The Menalon Trail, Peloponnese
Deep in the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula lies Arcadia, a region so idyllic its name became synonymous with pastoral beauty. The Menalon Trail, the first trail in Greece to be certified by the European Ramblers' Association, is a 75-kilometer route
that captures this essence perfectly. The path is divided into eight sections, winding through the dramatic Lousios Gorge, past cliffside monasteries like Prodromos, and across ancient stone bridges. It connects a series of charming stone villages such as Stemnitsa and Dimitsana, which were once only accessible via these old mule tracks. As you walk, you’ll traverse dense fir forests, olive groves, and river valleys, discovering a landscape steeped in the myths of Pan, the god of the wild. With well-marked paths and welcoming guesthouses in each village, it’s an accessible way to experience rural Greece.
The Ancient Path to Delphi
For thousands of years, pilgrims journeyed to the Oracle of Delphi to seek wisdom from the gods. You can follow in their footsteps on the ancient path that connects the ancient port of Kirra on the Corinthian Gulf to the world-renowned sanctuary of Delphi. This section of the European E4 trail is best walked downhill from Delphi, offering breathtaking panoramic views over a vast, silvery-green olive grove—one of the oldest in Greece. The roughly 11-kilometer trail descends from the slopes of Mount Parnassus, passing the village of Chrisso before ending at the sea. It’s a walk that feels profoundly historical, connecting the spiritual heart of the ancient world with the trade routes that fed it. The route is a blend of natural beauty and deep historical significance, tangible with every step.
The Corfu Trail
Stretching approximately 200 kilometers from the south to the north of the island, the Corfu Trail offers a completely different perspective on this popular Ionian destination. It guides hikers away from the busy resorts and into the island's green interior and dramatic coastlines. The trail unveils a landscape of ancient olive groves, quiet beaches, and sleepy villages. Along the way, you'll encounter historical sites that tell the story of Corfu's layered past, including crumbling 18th-century monasteries, Byzantine castle ruins like Angelokastro, and old Venetian-era footpaths known as 'kalderimi'. The trail is broken into manageable stages, allowing you to tackle a short section or the entire multi-day trek, staying in local tavernas and guesthouses along the way.
Crete's Gorges and Coastal Paths
Crete is a hiker's paradise, where dramatic gorges slice through the mountains and ancient paths trace the coastline. Many trails on the island offer a powerful combination of rugged nature and history. The famous Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest, takes you past abandoned villages and Byzantine relics. For a more atmospheric hike, the trail to Katholiko Monastery—believed to be the oldest on Crete—descends through a gorge to its haunting ruins and a stunning fjord-like bay. These paths are not just scenic routes; they are journeys through a landscape that has been inhabited for millennia, from the Minoans to Byzantine monks, with history etched into the very stone under your feet.
