The best trekking routes in Greece

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Greece, Corfu and Crete are a special trekking destination, especially in spring and autumn. The mountains of Greece, across the Pindhos mountain range, the backbone of this rugged country, near Athens, and the Peloponnese, Mount Olympus. Here the landscape is often quite rugged, dotted with ruins, evocative of another era. Corfu, offers a beautiful escape from the busy coastline, with day trips and the Corfu Trail, which runs the length of the island.

Index

Practical guide

When to go?

June-September is the most stable period for the climate, and not too hot in the mountains; snow Nov-April in the mountains.

Zagori: The best time to walk the trails is in spring (late May to June) and autumn (September to October), when the sun and temperatures are milder and the region is quieter.

Corfu: The best time is from spring to autumn; all walks can be done all year round, but accommodation is easiest to find from May to October.

Crete: Theoretically all year round, but winter is winter and summer can be very hot. Spring and autumn are the most attractive times.

Cities & Services

Karpenísi, Métsovo, Ámfissa, Tripoli, Dhíakhofto, Sparta, Áyios Nikólaos

Zagori: Kipi, Dilofo, Tsepelovo, Monodendri, Elafotopos, Papigo, Konitsa, Pades, Metsovo, Vovousa

CorfuCorfu Town, Agios Georgios North and South, Aharavi, Barbati, Benitses, Kalami, Kavos, Liapades, Paleokastritsa, Paramonas, Pelekas

CreteChania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Hora Sfakion

Not to be missed

It crosses the Pindos, Mount Olympus, Mount Khelmos, Mount Parnonas, beautiful landscapes, rich flora and cultural interest.

Zagori: The Vikos Gorge; picturesque villages with unique architecture; impressive 18th century stone bridges and a network of cobbled paths; Drakolimni alpine lagoons (also known as Dragonlakes); rafting opportunities on the Voidomatis River; breathtaking mountain scenery; the mystical Valia Calda National Park.

Corfu: the 911m Pandokratoras mountain in the northeast, a vast limestone massif that overlooks the Albanian coast and dominates impressive stretches of coastline; beautiful golden sandy beaches on the west coast of the island; Paleokastritsa and its beautiful bays; the fortress of Angelokastro; Cape Drastis and Porto Timoni.

Crete: In the White Mountains, the famous Samaria Gorge. Psiloritis (Mount Ida), the island's peak in central Crete and Mount Dikti in eastern Crete.

The Peloponnesian Way

The Peloponnese Trail crosses the Peloponnese peninsula from Dhiakoftó in the north to Pantazí beach in the south via Tripoli. With alpine meadows, a spectacular gorge and forest-covered hillsides, the 220km route can be covered on foot in about a fortnight.

Section 1 Dhiakoftó to Tripoli
Stage 1 Dhiakoftó - Monastery of Méga Spílio
Stage 2 Méga Spílio to Áno Lousí
Stage 3 Áno Lousí - Tourládha
Stage 4 Near Tourládha to Dhára
Stage 5 From Nimphasia to Vitin
Stage 6 Vitin to Kardharás or Kápsia
Stage 7 Kardharás or Kápsia to Tripoli
Section 2 Tripoli-Pantazi
Stage 8 Psilí Vrísi to Áyios Pétros
Stage 9 Malevís convent to Vamvakoú
Stage 10 Vamvakoú-Paleogoulás
Stage 11 Mistrás to Anavrití
Stage 12 Anavrití - Taïgetos mountain refuge
Stage 13 Mountain refuge Taïgetos to Árna
Stage 14 Árna - Pantazí Beach

The route of the Pines

The 460km-long Pindos route is a south-north traverse of the backbone of the Greek mountains, which can be covered in a month or split into sections of about a week. With remote terrain, challenging navigation and fewer facilities on the route, it is the most difficult of the four treks, but offers a unique opportunity to experience both the country's wildlife and traditional mountain life.

