What to expect
Greece has 28 trails
including medium and difficult trails.
The trail with the highest elevation climb is the Ships and Airplanes Trail
and the one with the least climb is the E4 - Peloponnes.
The longest trail is E4 - Peloponnes
at 290 km. To complete this hike you should budget at least 17 days.
For a shorter adventure, you can try the Krini - Angelokastro Walk
a t 1.74 km. This could be done in as little as 1 days.
Trails with the best offering of hostels include
Mountain Flanks Walk, Paramonas - Benitses, The Olive Trees Trail, Eikonistria Mon - Meghalos Aselinos - Eikonistria Mon Trail, and Evangelistria Monastery - Agios Charalambos Trail.
Be prepared for hiking in Greece with the HiiKER app
FAQs about hiking in Greece
Greece's climate is Mediterranean, characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Winter, from December to February, can be cold in mountainous areas, making certain trails impassable.
From March to May, the spring season brings pleasant temperatures and blossoming flora, ideal for hikes such as the famous Samaria Gorge.
The best hiking season is spring and autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, and the landscapes are lush. In summer, the heat can be intense, particularly on exposed trails. More info: https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/greece/climate-data-historical#:~:text=Greece%20has%20a%20Mediterranean%20climate,regions%20and%20hot%2C%20dry%20summers..
Most hiking routes in Greece don't require permits. However, for trails in national parks, like Mount Olympus, a notification to the park's management might be necessary for safety reasons. For specific information, contact the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy or local authorities. More info: Greek Ministry.
Wild camping is technically illegal in Greece, including beaches, forests, and archeological sites. Some hikers take the risk, but fines can be issued. Organized campsites are plentiful and provide a legal alternative. For more details, consult the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism's website: Visit Greece.
In Greece, the Hellenic Rescue Team, a volunteer organization, assists with mountain emergencies. Dial 112 for urgent assistance. It's advised to inform local authorities about your hiking plans, especially for challenging routes like Mount Olympus. More information here: https://www.hrt.org.gr/mountain-rescue.en.aspx.
Greece's diverse flora varies from olive groves in lowland areas to Alpine flowers in mountainous regions. Springtime brings a riot of wildflowers, particularly on Crete. However, summer's heat can result in parched landscapes. Stick to trails to protect the ecosystem. More info here: https://portal.cybertaxonomy.org/flora-greece/intro.
Greece hosts diverse wildlife, from tortoises in the Peloponnese to ibex in the Pindos Mountains. On coastal hikes, you might spot dolphins or monk seals. Beware of vipers in rocky areas and mosquitoes during summer evenings. More about Greece's fauna: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/greece/travel-guide/wildlife.
