Best Hiking In Greece: 19 Unmissable Hiking Trails & Routes

Embark on a journey through Greece’s most scenic hiking destinations; this Mediterranean country is a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

This guide, crafted with insights from local Greek nature aficionados, presents a selection of Greece’s finest trails and islands.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply yearning for a break from urban chaos, Greece’s diverse landscapes cater to all. Picture yourself wandering through lush greenery, conquering steep inclines, or navigating rugged mountain paths.

Greece is not just a haven for hikers but also a hub for climbers and mountain bikers.

Unique Hiking Routes Around Greece

Discover the perfect blend of Greek mythology and natural beauty as you traverse these paths. Ideal hiking conditions are found in the cooler seasons of autumn and spring, offering an escape from the scorching summer sun.

This guide spotlights the best Greek islands for hiking, featuring everything from an easy trail leading to picturesque villages to challenging routes along steep cliffs. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that takes you along scenic routes, up to Greece’s highest mountain peaks, and deep into the heart of its stunning natural landscapes.

1. Best Hikes In Greece – Crete

Probably the most essential hiking destination in Greece is Crete, the country’s biggest and most varied island. It is also home to hundreds of gorges and dozens of hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty.

Coastal paths, deep ravines, and imposing plateaus are just a few of the hiking opportunities on Crete.

Samaria Gorge

Starting from the longest gorge in Europe, Samaria Gorge, to be exact, the route leads to smaller and easier gorges in the White Mountains and paths on the southern coast, such as the one connecting the western villages of Chora Sfakion and Loutro, overlooking the Libyan Sea.

The well-known E4 European Paths crosses the whole length of the island, passing through various green, alpine-like landscapes, barren mountain trails, and breathtaking cliffs next to the sea.

It would take a regular hiker (in reasonably fit condition) over 40 days to explore the E4 in its entirety, so people usually walk one portion at a time. Many travelers return to Crete every year to cover a new part of the E4 path trail.

2. Go Hiking In Greece On Corfu

Corfu is another big island in Greece, full of green landscapes and rich nature. The island’s hikes hide dozens of historic buildings, castles, and observation points that can only be reached after beautiful and sometimes tricky walks in the mountains.

The famous Corfu Trail, for instance, is a cross-island hiking path that passes remarkable olive groves, forests, and some of Corfu’s most beautiful beaches. It allows walkers to stop and admire unique observation points facing the Ionian Sea.

The Corfu Trail spans over 200 kilometers and can take days to complete. This means that it is common for visitors to choose just a tiny portion of it to explore and enjoy during their trip, and it is not odd for passionate hikers to come back to continue their quest to complete the trail one bit at a time.

3. Trekking In Greece On Naxos

Another great island destination for Greek hikers and trekkers is Naxos, in the Cyclades.

Naxos gets to brag about having the highest peak in the Cycladic Islands, Mount Zas (1003 meters high), and it offers dozens of breathtaking landscapes with several different trails to the top. All the trails vary in difficulty and natural landscapes, yet they are all equally interesting to discover and enjoy.

A bit less complicated and perfect for families who start on their first Greece hiking adventure, the Agia Marina trail is a safe alternative for those walking with kids. This reasonably short trail is about eight kilometers long and takes you around some unique landscapes that can sometimes even make you forget that — after all — you’re on a Greek Island!

4. Walking In Santorini

It is probably the most famous Greek Island destination; Santorini is known for its volcanic landscape, barren terrain, and breathtaking backdrops with whitewashed cubic houses on the cliff’s edge.

However, one of the most popular activities in Santorini is walking the hiking trail connecting the villages of Fira and Oia.

This famous trek with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the caldera offers some spectacular views of the island, making it easy to spot whitewashed villages and historical sights, such as the magnificent Skaros Rock in the village of Imerovigli.

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5. Andros Route On Andros Island

Easy to reach from Athens and not yet invaded by massive hordes of tourists, Andros is a laid-back destination ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Also part of the Cycladic Islands, Andros has often been described as one of the best spots for hiking in Greece.

Andros has gained quite a reputation among experienced hikers in Europe; the well-known Andros Route crosses the whole length of the island, from the northern coast to the south, covering a path that extends for more than a hundred kilometers.

Along the way, pastoral landscapes with old stone bridges offer unexpected views and perfect settings for photography. The trail has been mentioned in several hiking manuals and has been awarded the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe Award by the European Ramblers Association.

If you are not an experienced hiker, starting with an easier trail is a good idea. For instance, the Andros-Paleopolis loop hike is about 3.7 kilometers long and can be easily completed even if you are not that fit.

6. Hiking Mount Ainos National Park, Kefalonia

Arguably among the most impressive Greek Islands, Kefalonia is an untamed destination that outdoor lovers enjoy exploring all year round and offers one of the best hikes in Greece. 

