For the Casual Walker: Easy & Accessible
If your ideal hike is a gentle walk that combines scenery with history, Greece offers plenty of low-effort, high-reward options. On the island of Paros, the Byzantine Road is a perfect example. This 3.5-kilometre path is the oldest on the island, dating
back to 1000 AD, and was originally paved with marble. The walk is mostly flat or downhill, starting in the mountain village of Lefkes and ending near the sea, offering panoramic views of olive groves and the neighbouring island of Naxos along the way. Another accessible option is found on Crete. While the island is famous for its tough gorges, the Anopoli-Aradena trail provides an easy 2.4-kilometre walk suitable for all ages. It leads from a historic plateau down towards the dramatic Aradena Gorge without requiring you to tackle the difficult parts. Similarly, walks through the olive groves of Kefalonia or along coastal paths in Lefkada offer beautiful scenery with minimal strain.
The Intermediate Challenge: The Menalon Trail
For those with a good level of fitness who enjoy a multi-day challenge, the Menalon Trail in the Peloponnese region is a premier choice. As the first trail in Greece to be certified by the European Ramblers Association, this 75-kilometre route is well-maintained and clearly marked. It winds through the mountains of Arcadia, connecting historic stone villages like Stemnitsa and Dimitsana. The trail is divided into eight sections, most of which are officially graded as moderate. Experienced hikers might combine stages, but tackling one per day allows for a more leisurely pace. The terrain is varied, with sections passing through shaded gorges, across rivers, and over sun-exposed hillsides. A popular and picturesque section from Stemnitsa to Dimitsana involves a steep descent into a gorge before climbing back up, covering about 12.5 kilometres of beautiful, but demanding, landscape. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, with monasteries and old mills dotting the route.
The Advanced Trek: Samaria Gorge & Mount Olympus
For seasoned hikers seeking a serious challenge, Greece is home to two legendary treks: the Samaria Gorge and Mount Olympus. Located in Crete's White Mountains, the Samaria Gorge is a 16-kilometre hike that descends from an elevation of 1,250 metres to the Libyan Sea. While it is downhill, it is not easy. The initial descent is steep and punishing on the knees, and the long walk through the rocky riverbed requires sturdy hiking boots and strong ankles. The trail passes through the 'Iron Gates', the narrowest point of the gorge, and takes most walkers between five and seven hours to complete. An even greater challenge is Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the gods. Reaching the highest peak, Mytikas, at 2,917 metres, is typically a two-day journey involving an overnight stay at a mountain refuge. The most common route starts at Prionia and ascends through dense forest to the Spilios Agapitos refuge. The final ascent to the summit involves a section of Class III rock scrambling, which requires a good head for heights and is not recommended for beginners. The reward is an unparalleled view across Greece and the Aegean Sea, and the profound feeling of standing atop a place steeped in myth.
