Hiking In Greece Islands: Where To Go Hiking In The Greek Islands

Hiking in Greece’s islands is one of the greatest Mediterranean experiences you can have. With beautiful coastal paths, unique island landscapes, historic buildings and whitewashed villages, Greece island hiking is truly magical.

If you’re exploring the Greek islands, then you should definitely consider adding a hike or two to your itinerary. At Skyhook, we offer an awesome hiking experience on Crete, however, there are loads of other amazing hiking trails to enjoy across the many islands.

The best time for hiking in the Greek islands is from late spring to early autumn - specifically May to October. This is when the weather is warm, dry and ideal for outdoor activities.

May and June offer mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, while September and October provide cooler, more comfortable hiking conditions after the summer heat.

Avoid the peak summer months of July and August if possible, as the high temperatures can make hiking Greece’s islands strenuous and less enjoyable.

Want to go hiking in Greece’s islands but aren't sure where to start? From our experience of offering guided outdoor adventures in Greece, here are some of our all-time favourite Greek island hikes.

Island: Crete Length of hike: 16 km (10 miles) Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

The Samaria Gorge is one of the most famous trails for hiking in Greece, known for its stunning natural beauty.

The hike begins at Xyloskalo, a point high in the White Mountains, and descends through a deep canyon to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli. The gorge features amazing towering rock walls that narrow to just a few meters apart in places, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.

As you hike through the gorge, you'll experience a variety of terrain, including rocky paths, wooden bridges, and lush greenery.

The gorge is also home to many unique plant and animal species, including the kri-kri (Cretan goat). This truly is one of the most isolated and unspoiled parts of South Europe for hikers to enjoy, and it lets you really soak up the unique beauty of Greek landscapes.

The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for hikers with a good level of fitness.

Want to hike this iconic route with an expert guide and a fun social group? Then check out our popular hiking in Crete trip.

Island: Corfu Length of hike: 220 km (137 miles) Difficulty: Varies from easy to challenging

If you’re interested in hiking in Greek islands over multiple days, then this is one of the best trails on offer.

The Corfu Trail is a long-distance hiking route that covers the length of Corfu Island. It’s the ultimate hike for experiencing the diverse landscapes of one of Greece’s most beautiful islands.

Starting in the south and ending in the north, the trail takes you through olive groves, rugged hills, and along beautiful coastlines.

The trail is marked by yellow signs and is divided into stages. This means you can choose to hike certain sections, and don't have to do the entire trail length if time is limited. The entire trail takes about 10 days to complete, but most people just do short sections as day, or overnight, hikes.

Some major highlights of the Corfu Trail include the climb to Mount Pantokrator, the island's highest peak, and the journey through the scenic northern region.

The trail passes through charming Greek villages, ancient ruins, and secluded beaches. It’s the perfect Greek island experience.

Island: Santorini Length of hike: 10 km (6.2 miles) Difficulty: Moderate

The Caldera Trail on the island of Santorini has got to be one of the most scenic hikes in Greece. The entire hike is full of amazing views of the famous caldera, the Aegean Sea, and the island's iconic white-washed buildings. This is Greek island hiking at its best.

The trail runs from Fira, the island's capital, to the pretty village of Oia. You’ll want to take this hike at a leisurely pace to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

After starting in Fira, the trail winds along the edge of the caldera, passing through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. Along the way, you'll have plenty of chances to stop and take in the panoramic views of the caldera and the volcanic islands. The hike ends in Oia, famous for its stunning sunsets and charming streets.

The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, but there are some sections with steep inclines and rocky paths.

Island: Hydra Length of hike: 19 km (12 miles) loop Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Eros offers a rewarding hike with awesome views of the Aegean Sea and the Peloponnese.

The trail starts from the town of Hydra and winds its way up through the island's rugged terrain. Along the way, you'll pass dry-stone walls, ancient paths, and picturesque chapels. It’s the kind of hiking you could only experience on a Greek island.

The ascent to the summit of Mount Eros, Hydra's highest peak, is challenging but manageable for those with moderate fitness levels. We recommend you just take it slow and enjoy the views on the way up.

At the summit, you'll be able to soak up some of the most impressive panoramic views of any Greek island hikes. This makes the ascent well worth the effort.

The hike can be done in about six hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make.

Our advice? Don't forget to visit the Monastery of Prophet Elias on your way up, which offers a peaceful resting spot and a great chance to take in your serene surroundings.

Island: Crete Length of hike: 8 km (5 miles) round trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Balos Lagoon is one of Crete's most picture-perfect spots, known for its turquoise waters and pristine sandy beach. Needless to say, the hike there is one of the best on any Greek island.

The hike to Balos Lagoon starts from a parking area above the beach and descends along a rocky path. All the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lagoon and the surrounding mountains.

Although it’s a short hike, it is pretty steep in parts, so you’ll need to be prepared and wear proper shoes.

Once you reach the lagoon, you'll be rewarded with an amazing place to relax, swim, and enjoy the natural beauty of Crete. The shallow waters are also perfect for snorkelling.

Balos Lagoon is a popular destination, so we’d recommend visiting early in the day to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate this beautiful location.

Island: Santorini Length of hike: 4.8 km (3 miles) round trip Difficulty: Moderate

Skaros Rock is a dramatic volcanic outcrop located near the village of Imerovigli on Santorini. It’s an iconic Greek island site and a fantastic destination for hiking.