Section 1 From Ámfissa to Karpenísi
Stage 1 Amfissa - Víniani Gorge and Reká
Stage 2: Mt Ghióna: Víniani Hut to Láka Karvoúni
Stage 3 Refuge Láka Karvoúni to Sikiá
Stage 4 Sikiá to Athanásios Dhiákos/Áno Mousounítsa
Stage 5: Mount Vardhoúsia: Athanásios Dhiákos/Áno Mousounítsa to the Yiourtáki sheepfold
Stage 6, Yiourtáki sheep herd to Oxiá/Sarádena mountain hut
Stage 7 Mount Oxiá hut/Sarádena to Kokália obelisk/Rákhes Timfristoú
Stage 8 Kokália Obelisk/Rákhes Timfristoú to Karpenísi
Section 2 Karpenísi-Mesokhóra
Stage 9 Karpenísi - Kerasokhóri
Stage 10 Kerasokhóri - Varvariádha
Stage 11 Varvariádha - Epinianá
Stage 12 Epinianá - Spiliá Monastery
Stage 13 Spiliá monastery to Petrotó
Stage 14 Petrotó to Kalí Kómi
Stage 15 Kalí Kómi to Moskhófito
Stage 15A Kalí Kómi to Mirófilo
Stage 16 From Moskhofito to Mesokhóra
Stage 16A Myrophilus to Mesokhóra
Section 3 Mesokhóra-Métsovo
Stage 17 Mesokhóra to Gardhíki or Athamania
Stage 18 Gardhíki or Athamanía to Matsoúki
Stage 19 Matsoúki - Kalarítes
Stage 20A Route from Kalarites to Khaliki ridge
Stage 21 Khalkiki - Metsovo
Section 4 Métsovo to the Albanian border
Stage 22 Métsovo - Vália Kálda
Stage 23 Vália Kálda - Vovoúsa
Stage 24 Vovoúsa - Dhistratus
Stage 24A Link: Ferry from Vovoúsa to Skamnéli
Stage 25 Dhistratus to Samarina
Stage 25A Dhistratus to Palioseli
Stage 26 Samarina - Dhrakolimni
Stage 26A Palioséli - Dhrakólimni
Stage 27 Dhrakólimni to Ayía Paraskeví/Kerásovo
Stage 28 Ayía Paraskeví/Kerásovo to Kefalokhóri
Stage 29 Kefalokhóri - Aetomilítsa/Dénsko
Stage 30 Aetomilítsa/Dénsko to the summit of Mt Grámos

Northern Pindos Mountains: Zagóri

Zagori, in the Pindos National Park of Northern Greece, is one of the last relatively unknown and unspoilt hiking destinations in Europe. This guide presents a selection of thirty hikes and three short treks that showcase the region's captivating landscape, from dramatic gorges to mystical forests, crystal-clear turquoise rivers, rugged alpine peaks and distinctive mountain villages. Routes vary from easy hikes on clear trails to strenuous ascents and mountain traverses, meaning there is something to suit most ambitions and abilities.

From easy walks to demanding hikes along remote mountain traverses, including the rugged peaks of Mount Timfi and Mount Smolikas in the Pindos mountain range, Drakolimni Lake and the spectacular Vikos Gorge.

Trekking Zagóri and Mt Gamíla

A shorter 80 km Zagóri walk can be enjoyed in its own right or incorporated into the Pindos Trail.

Stage 1 Tsepélovo to Kípi via Kapésovo and Koukoúli
Stage 1A Tsepélovo to Kípi via Khadzíou Bridge
Stage 2 Kípi to Monodhéndhri
Stage 3 Monodhéndhri to Pápingo via the Víkos gorge
Stage 4 Papingo - Astráka Hut
Stage 5 Astráka hut to Tsepélovo or Kapésovo
Stage 5A Astráka hut to Kónitsa
Stage 6 Skamnéli to Kónitsa

Excursions in Zagori

The routes are organised by zones, covering the centre of Zagori, the Vikos Gorge and its surroundings, Mount Timfi, Konitsa and Mount Smolikas, and the National Park of Valia Calda and Metsovo, with highlights such as Mount Timfi and Mount Smolikas (the second highest mountain in Greece), the impressive Vikos Gorge, the traditional stone arch bridges and the alpine tarns of Drakolimni (Dragonlakes). With so much breathtaking scenery, this is a region that cries out to be explored.

