The Hiking Trails of Greece

Greece is a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. But for many, the one thing that stands out is its incredible hiking trails.

From the lush Mediterranean forests of the Peloponnese to the rugged mountains of the Greek mainland, there’s a hiking trail for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through historic villages or a challenging trek up a towering peak, Greece has something for everyone. Here is a look at some of the best hiking trails in Greece and what makes them so special.

The Samaria Gorge Trail

The Samaria Gorge Trail is a 16-kilometre hike that takes you through the heart of the Samaria National Park on the Greek island of Crete. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the country and is often considered the most beautiful. The trail winds through the gorge, passing over rocky terrain, through lush forests, and across picturesque bridges. Along the way, you’ll get spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Samaria Gorge Trail is a great choice for those who want to explore the natural beauty of Crete. The trail is relatively easy and takes about four to five hours to complete. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day.

The trail is usually open from April to October, and there are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park. There’s also a ferry that runs from the end of the trail to the nearby town of Hora Sfakion, where you can catch a bus back to your starting point.

The Vikos Gorge Trail

The Vikos Gorge Trail is a stunning 8-kilometre trek through the Greek mountains and the Vikos-Aoos National Park. The trail passes through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and alongside cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons, and the green valley below.

The Vikos Gorge Trail is a great choice for those looking for a more challenging hike. It’s best to start early in the morning and it usually takes about four to five hours to complete. There are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park.

The trail is usually open from April to October and can be quite crowded during the peak season. It’s also worth noting that the trail can be quite slippery in some parts, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The Mt. Olympus Trail

The Mt. Olympus Trail is a challenging 10-kilometre trek up the highest peak in Greece. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a more strenuous hike, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and across suspension bridges. You’ll also get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys.

The Mt. Olympus Trail takes about six to eight hours to complete, so it’s best to start early in the morning. The trail is usually open from April to October, but can be quite crowded during the peak season. It’s also worth noting that some parts of the trail can be quite steep and slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The trail ends at the summit of Mt. Olympus, where you’ll get spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. It’s a truly unforgettable experience and a great way to experience the beauty of the Greek mountains.

The Meteora Trail

The Meteora Trail is a 6-kilometre hike through the stunning Meteora region in central Greece. The trail takes you through the incredible rock formations of the area and up to the top of the towering sandstone cliffs. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the bright blue Mediterranean Sea.

The Meteora Trail is a great choice for those looking for a leisurely stroll through the area. The trail is relatively easy and usually takes about two to three hours to complete. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day.

The trail is usually open from April to October and can be quite crowded during the peak season. It’s also worth noting that some parts of the trail can be quite steep and slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The E4 Trail

The E4 Trail is a challenging 60-kilometre trek through the stunning Greek countryside. The trail passes through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and across picturesque bridges, giving you spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, you’ll also get to explore a variety of historical sites, including ancient ruins and monasteries.

The E4 Trail takes about three to four days to complete, so it’s best to start early in the morning. The trail is usually open from April to October, but can be quite crowded during the peak season. It’s also worth noting that some parts of the trail can be quite steep and slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The E4 Trail is a great choice for those looking for a more challenging hike. It’s a great way to explore the Greek countryside and witness some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.

The Pelion Trail

The Pelion Trail is a popular 10-kilometre hike through the stunning Greek countryside. The trail takes you through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and alongside cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons, and the green valley below.

The Pelion Trail is a great choice for those looking for a leisurely stroll through the area. The trail is relatively easy and usually takes about three to four hours to complete. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day.

The trail is usually open from April to October, and there are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park. There’s also a ferry that runs from the end of the trail to the nearby town of Volos, where you can catch a bus back to your starting point.

The Elati Trail

The Elati Trail is a popular 8-kilometre hike through the stunning Greek countryside. The trail takes you through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and alongside cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons, and the green valley below.

The Elati Trail is a great choice for those looking for a leisurely stroll through the area. The trail is relatively easy and usually takes about three to four hours to complete. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day.

The trail is usually open from April to October, and there are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park. There’s also a ferry that runs from the end of the trail to the nearby town of Elati, where you can catch a bus back to your starting point.

The Elati Trail

The Elati Trail is a popular 8-kilometre hike through the stunning Greek countryside. The trail takes you through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and alongside cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons, and the green valley below.

The Elati Trail is a great choice for those looking for a leisurely stroll through the area. The trail is relatively easy and usually takes about three to four hours to complete. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day.

The trail is usually open from April to October, and there are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park. There’s also a ferry that runs from the end of the trail to the nearby town of Elati, where you can catch a bus back to your starting point.

The Parnassos Trail

The Parnassos Trail is a challenging 10-kilometre hike through the stunning Greek countryside. The trail takes you through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and across suspension bridges. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys.

The Parnassos Trail is a great choice for those looking for a more strenuous hike. It’s best to start early in the morning and it usually takes about four to six hours to complete. There are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park.

The trail is usually open from April to October and can be quite crowded during the peak season. It’s also worth noting that some parts of the trail can be quite steep and slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The Mount Athos Trail

The Mount Athos Trail is a challenging 10-kilometre hike through the stunning Greek countryside. The trail takes you through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and across suspension bridges. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys.

The Mount Athos Trail is a great choice for those looking for a more strenuous hike. It’s best to start early in the morning and it usually takes about four to six hours to complete. There are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park.

The trail is usually open from April to October and can be quite crowded during the peak season. It’s also worth noting that some parts of the trail can be quite steep and slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The Kefalonia Trail

The Kefalonia Trail is a popular 10-kilometre hike through the stunning Greek countryside. The trail takes you through lush forests, over rocky terrain, and alongside cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons, and the green valley below.

The Kefalonia Trail is a great choice for those looking for a leisurely stroll through the area. The trail is relatively easy and usually takes about three to four hours to complete. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day.

The trail is usually open from April to October, and there are several campsites along the way if you’d like to spend the night in the park. There’s also a ferry that runs from the end of the trail to the nearby town of Argostoli, where you can catch a bus back to your starting point.

Summary

Greece is a country full of incredible hiking trails, from leisurely strolls through historic villages to challenging treks up towering peaks. From the Samaria Gorge Trail on Crete to the Mount Athos Trail on the mainland, there’s something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or an adventurous trek, the hiking trails of Greece are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.