as the semi-abandoned village of Old Perithia, which is now a protected cultural heritage site. Or Krinias and Portes, which you pass en route back down to the coast at Almiros, followed by Agios Spiridon where you can finally remove your hiking boots and cool down at the beach. You can also take on Mount Patrokrator on our Hidden gems of Corfu holiday, which is a shorter eight day break.
Distance: 24km
Hiking time: 8h
“We were delighted from the moment of contact with The Natural Adventure to the end of our adventure on the Corfu Trail. This is a company that believes in regular and detailed information, ensuring that all bases are covered…The track notes are excellent, with obvious local knowledge included, the walk itself allowed us to see so much of Corfu that is otherwise hidden, the accommodation always comfortable and, if needed, the support was readily available.” – Carl and Sally, Canberra, Australia.
Elati to Vytina, Menalon Trail, Peloponnese
The 75km-long Menalon Trail is Hellenic heaven, covering the Western Menalon massif and Mylaon Valley, traversing walnut and olive groves to ancient architectural highlights such as the Old Philosophou Monastery. You also have an option to climb up Pliovouni summit, the highest peak of the trail at 1,643m. And that’s all just in the first three days. However, it’s day four of this trail that we are choosing as a favourite for its gentle soothing waters and simple natural beauty. Starting at the small village of Elati, you descend through shady forest to the River Chronaiko as far as Agioi Theodori Monastery. You then follow the River Mylaon, which is shaded by vast plane trees and where you may be lucky to have a quiet swim. After another few kilometres, passing abandoned watermills, you leave the river and walk up a steep path to the town of Vytina, at the foot of Mount Menalon. Enveloped by fir trees, this is a gateway town to the ski slopes in winter, and also boasts some fine ancient architecture, such as the stone church of Agios Tryfonas an a famous Greek school, dating back to 1782. You get some of the most divine sunsets here too, as you settle into your local guesthouse for the night.
Distance: 8.5km
Hiking time: 3h
We hope you’ve enjoyed our journey around some of our best hikes in Greece. As these are only quick dips into longer trails, you may like some of our other blogs on Greece. These include Best time to go to Greece, Mount Olympus is the ultimate Greek odyssey, Walking on the Greek islands and A guide to walking on Crete. If you’ve any other questions about travelling in Greece, don’t hesitate to contact our adventure specialists.
Vikos Gorge and the High Trails of Pindos
Walking in Zagori
Meteora Monasteries and Walking in the Pindos Mountains
Ultimate Northern Greece: Pindos, Meteora and Olympus
Ancient Trails of Pelion Peninsula
Walking the Gorges in Western Crete
Climbing Mount Olympus
Walking the Corfu Trail
Walking in Corfu: Corfu Trail and Mount Pantokrator
