Best Hiking Trails in Greece

When it comes to hiking, Greece offers something for every kind of walker. The mainland boasts well-maintained routes that meander around olive groves and run through dramatic gorges, while the country’s islands have ancient kalderimia (cobbled or flagstone paths dating back to Byzantine times) connecting sleepy villages with beautiful sandy coves.

Encompassing routes ideal for both seasoned strollers and rookie ramblers (plus everything in between!), here’s our pick of Greece’s best hiking trails.

Samaria Gorge, Crete

16km (10 miles), 4 hours

Hiking the 16km-long Samaria Gorge is a must-do experience in Crete, which is why you’ll rarely be without company. However, there’s an undeniable raw beauty to Samaria, where vertical walls soar up to 500m and are just 3.5m apart at the narrowest point (150m at the broadest).

The hike begins at 1230m at Xyloskalo just south of Omalos and concludes in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. It’s especially scenic in April and May when wildflowers brighten the trail.

Mt Ohi Summit Hike, Evia

8km (5 miles), 3-4 hours

The summit of Mt Ohi (Profitis Ilias; 1398m) is crowned by mysterious ancient drakospita (dragon houses): Stonehenge-like 7th-century BC dwellings or temples, built from massive rocks seamlessly joined together. From Myli, it’s an 8km hike to the summit (three to four hours).

It’s possible to stay overnight at the 1000m-high refuge and then hike up Mt Ohi to catch a magical sunrise (30 minutes). For detailed information, consider reaching out to local tour providers.

Delphi to Kirra Walk, Central Greece

14km (9 miles), 3-4 hours

This 14km downhill hike follows a centuries-old pathway from historic, UNESCO monument-dotted Delphi to the ancient port of Kirra, just east of modern Itea on the southern coast of mainland Greece.

The trek starts from the E4 long-distance trailhead 100m east of the Hotel Acropole. Skirting the village of Crissa, it meanders through Greece’s largest olive grove. After your hike, lunch or a swim can be a refreshing way to relax, and you can return to Delphi by bus (around €2).

Hike to the Tomb of Kleobolus, Rhodes

5km (3 miles), 2 hours

An easy, enjoyable 5km (two-hour) round-trip hike escapes Lindos to reach the Tomb of Kleobolus, at the tip of the bare, flat-topped promontory to the north. Starting alongside Car Park 1 above the main beach, the trail ends at a rocky hillock topped by a circular tomb actually built during the 2nd century BC, long after Kleobolus ruled Rhodes.

Stefanos Crater, Nisyros

8km (5 miles), 2-3 hours

Little Nisyros has become a major destination for hikers, with the island’s caldera (a crater formed by a collapsed volcano) being a particular draw. You can walk to the heart of Stefanos Crater in around two and a half hours from Mandraki, hiking directly up the switchback footpath or via a longer track that circles around to the shallower southern side.

A visit to this lunar-like landscape is akin to stepping into a science fiction movie; however, aim to arrive by 11am to avoid crowds from nearby Kos.

Kritsa Gorge, Crete

11km (7 miles), 5-6 hours

Kritsa Gorge, signposted off the road to Ancient Lato, is one of eastern Crete’s most enchanting canyons. Flanked by steep cliffs, it follows a riverbed abundant with oak and olive trees, alive with spring wildflowers. Sturdy shoes and reasonable fitness are essential, as the trail is stony and requires occasional bouldering and handling of metal rails and ropes.

There are two routes; the shorter option (about 5km) follows the canyon for about 2km before heading uphill, while the longer route (around 11km) continues to the village of Tapes.

Menalon Trail, Peloponnese

75km (47 miles), 5-8 days

The well-signposted, 75km Menalon Trail stretches from Stemnitsa to Lagkadia on the Peloponnese peninsula, passing through dramatic scenery including the Lousios Gorge, the western slopes of Mt Menalon, the Mylaon River valley, and the Gortynian Mountains. The trail is divided into eight sections of varying difficulty; the Stemnitsa–Dimitsana section is particularly popular for a day hike.

Of the villages, Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Valtesiniko, and Lagkadia all offer places to stay and eat, with provisions available at Vytina, Nymphasia, and Magouliana.

Melinda–Paleohori Trail, Lesvos

1.2km (0.7 miles), 30 minutes

Hikers can enjoy southern Lesvos’ olive trails, which comprise paths and old local roads threading across the island. One particularly scenic stretch is the Melinda–Paleohori trail (1.2km, 30 minutes), which follows the Selandas River for 200m before ascending to Paleohori, passing a spring with potable water along the way. The trail concludes at the village’s olive press.

Vikos Gorge, Epirus Region

12km (7.5 miles), 6-7 hours

In the northwest of mainland Greece, the Zagorohoria’s 46 traditional stone-and-slate villages are nestled within the Pindos range north of Ioannina. This region is interconnected by stone paths, bridges, and staircases, creating wonderful hiking opportunities with accommodation available in historic buildings.

The highlight here is the dramatic, 12km-long (7.5 miles), 900m-deep (2953 feet) Vikos Gorge, which bisects the Zagorohoria. The journey starts south of Monodendri and runs north to the Papingo villages, typically taking nearly seven hours. For easier access to fantastic gorge views, head to Oxya Lookout, 5km (3.1 miles) beyond Monodendri via a well-maintained dirt road.

Agia Paraskevi to Damouhari, Pelion Peninsula

5.5km (3.5 miles), 1-2 hours

The lushly forested Pelion Peninsula, located on the eastern edge of the mainland near Volos, is a hiking hotspot. A centuries-old network of kalderimia (flagstone paths from Byzantine times) weaves through the forest, connecting quaint mountain hamlets to seaside villages.

A particularly enjoyable hike begins near Tsagarada (Tsangarada). From the square of Agia Paraskevi, it’s approximately two hours down to the small bay at Damouhari, known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Additionally, a great forest hike begins above the road at nearby Fakistra Beach, following the coast to Plaka Beach.

Tips for Hiking in Greece

Spring (April to May) is the best time for hiking, as the countryside is green and fresh from winter rains, adorned with wildflowers. Autumn (September to October) is also favorable.

Various companies operate organized treks, with Trekking Hellas being one of the largest, offering a variety of hikes ranging from a four-hour stroll through the Lousios Gorge in the Peloponnese to multi-day hikes around Mt Olympus.

For those venturing off the beaten track, possessing a good map is essential. Most tourist maps are inadequate; the best hiking maps for the islands are produced by Anavasi and Terrain, both local companies. Be realistic about your abilities and always inform someone about your planned route before setting out.

This article was first published on April 19, 2015, and updated on July 1, 2021.