Outdoor Activities
Walking & Trekking
Greeks are not really into walking for recreational purposes. The joke that a Greek’s favourite walk is from the parking to the taverna may be a tad exaggerated, but truth of the matter is that the closest most Greeks come to going for a walk, is a leisurely stroll through the park (speed: 1 km an hour; dress-code: Sunday best). Even when town’s people walk their dog they usually don’t make it beyond the first street corner – the time it takes to smoke a cigarette.
And yet, Greece is such a great country for walking and trekking. Wherever you are, you are never far from nature. (Even from the centre of Athens, it only takes about a quarter of an hour to the mountains with beautiful trails to follow.) Unpaved roads, paths and goat trails criss-cross the country side, and there is no more relaxing way to explore mountains, gorges, islands, flower-filled fields, forests and olive groves than on foot.
How to get organised
Not much preparation is needed for short hikes, although it is best to always take a map. There is no series covering footpaths and walking routes for the whole of Greece. For many regions though, the “Anavasis” and "Road" series produce maps on a 1:50 000 scale that can be used as a walking guide. Often locally you can find more detailed maps with footpaths, but their quality varies. It is not a bad idea to take a compass as well. If you want to go on longer treks or explore remote mountain areas, it is recommended to get a professional guide.
Some yourGreece member hotels and guesthouses cooperate with professional walking or mountain guides (see below), and others provide their guests with maps with suggested walking routes.
Tips
When to go?
If you want to be sure you will have perfect weather for hiking, go either between mid-April and mid-June, or between mid-September and the end of October. The summer months may be too hot for some, but if you take it easy and you avoid walking in the middle of the day, you can have a wonderful trekking experience in the summer as well. During the winter, the weather can range from sunny and warm (temperatures may go up to 20 degrees) to freezing and snowing, with rainy days in between.
Where to go?
Anywhere! It simply depends on your taste and what else you want to do during your holidays. During the summer, you may prefer the cooler mountains air, and during the winter, island walks can be an almost spiritual experience. Try and traverse at least one of Greece three famous gorges: the Vikos gorge in Epirus, the Lousios gorge in the Peloponnese or the Samaria gorge in Crete.
What to take?
A lot depends on when and for how long you go. No matter what, make sure you have a pair of sturdy walking shoes and comfortable socks. In the summer, sun cream, sun glasses, a hat and a sufficient supply of water are prerequisites. As tempting as it may be to set off wearing shorts, it is better to wear something that covers the legs (or at least to have a pair of long trousers at hand) to avoid cuts and scratches from thorns and bushes.
It is also recommended to take swimwear and a little towel, insect repellent and a small first-aid kit. In spring and fall you will want to take something warmer to wear, and even a thin rain jacket. During the winter it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather – you can get anything ranging from snow and blizzard to warm and sunny spring-line weather. The weather can change a lot from day to day, so always listen to weather reports before you go.
Where to do Walking and Trekking in Greece ?
Zagoria - Epirus
A traverse of the beautiful Vikos gorge. The crossing takes 5-7 hours and takes you along the riverbanks and sometimes inside the crystal clear river water. Period: from May to the end of October. / Physical condition: Good / Age: over 14 years old.
Where to stay?
Arh. Dilofo, Dilofo
Papaevangelou, Megalo Papingo
Porfyron, Ano Pedina
Primoula, Ano Pedina
Saxonis Houses, Megalo Papingo
Kastoria- Makedonia
3-4 hour trek are organized from the village of Agia Anna (20 km from Kastoria) to the old monastery of Taxiarhes, built above a spectacular waterfall. If you feel a little adventurous, you can try a rappel form the 30m high waterfall.
Period: from May to the end of October. / Physical condition: Good / Age: over 14 years old.
Where to stay?
Pelion - Thessalia
The North-East Pelion Walking Club ‘Footsteps’ organises half- and full-day walks through mountains, forests, along rivers, past waterfalls and hidden squares and gardens.
Period: all year except February / Physical condition:basic / Age:any
Where to stay?
Arh.Pandora, Makrinitsa
Arh.Vogiatzopoulou, Agios Georgios
The Lost Unicorn, Tsagarada
Santikos Mansion, Vyzitsa
Trikala - Thessalia
Follow centuries old monk trails between the breathtaking Meteora rock formations. A day-long hike with Trekking Hellas includes visits to two monasteries perched on top of the rocks and a 20 m rappel.
Period: all year / Physical condition: basic / Age: over 10 years old.
Where to stay?
Arhondiko Hatzigaki, Pertouli
Guesthouse Sotiriou, Kalambaka
Amfikleia - Central Greece
Tailor-made mountain treks with a local, professional guide.
Period: from May to the end of October. / Physical condition: Good / Age: over 14 years old.
Where to stay?
Arkadia - Peloponnese
Traverse the Lousios Gorge with Trekking Hellas. This 2,5 hour hike offers a beautiful combination of history and nature, and includes visits to ‘cliff-hanging’ monasteries and the archaeological site of Ancient Gortys.
Period:all year / Physical condition :basic / Age: over 8 years old.
Where to stay?
Arhondiko Isari, Isari
Kazakou, Dimitsana
Trikolonion Country Club, Stemnitsa
Chania - Crete
The Samaria gorge is the longest and one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe. The 6-hour traverse starts at an altitude of 1050 m and ends by the sea. This Trekking Hellas activity includes a picnic and a meal in a taverna, and all transfers.
Period: from May to the end of October / Physical condition: Good / Age: over 14 years old.
Where to stay?
Elia, Kolymbari
Metohi Kindelis, Chania
Suites Pandora, Chania
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