Suppose you are wise enough to avoid the more touristic parts of the island, including some of the popular beaches that can get overcrowded in summer. In that case, the green and rugged hinterland can provide some exciting hiking experiences, some of them easy enough for the whole family.

Scenic Trails At The Highest Peak

There are plenty of hikes around the island, including eight different trails, some of which are loop trails. The highest peak on Kefalonia is in Mount Ainos National Park.

7. Best Places For Hiking Rails Around Rhodes

One more big island for our collection of best-hiking destinations in Greece is Rhodes, which artfully combines impressive beaches, stunning history, and, yes… also breathtaking hiking paths!

To find the best trails on Rhodes, reach the western area of the island, with its dense forests and plenty of hiking opportunities.

Some of the trails remain pretty unknown to tourists who reach the island for its popular beaches. Venturing along these routes is relatively safe and provides excellent opportunities to discover abandoned ancient ruins, amazing olive fields, and vineyards.

8. Hiking Sifnos

A great hiking destination in the Cyclades, Sifnos is home to a wide selection of uncharted Greek hiking trails of mild to mid-difficulty, spanning more than 200 kilometers on nineteen well-marked paths, some of them really ancient.

On the island, it is a good idea to check out the hike that takes you from the archaeological site of Saint Andrews and takes walkers along a variety of different natural landmarks, historical sites, and monasteries that you could otherwise miss.

The trail connecting Platis Yialos, Profitis Ilias Kontou, and Fikiada Loop is a popular path, although it remains free from heavy crowds. The 11-kilometer course starts near Apollonia, the elegant Neoclassical capital of the island.

It is an excellent choice if you wish to have a close-up look at local wildlife without extreme effort or fatigue. It is a path of moderate difficulty and can make for an excellent (and long) day trip for the whole family.

9. Hiking & Geocaching Amorgos

Blue and spectacular, Amorgos is an outstanding island in the southern area of the Cyclades, quite close to the Dodecanese cluster, and is a great place that is home to one of the best hikes in Greece.

The island is a magnificent destination for hikers as well as for geocaching. Several isolated and secluded trails, entirely off the beaten path, connect different points of interest in Amorgos, mainly traditional stone villages and old settlements.

A must-walk trail on Amorgos is known as the Old Strata hike, starting in the Amorgos Chora and going through some of the beautiful monasteries for which the island is famous. While enjoying the stunning seaside views along the way, you will slowly make your way along the fourteen-kilometer hike that can take up to 6 hours to complete.

10. Family Hikes On Karpathos

Not far from Crete, on the southern edge of the Dodecanese, Karpathos Island is an excellent hiking destination. It offers many interesting walking routes and beautiful mountainous landscapes.

Distinguished by high mountains, dense pine forests, and pristine valleys, hiking in Karpathos offers the opportunity to discover traditional old villages and leads to some pristine and often deserted beaches that can provide an incredibly rewarding experience after the walk.

The island features easy hikes for the whole family and more difficult roads for expert hikers. It is easy to follow the trails as most of them are well-marked with red signs painted on the rocks or trees. The walking trails often connect small mountain villages along the way.

11. Mount Dirfi, Evia

The second-biggest island after Crete, Evia is a one-of-a-kind hiking destination featuring mountains, lush forests, and stunning beaches. It is a perfect island for active holidays, and hiking and mountain biking are among the most popular things to do in Evia.

Blessed with canyons and stunning peaks, Evia features fantastic trails ending either in inspiring waterfalls or high summits.

Mount Dirfi, at 1743 meters, is a very popular hiking spot on Evia. In size and importance, Mount Olympus is next, at about 1170 meters above sea level.

Both offer challenging hikes and rewarding views of the island and mainland Greece from their summits.

12. Mount Hellanion, Aegina

Located from Athens and easy to reach with a short boat ride, the tiny island of Aegina has some stunning hiking trails (about nine) worth exploring. One of them is the hike to Mount Hellanion, which is full of beautiful landscapes and incredible history.

Mount Hellanion is the highest peak of the Saronic Gulf, at 532 meters above sea level.

The place is home to the ancient altar of Hellanios Zeus, the Zeus of the Greeks. Zeus was the god in charge of dominating the weather and used to be worshiped with several other mythological names on the highest point located all over Greece.

The area is also listed as an archaeological site, and it has the remains of building complexes related to the ancient temple that once dominated the area. Ascending the peak is an easy hike on a traditional mountain path surrounded by lush vegetation, herbs, and flowers.

13. Samothrace Hikes

The island of Samothrace, often described as nothing but a mountain rising from the depths of the sea, is an excellent destination for hikers. After Crete and Evia, the third biggest Greek Island is home to dozens of interesting paths and trails of different difficulty.

On the island, visitors can trust the expertise of the Samothraki Hiking Club to ask questions and be ready to experience the trail. The group regularly publishes suggestions and dedicated maps specially designed for hikers.

On the island, and at a breathtaking height of 1610 meters, Mount Saos offers a six-hour path to the summit that is extremely steep and dangerous, only advisable for those who have already quite an experience hiking on rugged terrain.

