Hiking in Greece: These Are the 9 Best Hikes in Greece

We bet Greece is already on your list of dream destinations to explore because what's not to love? This country has so many wonders it's hard to know where to start.

Is it the 13676 kilometres of stunning coastline dotted with picture-perfect beaches and thousands of idyllic islands?

Or maybe the dazzling ancient ruins that transport you back in time. And let's not forget the delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that's just as healthy as it is tasty.

We haven't even mentioned the lively nightlife, where you can dance your worries away at traditional "bouzouki" nightclubs or catch world-famous DJs at unforgettable events. 

And guess what? Greece also enjoys near-perfect weather all year round. With mild temperatures and sun-soaked blue skies, the conditions are always ideal for outdoor adventures.

You know where we're going with this, right? Yes, this weather is absolutely perfect for hiking!

But it's not just the climate. Greece's gorgeous landscapes - gorges, forests, valleys, and mountains - seem custom-made for hiking. In fact, 80% of the country is mountainous! 

We would love for you to explore the country soon at Skyhook, so here are some places you can go hiking in Greece today.

When visiting Greece for a hike, your first thought might be: what's the tallest mountain in the country?

While many assume Mount Olympus is a mythical creation, we're here to dispel that notion and tell you - the mountain is real, and you can hike it!

Standing at an impressive 2,919 metres (9,570 feet), Mount Olympus is Greece's highest peak. It offers incredible views and journeys through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to dramatic rocky slopes.

As you ascend, you'll leave the tree line behind and be greeted by panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The ultimate goal is to summit Mytikas, the highest point of Mount Olympus- which involves a bit of scrambling, but don't worry - the reward at the peak is more than worth it. 

If you're ready for this epic adventure, Skyhook offers a 3-day guided Mount Olympus Hike (2,919m) to the summit, providing all the safety gear and guidance you'll need along the way.

Fancy hiking in Crete? If so, Samaria Gorge is a 16-kilometre (10-mile) odyssey through one of Europe's longest canyons. This downhill trek starts at the Omalos plateau and descends through a landscape that seems to have been carved by the Titans themselves.

As you venture deeper into the gorge, the towering cliffs rise to 500 metres on either side, creating a cathedral of nature.

The trail winds past ancient cypress and pine trees, their gnarled trunks testimony to centuries of survival in this harsh yet beautiful environment.

You'll particularly love the "Iron Gates," where the gorge narrows to a mere four metres wide. The sheer rock faces soar 300 metres skyward, creating an awe-inspiring stone corridor.

Keep your eyes peeled for the shy kri-kri, the rare Cretan wild goat that calls this gorge home.

The hike concludes at the shores of the Libyan Sea in the village of Agia Roumeli, where the refreshing waters offer a well-earned reward for your efforts.

Ready to go to Greece? Skyhook offers a four-day Hiking tour on Crete Island - Samaria Gorge and South.

Starting with a trek through the gorge, the tour continues along seaside trails, passing through traditional villages, remote beaches like Marble Beach, and historic sites such as the village of Sfakia.

Hidden in the Pindos Mountains of northern Greece, the Vikos Gorge is a well-kept secret that rivals any natural wonder in the country.

The classic route from Monodendri to Vikos spans about 12 kilometres and takes you through a landscape of stark limestone cliffs, emerald pools, and forests teeming with life.

The trail follows the gorge floor, crisscrossing the Voidomatis River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters.

The trail passes through the traditional Zagorohoria villages, where stone houses with slate roofs seem to grow organically from the mountainsides. These villages offer a peek into a way of life that has remained mostly unchanged for centuries.

Skyhook offers a 7-day Hike & Raft Greece's Vikos-Aoös Circuit if you crave a more immersive adventure. 

Before hiking Vikos-Aoös, you'll enjoy the twists of the Voidomatis River by raft (it's one of the best Greece rafting adventures!), then climb the Vradeto Steps before hiking to the mesmerising Dragon Lake. 

The Santorini Caldera Trail offers a unique hiking experience, combining natural beauty with the iconic architecture of the Cyclades.

This 10-kilometre path from Fira to Oia hugs the rim of the island's volcanic caldera, providing continuous views that seem almost too perfect to be real.

As you trek from Fira, each step reveals a new perspective on the archipelago. The stark white buildings cling to the cliffs, contrasting the deep blue of the Aegean below.