The trail starts in Imerovigli and follows a well-marked path that leads to the base of the rock. From there, a steep climb takes you to the top, where you can explore the ruins of an ancient castle and enjoy panoramic views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.

The hike is short but involves some steep and rocky sections, so be prepared for this and take it slow.

Along the way, you'll pass whitewashed churches and traditional Cycladic architecture, which really adds that Greek island charm.

We’d say the best time to hike Skaros Rock is in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler and the lighting is perfect for amazing photos.

Island: Naxos Length of hike: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Zas, also known as Mount Zeus, is the highest peak in the Cyclades, standing at 1,004 meters. It’s a highly rewarding hike for anyone seeking a fairly challenging peak.

The hike to the summit starts from the village of Filoti and is a must for those looking to experience the natural beauty and mythological significance of Naxos. According to legend, this is the mountain where Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, was born and raised.

The hike begins with a gentle ascent through lush landscapes, dotted with olive trees and wildflowers. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes rockier and more challenging, but the panoramic views from the summit are incredibly rewarding.

The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding Aegean Sea. Just be prepared for some scrambling on the rocky sections of the trail.

On a clear day, you can see the neighbouring islands of Paros, Ios, and even Santorini. The hike also passes by the Cave of Zeus, which is worth a detour to explore - just bring a torch if you do plan to venture inside the cave.

Island: Santorini Length of hike: 3 km (1.8 miles) round trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Nea Kameni is a small volcanic island in the centre of Santorini's caldera. This island is known for its dramatic landscape and active volcanic craters. It’s also the perfect place for an unforgettable Greek island hike.

The hike on Nea Kameni is a unique experience, offering you the chance to walk on volcanic terrain and see steaming vents up close. The trail starts at the landing point for boats from Santorini and follows a well-defined path to the top of the island.

The hike is relatively short but involves a steady climb. There are amazing panoramic views all along the way of the caldera, the cliffs of Santorini, and the deep blue sea.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as there is little shade and no facilities on the island.

Island: Milos Length of hike: 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip Difficulty: Moderate

The hike to Kleftiko Caves on the island of Milos is a unique coastal adventure that combines hiking with swimming and snorkelling opportunities. Kleftiko is known for its stunning sea caves and rock formations and was once a hideout for pirates.

The trail starts from the village of Kato Katiforos and leads you through a rugged landscape with great views of the Aegean Sea along the way. The path to Kleftiko is relatively easy to follow, although it can be rocky and uneven in places.

Once you reach the coast, you'll be greeted by the sight of towering white cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The caves and arches are perfect for exploration by boat, kayak, or swimming.

We highly recommend snorkelling here, as the underwater scenery is truly spectacular. Pack a picnic and enjoy the serene beauty of this secluded spot before heading back to the village.

Island: Kefalonia Length of hike: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Ainos, also known as Mount Enos, is the highest peak on the island of Kefalonia. The mountain stands at 1,628 meters, making it a pretty serious hike.

The hike to the summit starts from the Ainos National Park, which is renowned for its unique flora, including the rare Kefalonian fir tree. This is absolutely one of the best national parks in Greece. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the island and the Ionian Sea.

The hike starts with a gentle ascent through the dense fir forest. As you climb higher, the forest gives way to rocky slopes and alpine meadows.

The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, including Ithaca and Zakynthos. On a clear day, you can even see the mountains of mainland Greece.

Island: Mainland Greece (Epirus region) Length of hike: 12 km (7.5 miles) one way Difficulty: Difficult

Vikos Gorge, located in the Zagori region of Epirus, is one of the deepest gorges in the world and offers a challenging but breathtaking hike.

The trail starts from the village of Monodendri and follows the gorge to the village of Vikos. There are some amazing views along the way of the towering cliffs, thick vegetation, and the crystal-clear Voidomatis River.

The hike through Vikos Gorge is demanding, with steep descents and ascents, rocky paths, and river crossings. However, the natural beauty of the gorge makes the challenge well worth it.

The trail is well-marked, but it's essential to be prepared with plenty of water, food, and proper hiking gear. The hike can take up to seven hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make to take in the scenery, so being well-prepared is a must.

Island: Nisyros Length of hike: 8 km (5 miles) round trip Difficulty: Moderate

Nisyros is a small island in the Dodecanese. If you want one of the most unique experiences of hiking in Greece’s islands, then this is where you should visit.

The Nisyros volcano hike is a trek into the crater of an active volcano. The hike starts from the village of Nikia and descends into the Stefanos crater, one of the largest hydrothermal craters in the world. The landscape is otherworldly, with steaming fumaroles, sulfur deposits, and vibrant mineral colours.

The hike to the crater is relatively short but can be steep and slippery in places. Once you reach the crater floor, you'll be amazed by the steaming vents and bubbling mud pools.

The smell of sulfur is strong, and the heat from the ground can be quite intense. It's a fascinating experience, giving you a close-up view of a real volcanic landscape.

After exploring the crater, you can hike back to Nikia or continue to the nearby village of Mandraki - a great place to relax and enjoy some Greek island hospitality.

Hiking in Greece’s islands should definitely be on your agenda if you’re planning a trip to the Med. There are hikes in Greece that match all levels of experience and hiking demands - from challenging multi-day hikes to mountain summits or short coastal walks.

Whatever hike you choose, we can guarantee it’s going to be one of the best ways to experience and fully appreciate Greek island life and landscapes up close.

Looking for more adventure in Greece? Then check out our highly-rated guided tours in Greece for some of the best things to do.