Walking in Greece

Follow ancient trails through olive groves, pass dramatic coastlines, discover medieval villages and enjoy local Greek cuisine on a Explore small group walking tour in Greece. Whether you’re hiking the Corfu Trail, walking the gorges of Crete’s White Mountains or following ancient paths on Andros, every itinerary is designed to perfectly balance time on trail with ample opportunities to take in the sights and absorb the culture.

With almost 80% of Greece covered by hills and mountains, and a beautiful coastline that stretches over 13,600 kilometres across the mainland and islands, Greece offers extraordinary variety for walkers. Ancient trails connect charming villages, monasteries and coastal paths across dramatic terrain.

Greece’s walking heritage runs deep, from ancient pilgrimage routes and kalderimi to the recently refurbished trails on islands like Andros. The country’s most famous peaks - Mount Olympus (2,917m), mythical home of the Greek Gods, and Mount Smolikas (2,637m) in the Pindos range – are ideal for experienced trekkers, while the island trails of Corfu, Crete and the Cyclades offer more accessible trails combined with an opportunity to discover destinations steeped in mythology and history.

Corfu

Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands in the west of Greece. It has long been known for its scenic beauty and today, away from the few resorts, Corfu remains a beautiful and surprisingly traditional island. A great way to explore this picturesque island and get well off the beaten track is on foot. In the capital, the UNESCO-listed old town combines Venetian, French and British influences to form something altogether unique, while further south, the vineyards and olive groves of Lefkimmi provide an authentic glimpse of Ionian life.

Trails wind between hilltop villages, through wild juniper forests and along sand-dune coastlines, past the 13th-century Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro and down to the rocky coves and turquoise bays of the west coast. The highest point on the island is the summit of Mount Pantokrator (917m), which has wonderful views down across the island and across to nearby Albania. The Corfu Trail is a 220km-long trail that stretches the length of the island. Choose to cover a stretch on one of our week-long trips, or take on the full trail on our two-week Corfu Trail Explorer trip.
 

Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest and southernmost island, enjoying almost year-round warm weather, especially on the south coast. Dominated by mountain ranges stretching from west to east, including the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), whose highest peak, Pachnes, reaches 2,453 metres - Crete also has plateaux, fertile valleys, vast gorges and hidden coves to explore. The combination of dramatic landscapes, a mild climate and the warmth of the Cretan people make it one of Greece’s finest walking destinations.

Historically the island was covered with paths joining towns and villages, but since the introduction of roads, many are used only by shepherds and hikers. The most famous walk is through Samaria Gorge, a 16-kilometre route through Europe’s longest gorge, while the ascent Mount Gingilos (2,080 m) in the White Mountains rewards hikers with sweeping views across the range. Beyond these, quieter trails through the Amari Valley and along the south coast offer equally rewarding walking without the crowds.
 

Andros

The largest of the northern Cyclades, Andros is criss-crossed with a network of ancient paths and cobbled kalderimi that have been carefully restored in recent years. The Andros Trail runs the length of the island from north to south, linking stone-built villages, Byzantine monasteries and dramatic coastal viewpoints. Away from the tourist crowds of Mykonos and Santorini, Andros offers a quieter, more authentic side of the Cyclades. The island's Venetian history remains not just in the architecture but its cuisine - locals still make pies and slow-cooked goat and lamb dishes with a subtle Italian twist, alongside the fresh seafood that has sustained fishing communities here for centuries.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for a walking holiday in Greece?
Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for walking in Greece, offering more comfortable temperatures that vary between 15-25°C and the most rewarding landscapes. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while Autumn offers warmer seas ideal for a post-walk swim. July and August are generally avoided for hiking as temperatures on the islands regularly exceed 35°C and trails often lack shade.

How challenging are hiking trails in Greece?
The difficulty of walks in Greece largely depends on the region. Whilst coastal walks such as those on Corfu, Andros and Crete tend to follow well-established paths and ancient kalderimi (cobbled mule tracks), the terrain can get hilly. Mountain routes in Crete or the mainland can be more demanding and may require a reasonable level of fitness and balance. Sturdy walking boots, a hat and plenty of water are strongly recommended as shade and reliable water sources can be scarce, especially during the hotter summer months. Ultimately, Greece’s sweeping views, vineyards, coastlines and mountains make the effort more than worthwhile.

What should I pack for a walking holiday in Greece?
Light, layered clothing is essential as mornings can be cool, but temperatures often rise quickly. Sun protection such as a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are important for island trails with limited shade, while a refillable water bottle is essential. A light rain jacket is worth packing even in spring and autumn, as weather can be unpredictable on account of the region’s hilly terrain. Walking poles can also be useful on hillier terrain.