You'll pass through the charming villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, each with its own special charm.

The path winds through a landscape shaped by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. The cliffs are covered in layers of volcanic rock before you get to the postcard-perfect town of Oia.

Here, you can observe the sun sink into the sea in a blaze of colour - a fitting end to a truly spectacular journey.

The Menalon Trail is a 75-kilometre journey through the varied landscapes of Arcadia in the Peloponnese.

This eight-stage trail takes you from the striking gorges of Lousios to the peaks of Mainalon, through forests of black pine and Greek fir, and into traditional villages that seem frozen in time.

One of the highlights is the section through the Lousios Gorge, known as the "Mount Athos of the Peloponnese" due to its hidden monasteries.

The sight of Prodromou Monastery, clinging to the cliff face, will leave you amazed.

Each stage of the trail offers something unique, from Dimitsana's water-powered workshops to Elati's chestnut forests.

The path takes you through changing ecosystems, from riverside plane trees to high alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in spring.

The Pelion Peninsula, said to be the summer home of the Greek gods, offers a unique hiking experience that combines mountain trails with coastal paths.

This lush peninsula is crisscrossed with kalderimi - old stone paths that once served as the main arteries between villages.

One spectacular route takes you from the mountain village of Tsagarada to the coastal town of Damouchari.

You'll start among chestnut and plane trees, their broad leaves providing welcome shade. The trail then descends through olive groves, offering captivating glimpses of the Aegean Sea below.

You'll love the seamless blend of natural beauty and human history as you pass centuries-old churches, cross stone bridges built by master craftsmen, and walk through villages where traditional architecture has been lovingly preserved.

The hike ends at the picturesque port of Damouchari, where you can cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean.

If you prefer hikes with a hefty dose of island charm, the trail network on Sifnos is hard to beat. This small Cycladic island boasts over 100 kilometres of well-maintained trails  - and the best place to try hiking Greek islands.

One particularly beautiful route is the circular trail from Apollonia to Kastro and back.

Starting in the island's capital, you'll climb to the hilltop church of Profitis Ilias, where panoramic views of the surrounding islands await.

The path then descends to Kastro, a medieval village perched dramatically on a cliff over the sea.

As you hike, you'll pass through a landscape dotted with white-washed chapels and ancient dovecotes - distinctive towers once used to house pigeons.

The trails are lined with fragrant herbs like thyme and oregano, their scent released by your passing footsteps. In spring, the hillsides come alive with a riot of wildflowers.

While Meteora is famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars, it also offers some truly unique hiking opportunities.

The trail network here allows you to explore this otherworldly landscape up close, weaving between the massive rock formations that seem to defy gravity.

You can start your hike in Kalambaka and climb up to the monasteries.

As you go, the views become increasingly spectacular, with the Pineios river valley spreading out below and the bizarre rock pillars looming above.

The trail passes several of the most famous monasteries, including Great Meteoron and Varlaam.

The rock formations are a geological marvel created through millions of years of erosion. But it's the monasteries, built in seemingly impossible locations, that add an element of human daring and spiritual aspiration to the landscape.

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos offers a diverse landscape that's a hiker's paradise.

You can start from the island's highest village, Filoti, to the summit of Mount Zas (Zeus) and then down to the coast.

Starting in Filoti, a village of whitewashed houses and narrow alleys, the trail climbs steadily through olive groves and rocky terrain.

As you ascend Mount Zas, named after the king of the Greek gods, you'll pass the cave where Zeus was said to have been raised.

From the summit, at 1,004 metres, the views are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, you can see many of the surrounding Cycladic islands dotting the azure Aegean.

The descent takes you through a changing landscape, from rocky highlands to fertile valleys, ending at the beautiful beach of Moutsouna on the east coast.

This hike encapsulates the essence of Naxos - and indeed, of Greece itself - in a single day: mythical mountains, traditional villages, and the ever-present sea!

Let’s wrap this up like we kicked it off - with excitement! Greece isn’t just about ancient ruins, delicious food, and dreamy islands - it's also a hiker’s paradise.

Trails wind through stunning mountains, twist around deep gorges, and lead straight to beautiful beaches. You’ll stumble upon villages that feel like stepping back in time.

Each hike is a chance to dive into Greece's incredible natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. So, grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this amazing land!