Greece isn’t just islands and pristine beaches. Over 80 percent of its landscape is mountainous, offering hikers challenges and breathtaking scenery. Here’s a roundup of ten top-notch hiking trails across mainland and island Greece. Current as of mid‑2025, these picks cover difficulty, distance, highlights, and local tips—no fluff, no filler.
1. Samaria Gorge, Crete
- Distance & Duration: About 16 km, 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to tough—rocky and narrow stretches
- Highlights: Walk through Europe’s longest gorge, descend from 1 250 m to sea level, spot Kri‑Kri goats, pine forests, and narrow canyon “doors”
- Tip: Visit between May 1–Oct 31 (open 07:00–15:00); bus and ferry services connect Omalos to Agia Roumeli
2. Mount Olympus (Mythical Summit)
- Route: Litochoro → Prionia → Refuge A → Skala → Mytikas summit
- Distance & Duration: ~24 km over 2 days
- Difficulty: Challenging—includes rock scramble to 2 918 m
- Highlights: Greece’s tallest peak, pine forests, plateau stops, summit views of the Aegean and mythic landscape
3. Vikos Gorge, Epirus
- Route: Rim trails (Monodendri, Oxia, Beloi viewpoints) or floor route to Voidomatis Springs
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate—long descent and ascent
- Highlights: Spectacular canyon views, deep ravine (dubbed Greek Grand Canyon), wilderness flora and fauna
4. Corfu Trail, Corfu Island
- Length: 220 km entire trail; choose sections 12–20 km/day
- Difficulty: Moderate—mixed terrain of hills, olives, coast
- Highlights: Traverse Corfu from Kavos to Agios Spiridon, run through traditional villages, wild landscapes and beaches
5. Meteora Monastery Hikes, Thessaly
- Trail Options: Several loop paths connecting monasteries—Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Rousanou, Agios Stefanos
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Tip: Paths recently mapped; some involve ancient footpaths and carved steps
6. Mount Zas, Naxos
- Distance: ~3–4 h round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Ascent to 1 004 m (highest in Cyclades), striking Aegean panoramas, rooted in Zeus mythology
7. Fira–Oia Caldera Trail, Santorini
- Length: ~10 km one way
- Difficulty: Easy–moderate
- Highlights: Stunning cliffside views across the caldera, traditional villages, perfect sunset vantage points
8. Menalon Trail, Peloponnese
- Distance: 75 km total (5–8 day trek)
- Difficulty: Challenging—long distances, elevation changes
- Highlights: Forests, rivers, canyons, wildflowers and diverse wildlife including foxes, turtles
9. Parnitha Mountain, near Athens
- Routes: Multiple loops, summit, monasteries, or cable car
- Difficulty: Easy–moderate
- Highlights: Reachable forest hikes, wild deer, foxes, 120+ bird species, historic monasteries and ridge views
10. Andros Island Ancient Trails
- Route: Ormos Korthiou → Gavrio and local circuits
- Duration: Daily hikes, part of 8‑day program
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Restored stone paths, coastal & inland views, chance to volunteer in trail restoration, local craft visits
Seasonal Tips & Preparation
- Best Times: Spring (Apr–May) and Autumn (Sep–Oct) for fresh terrain and manageable weather
- Gear Checklist: Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, at least 2 liters of water (especially on island and gorge hikes), snacks
- Logistics Tips: Rent a small vehicle or use local bus/ferry systems. Book refuges or lodgings in advance during peak spring months. Consider guided or bus-included tours for long or remote trails.
Why These Trails Matter
- Diverse Settings: Mainland peaks (Olympus, Parnitha), deep gorges (Vikos, Samaria), island calderas and ancient pilgrim routes (Andros, Naxos, Santorini)
- Heritage & Ecology: Trails weave through UNESCO sites, ancient monasteries, myth-laden peaks and habitats rich in endemic fauna
- Levels for All: From easy caldera walks to multi‑day expeditions, Greece offers accessibility for beginners and rigor for seasoned hikers
Final Take
These ten Greece hikes form a perfect mix of myth, nature, challenge, and culture. Whether you’re summiting Mt. Olympus at dawn, strolling to Oia at sunset, navigating cool canyon bottoms, or helping preserve Andros’ ancient footpaths—you’ll find adventure around every bend. Plan wisely for season, fitness and logistics, and Greece will reward you with striking landscapes you won’t forget.