14. Skiathos Hiking Trails

Part of the Sporades, Skiathos offers some of the best hiking trails in Greece. Not quite as popular as many other Greek Islands, Skiathos can be a heavenly destination for outdoor adventurers, remaining pretty off the beaten track and solitary even during the peak of the summer season.

There are over ten scenic trails to choose from on the island; some of the routes are kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family, no matter your skill level.

Take, for instance, the Tzaneria Beach Loop, a trail located close to the sea. The circular path is about eight kilometers long and rewards you with scenic sea views. It is a good trail for all ages and skill levels.

15. Kythnos Hiking Paths

One more Cycladic Island featuring great hiking paths, some suitable for the whole family, is the island of Kythnos. This island allows hikers to experience something different and authentic, with plenty of opportunities to discover its history and breathtaking landscapes.

The paths offer incredible surprises, taking you on a journey among ancient picturesque settlements, old windmills, unexpected natural springs, country chapels, castles in ruins, and some of the most spectacular beaches in Greece.

The island’s highest peak, Prophet Elias, is not that high, at only 336 meters above sea level; however, once you reach the peak, it offers an unobstructed view of the whole island and incredible panoramas over the coastline and over secret beaches. Although not all paths are marked, some of them can be difficult.

In any case, many of these trails belong to an old network of trails that the inhabitants used for centuries before the island had any official asphalt road. Overall, the island is a great hiking destination.

The Kolona Beach Path is the most famous trail in Kythnos due to its peculiar characteristics. It is a strip of sand connecting Kythnos with the rocky island of Agios Loukas, the path that starts at the bay of Apokrousis and moves on a narrow and rugged dirt road until you get to the beach; it is not long, about 2.5 kilometers, but relatively easy for hikers of any age and skill level.

16. Hiking Vikos Gorge

Hiking Vikos Gorge is like stepping into a massive natural playground that’s just waiting to be explored. Located in the heart of the Pindus Mountains in northwestern Greece, this gorge is a spectacle of raw, natural beauty that stretches for about 20 kilometers. Think dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and a diversity of wildlife that makes every turn of the trail an adventure. It’s a place where the great outdoors invites you for a challenge, with paths that lead you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ll find in Greece.

As you trek through Vikos Gorge, you’ll be treated to spectacular views. From the panoramic vistas at the gorge’s rim to the crystal-clear waters of the Voidomatis River at the bottom, there’s something new to marvel at every step of the way. Birdwatchers, keep your binoculars handy because you’re in for a treat with the variety of birds that call this place home.

The best time to hit the trails is spring or early autumn. During these seasons, the weather is just right—not too hot, not too cold—making your hike more enjoyable. Plus, the spring bloom and the autumn colors add an extra layer of magic to the already stunning scenery.

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17. The Menalon Trail

The Menalon Trail is nestled in the rugged and scenic beauty of the Peloponnese region in Greece. Specifically, it meanders through the Arcadia region, offering hikers a unique opportunity to explore the heart of the Grecian wild. This long-distance footpath stretches approximately 75 kilometers (about 46 miles), connecting the villages of Stemnitsa and Lagkadia. Along the way, it winds through ancient forests, over stone bridges, past rushing rivers, and through picturesque villages, showcasing the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Designed for hikers of various skill levels, the trail is divided into eight sections, each offering a different glimpse into the diverse landscapes and historical sites of the region. Highlights include the Lousios Gorge, known for its monasteries perched on cliffs, the historic town of Dimitsana with its water-powered museums, and the stunning Elati and Vytina, known for their natural beauty and traditional architecture.

18. Mount Olympus National Park

Mount Olympus National Park, located in northern Greece, is a hiker’s haven. Trails range from leisurely walks to the challenging ascent to Mytikas Peak, the mountain’s highest point at 2,918 meters, which takes several days.

This diverse terrain is home to a wide array of plants and wildlife, offering glimpses of nature’s wonders at every turn. The park is not just a natural retreat but also a site of mythological significance, believed to be the dwelling of the Greek gods.

 For the best hiking conditions, aim for June to September when the weather is mild, and the paths are most accessible. Despite its mythical status, the mountain demands respect; be prepared with appropriate gear and stay mindful of the weather, which can change quickly.

19. Parnitha Mountain Hiking

Parnitha Mountain, a breath of fresh air just a stone’s throw from Athens, offers an escape into nature without venturing too far from the city. Its trails cater to all levels, winding through dense forests and leading to historic sites like the 11th-century Monastery of Kleiston.

The mountain is a sanctuary for wildlife, including deer and various bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty is at its peak.

For those looking to add a bit of adventure to their Athens trip, Parnitha provides a perfect day hike opportunity. Remember to pack water and wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can vary. 

So, now that you have all of the tips for hiking in Greece, you can see that no matter your hiking experience, you will find the perfect hike in any part of Greece.