Hiking in Greece: the best trails, when to go and what to know
Greece is not only beaches. From gorges in Crete to stone paths on the islands, these are the best-known trails, how long they take and when to go.
- Samaria Gorge in Crete: about 16 km, 4–7 hours, open roughly May to October.
- Vikos Gorge in Zagori: about 12.6 km from Monodendri, 5–7 hours.
- The best hiking seasons are April–May and September–October; summer is too hot on most trails.
For a first Greek trek, Samaria is the classic choice. For real mountains, go to Zagori or Olympus; to mix walking with the sea, choose Andros, Pelion or Corfu.
What are the best hikes in Greece?
Figures are based on Greek Trip Planner (May 2026) and Dave's Travel Pages. Times and distances are estimates; always check trail conditions before setting out.
| Trail | Area | Length | Time | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samaria Gorge | Crete | about 16 km | 4–7 hours | May–October |
| Vikos Gorge | Zagori, Epirus | about 12.6 km | 5–7 hours | April–November |
| Mount Olympus (Mytikas) | northern Greece | usually two days | about 4 hours to the refuge | June–October |
| Andros Routes | Cyclades | about 240 km network | day stages | spring and autumn |
| Menalon Trail | Peloponnese | about 75 km, 8 stages | several days | spring and autumn |
| Fira to Oia | Santorini | about 10 km | 4–5 hours | spring and autumn |
Samaria Gorge, Crete
Greece's most famous hike. You walk down the gorge to Agia Roumeli by the sea and return by ferry. There is an entry fee (about €10) and the gorge is open roughly May to October, weather permitting. Start early. More in our Crete guide.
Vikos Gorge and Zagori
Vikos is often called one of the deepest gorges in Europe. The usual route runs from Monodendri to Vikos village. Waymarking is poor in places, so carry a map or app. For the view only, the Beloi viewpoint is about three hours return from Vradeto. See our Zagori page.
Mount Olympus
Greece's highest mountain, with Mytikas summit at 2,917 m. Most hikers start at Prionia (about 1,000 m), climb about 4 hours to the Spilios Agapitos refuge (about 2,100 m), sleep there and summit the next day. Summit season is roughly June to October; the final section needs experience and care.
Island hikes
- Andros: a network of nearly 240 km, the first Greek island certified "Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe". See Andros Routes.
- Pelion: old stone paths between mountain villages. See our Pelion guide.
- Corfu: the Corfu Trail, about 220 km along the island, 10–12 days.
Tips for hiking in Greece
- Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, more on hot days.
- Temperature drops about 6°C for every 1,000 m of altitude.
- In summer, start at dawn; midday is too hot on most trails.
- Wear hiking shoes with good soles: most paths are rocky.
How to choose a hike in Greece
- By fitness: for a first trip, pick a 3–5 hour route on a clear path; long gorges and high peaks suit those used to full-day walks.
- By season: in summer, hike in the northern mountains or start at dawn.
- By logistics: many routes are linear; check for a taxi, bus or boat back.
Before setting out, tell someone your route and save the European emergency number, 112.
FAQ
When is the best time to hike in Greece? April–May and September–October. On high mountains such as Olympus, the season is mainly June to October.
Is Samaria Gorge suitable for families? For children used to walking, yes. It is a long descent of about 16 km, so not for small children.
Do you need a guide for Mount Olympus? Not necessarily, but hikers without mountain experience should go with one, especially for the summit section.
Where can you hike near Athens? On Ymittos and Parnitha, and on day trips. See day trips from Athens.
