For the Casual Walker: The Ancient Path to Delphi
Not every walk needs to be a mountainous expedition. For those seeking a meaningful but gentle immersion in history, the ancient footpath connecting the modern town of Delphi to the ancient port of Kirra is an ideal choice. This historic route was once
trodden by pilgrims on their way to consult the famous Oracle. The trail is approximately 11-13 kilometres and typically takes three to four hours to complete. It's mostly a gentle downhill walk from Delphi, making it accessible for most fitness levels and families. As you descend, the path unfolds through the vast, silvery-green olive grove of Amfissa, a landscape so unique it's protected by UNESCO. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Corinthian Gulf and the Pleistos river valley while literally walking in the footsteps of the ancients.
For the Steady Trekker: The Menalon Trail
If you’re comfortable with a full day of hiking and varied terrain, sections of the Menalon Trail in the heart of the Peloponnese offer a perfect blend of nature and culture. This 75-kilometre trail, the first in Greece to receive European certification for its quality, is divided into eight stages of varying difficulty. For an intermediate hiker, tackling one or two of these stages is a rewarding experience. The most spectacular section, from Stemnitsa to Dimitsana, is a 12.5-kilometre hike (about 5 hours) that takes you deep into the Lousios Gorge. The path involves a steep descent and ascent, passing by cliff-side monasteries like Prodromou and Philosophou. Other easier sections, like the 8.5-kilometre stretch from Elati to Vytina (around 2.5 hours), offer a gentler walk along the Mylaon river, past stone fountains and old watermills. These trails are well-marked, leading you through authentic stone villages where you can rest and enjoy local hospitality.
For the Ambitious Adventurer: Samaria Gorge
For those who equate hiking with a serious challenge, the Samaria Gorge in Crete is a bucket-list trek. As one of Europe's longest canyons, this 16-kilometre trail offers a dramatic and demanding day out. The hike starts at Xyloskalo, high in the White Mountains, with a steep, rocky descent of about 1,200 metres to the Libyan Sea. While not technically difficult, the relentless downhill journey requires good knees, sturdy ankles, and a solid level of fitness. The walk typically takes between five and seven hours, leading you through an ever-changing landscape of pine forests and soaring cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass the abandoned village of Samaria, once a refuge for Cretan rebels. The hike culminates at the 'Iron Gates,' the narrowest point of the gorge where the cliffs are just a few meters apart, before you emerge at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.
For the Mountain Seeker: Mount Olympus
Climbing the home of the ancient Greek gods is the ultimate challenge for seasoned hikers. While reaching the highest peak, Mytikas (2,918m), involves a technical scramble not suitable for everyone, there are other rewarding and less perilous summits on Mount Olympus. A popular and challenging route for fit hikers is the ascent to Skala Peak (2,882m). The trek often starts from the Prionia trailhead, with a roughly three-hour hike up to the Spilios Agapitos Refuge, where many stay overnight. From the refuge, it's another three-hour ascent to Skala. The path is well-marked but steep and rocky, taking you through forests and into the alpine zone. Reaching Skala rewards you with breathtaking views across the Aegean Sea and the surrounding peaks. From here, many hikers choose to traverse a ridgeline to the nearby Skolio summit (2,911m), which is the most commonly reached peak on the mountain and avoids the technical scramble to Mytikas.
