5

5 popular routes for trekking in Greece

Updated: May 02, 2025
READING TIME
Reading Time
As long as it takes to eat a slice of watermelon
Body

If you love hiking through nature, Greece has everything you could want. Mountains that disappear into the clouds, gorges that cut through nature, routes that form part of the E4 hiking trail and former shepherds’ paths that link remote island settlements. You name it…. you’ll find it here. 

Summary Powered By AI
AI Summary

The article highlights five of Greece’s most popular trekking routes, each offering a unique natural experience. These include the ascent to Mytikas, the highest peak of Mt Olympus; the dramatic, shaded trails of Vikos Gorge in the Vikos-Aoos National Park; the lush, ravine-filled paths of Pelion; the extensive signed networks on Mt Taygetos in the Peloponnese; and the world-famous Samaria Gorge in Crete, renowned for its summer hiking crowds. Each route showcases Greece’s diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to deep gorges and verdant forests, making the country a top destination for nature-loving hikers.

Read More Read Less
AI Summary

The article highlights five of Greece’s most popular trekking routes, each offering a unique natural experience. These include the ascent to Mytikas, the highest peak of Mt Olympus; the dramatic, shaded trails of Vikos Gorge in the Vikos-Aoos National Park; the lush, ravine-filled paths of Pelion; the extensive signed networks on Mt Taygetos in the Peloponnese; and the world-famous Samaria Gorge in Crete, renowned for its summer hiking crowds. Each route showcases Greece’s diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to deep gorges and verdant forests, making the country a top destination for nature-loving hikers.

Mytikas, Mt Olympus

The classic ascent to the top of Mt Olympus starts from Prionia at 1,100m. This is the highest point you can drive to before setting out for the 2,917m of Mytikas, or either of the other two peaks of the mountain of the gods. Or you could opt for a gentler hike from Litochoro by the coast, following the beautiful Epineas Gorge to Prionia.

2-Day Hike on Olympus

Vikos Gorge

One of Europe’s deepest and longest gorges, this is a must for nature lovers. The descent from Monodendri and the ascent to Vikos is steep, but the walk above the Aoos River in the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park is fairly even and not too demanding. The six-hour trek is mostly shaded. Wildflowers cover the slopes in spring and you can even take a dip in icy waters if you’re truly brave.

Vikos Gorge

Vikos Gorge Hike

Pelion

This thickly wooded mountain, with its two coastlines, lush ravines, well-maintained traditional paths and stone bridges is one of the most satisfying places in Greece to hike.

8-Day Hiking Tour Mt. Pelion

Mt Taygetos

On the Laconia side alone, the network of signed paths on the tallest mountain in the Peloponnese surpasses 90km of varying length and degrees of difficulty. The Messinia side has a comparable network and includes the stunning Koskarakas, Viros and Ridomos gorges.

If you’re a hiker, don’t miss the marvellous network of paths that unwind east of Kardamyli on the slopes of Mt Taygetos

5-Day Hiking Tour Mt. Taygetus

The Samaria Gorge

Hikers by the thousands come here from all over the world in summer to trek the most famous gorge in Crete and to experience the power of nature close at hand.

Samaria Gorge Full Day Tour