The Menalon Trail, Peloponnese
In the heart of Arcadia, a region steeped in myth, the Menalon Trail offers a 75-kilometer journey through true Grecian countryside. As the first trail in Greece to be certified by the European Ramblers Association, it promises well-marked paths and breathtaking
scenery. The trail winds through the dramatic Lousios Gorge, where monasteries cling impossibly to cliffs, and past traditional stone villages like Stemnitsa and Dimitsana. These paths, used by shepherds for centuries, pass through dense forests, across ancient stone bridges, and along the Lousios River, where some believed the gods once bathed. It's a hike that connects you not just to nature, but to the very soul of Greek history and mythology.
The Corfu Trail, Ionian Islands
Stretching approximately 180-220 kilometers from the island's southern tip to its northern cape, the Corfu Trail is an epic exploration of one of Greece's greenest islands. Established in 2001, it links a network of ancient mule tracks and forgotten footpaths, guiding walkers through a stunning variety of landscapes. You’ll traverse vast olive groves, juniper-covered dunes, and quiet mountain villages that remain untouched by mass tourism. The route reveals a different side of the popular island, from the flat southern plains near Lake Korission to the rugged gorges and dramatic coastal cliffs of the north. With sections suitable for all levels, the trail offers both challenging ascents and gentle strolls, all with the turquoise Ionian Sea rarely out of sight.
The Byzantine Road, Paros
For a shorter but equally historic walk, the Byzantine Road on the Cycladic island of Paros is a must. This 1,000-year-old path, paved with Parian marble, is one of the oldest trails in the Cyclades. It was originally built to connect the island's monasteries and links the beautiful hilltop village of Lefkes—the former capital—with the village of Prodromos. The 3.5-kilometer trail is a gentle downhill walk that takes you through terraced olive groves and past the scents of wild oregano and thyme. As you descend, you are rewarded with magnificent views across the countryside and over the sea towards the neighbouring island of Naxos. It’s a perfect half-day walk that immerses you in the timeless beauty of the Aegean islands.
Gorges and Coastal Paths, Crete
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is a hiker's paradise, boasting a network of ancient paths that cross dramatic landscapes. The most famous is the Samaria Gorge, a 16-kilometer trek through one of Europe's longest canyons, located in the White Mountains. This National Park trail descends through a landscape of towering cliffs and was once a refuge for Cretan rebels. For those seeking coastal views, sections of the E4 European long-distance path trace the island's southern shoreline, connecting remote beaches and passing ancient ruins like those at Lissos. Whether you choose a challenging gorge descent or a scenic coastal walk, Crete offers a powerful connection to a history that feels wild, remote, and deeply intertwined with the land.
The Ursa Trail, Epirus
Away from the islands, in the Pindus mountains of mainland Greece, the Ursa Trail near Metsovo offers a different kind of ancient path. This 40-kilometer circular trail, also a certified 'Leading Quality Trail', winds through dense forests of black pine and beech. Named the 'Bear's Trail', it follows routes that have been used for generations in a region known for its unique culture and stunning mountain scenery. The path passes stone fountains, crosses high ridges, and even goes by artistic installations, blending nature with local heritage. While it's known for a challenging annual trail race, the route is divided into manageable sections perfect for hikers who want to experience the wild beauty of mainland Greece.
