Greece is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all skill levels. Whether you're looking to explore ancient paths, scale dramatic gorges, or enjoy scenic coastal walks, hiking in Greece offers all opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best hikes in Greece, complete with details on difficulty, length, and key highlights to help you plan your adventure.
1. Samaria Gorge, Crete
- Length: 16 km (10 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Duration: 4 hours
- Starting Point: Xyloskalo, south of Omalos
- Ending Point: Agia Roumeli
One of Crete’s must-do hikes, the Samaria Gorge features towering vertical walls that reach up to 500 meters high. This popular trail offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the raw beauty of Crete’s landscape. The hike is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom.
2. Mount Ohi Summit Hike, Evia
- Length: 8 km (5 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Starting Point: Myli
- Ending Point: Summit of Mt Ohi
This hike takes you to the summit of Mt Ohi, crowned with ancient drakospita (dragon houses). The summit offers stunning views and the opportunity to stay overnight at a refuge for a sunrise hike.
3. Delphi to Kirra Walk, Central Greece
- Length: 14 km (9 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Starting Point: Delphi
- Ending Point: Kirra
This scenic downhill trail follows an ancient pathway from the historic site of Delphi to the coastal village of Kirra. The route meanders through olive groves and offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Itea.
4. Stefanos Crater, Nisyros
- Length: 8 km (5 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Starting Point: Mandraki
- Ending Point: Stefanos Crater
Hike to the heart of the volcanic crater on Nisyros for a truly unique experience. The lunar-like landscape of the caldera is a highlight, best visited before the arrival of large tourist groups.
5. Vikos Gorge, Epirus
- Length: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Starting Point: Monodendri
- Ending Point: Papingo
The Vikos Gorge is one of Greece’s most impressive natural formations, featuring deep ravines and lush vegetation. The hike offers stunning views and a chance to explore the traditional stone villages of Zagorohoria.
6. Agia Paraskevi to Damouhari, Pelion Peninsula
- Length: 5.5 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Starting Point: Tsagarada (Agia Paraskevi Square)
- Ending Point: Damouhari Beach
This pleasant hike through the lush Pelion Peninsula leads to a scenic beach with clear waters. It’s ideal for a short escape with beautiful coastal views.
7. Menalon Trail, Peloponnese
- Length: 75 km (47 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Duration: 5-8 days (divided into sections)
- Starting Point: Stemnitsa
- Ending Point: Lagkadia
The Menalon Trail offers a multi-day hike through dramatic scenery, including gorges, river valleys, and mountain slopes. It’s divided into eight sections, with various difficulty levels and opportunities for accommodation and food along the way.
8. Kritsa Gorge, Crete
- Length: 11 km (7 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Starting Point: Ancient Lato
- Ending Point: Tapes
Kritsa Gorge is renowned for its lush vegetation and scenic beauty. The trail follows a riverbed, featuring oak trees and wildflowers. It's ideal for those looking for a more challenging hike with rewarding views.
9. Mount Olympus (2918m)
- Distance: 24 km (15 miles)
- Walking Time: 2 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
As Greece’s highest mountain and the legendary home of the 12 Olympian gods, Mount Olympus offers a hike steeped in myth and natural grandeur. Starting from Litochoro, you'll ascend through pine forests to the Muses Plateau before tackling the final rocky scramble to the summit. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, with vistas extending to the Aegean Sea.
10. Vyros Gorge on the Old Kardamyli Loop
- Distance: 14.5 km (9 miles)
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Situated in the Outer Mani region of the Peloponnese, Vyros Gorge is renowned for its scenic beauty. Starting from the coastal town of Kardamyli, the route follows the Kalamata River to the gorge, then ascends and descends through varied terrain. The area is celebrated for its clear waters and rugged landscape.
Best Time to Go Hiking in Greece
The best time to hike in Greece is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the temperatures are pleasant. These seasons also feature lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Summer can be very hot, especially in July and August, which might make hiking more challenging. Winter, on the other hand, is ideal for higher elevations like Mount Olympus, where snow-covered trails offer a different kind of adventure. Always check local weather conditions and trail information before setting out.
Hiking in Greece is more than just a physical challenge; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.