Zagori Central

The round of the stone bridges
Kipi to Dilofo and Vitsa
Kipi to Kapesovo and Missios bridge
Kipi to Tsepelovo and Kapesovo
Vradeto staircase and Beloi viewpoint
Vikaki Gorge Route (Selato)
Mt Mitsikeli
Iliochori Waterfalls

Vikos Gorge and its surroundings

Crossing the Vikos Gorge
Oxia viewpoint
Voidomatis Springs and Theotokos Monastery
Crossing of the Voidomatis Gorge
Kokkino Lithari Lookout
Villages of Papigo and natural pools of Ovires Rogovou
An alternative approach to the Vikos Gorge

Mt Timfi

Astraka Shelter and Lake Drakolimni
Lake Robozi
Gamila Summit
Astraka Summit
The Astraka round
The Davalista Trail (Astraka Hut to Konitsa)
Astraka hut to Konitsa or Vrisochori via Karteros Pass
Tsepelovo to the crossing of Vrisochori
The last trekking in Zagori

Konitsa and Mount Smolikas

Mt Trapezitsa and Roidovouni Peak
Stomiou Monastery
Konitsa to the crossing of Vrisochori
Pades to Drakolimni of Lake Smolikas
Smolikas' classic Dragonlake ascent

Valia Calda and Metsovo National Park

Valia Calda National Park
Avgo Peak
The Flega Lakes
On the tracks of the brown bear in Metsovo

Mt Olympus

This route explores Mount Olympus, home to the ancient gods of Greek myth and the highest mountain in Greece.

Stage 1 Priónia to Spílios Agapitós/Refuge A
Stage 2 Spílios Agapitós/shelter A to Mítikas and Yiósos Apostolídhis/shelter B
Stage 3 Yiósos Apostolídhis/Refuge B to Priónia
Stage 4 Priónia to Litókhoro

Corfu

Corfu is the greenest of the Ionian Islands and one of the most accessible, making it a great destination for a walking holiday. With golden sandy beaches on the west coast, the spectacular fortress of Angelokastro, dramatic cliffs at Cape Drastis and the twin coves of Porto Timoni, these walks avoid the crowded resorts and allow the walker to experience the relaxed atmosphere and varied natural scenery of this beautiful island.

The walks start from several popular tourist destinations on the island, such as Corfu, Kalami, Paleokastritsa, Agios Georgios to the north and south, Liapades and Benitses. Day trips are spread all over the island and visit olive groves, coastal paths, sandy beaches, lush green hillsides and picturesque villages. The Corfu Trail runs around the island from Kavos north to Agios Spyridonas. The walks are suitable for all levels and can be done all year round.

North-East Corfu

Kaminaki to Kerasia Coastal Trail
Kalami to Menegoulas
The ancient path of Perithia
Excursion around Cape Agia Ekaterinis
The Panorama Trail above Aharavi

North-west Corfu

Cape Drastis
Agios Stefanos to Arillas
Porto Timoni
Fisherman's hut and the kalderimi
Paleokastritsa and Angelokastro Route
Limni Beach
Liniodoros Beach

Centre of Corfu

Mirtiotissas and Agios Georgios mountain
Agii Deka
Benitses to Daphnata
Agios Mattheos and Prasoudi

South Corfu

Korission Lake Circuit
Korission Short Lake Route
Chlomos Excursion
The Lefkimmi Salt Pans
Arkoudilas Beach Circuit
The short curve of Arkoudilas

The Corfu Trail

Corfu's 150km long-distance hiking trail is tackled in 10 stages, starting near Kavos, at the southern tip of the island, and ending at Agios Spiridonas, its northern headland, taking in long sandy beaches, quiet mountain villages, lush valleys and the magnificent rocky coastline. Each stage ends at a village or beach where there is food and accommodation.

Stage 1 Kavos to Potami
Stage 2 Potami to Agios Georgios south
Stage 3 Agios Georgios south to Paramonas
Stage 4 Paramonas to Dafnata
Stage 5 Dafnata to Pelekas
Stage 6 Pelekas to the beach of Liapades
Stage 7 Liapades beach to Agios Georgios north
Stage 8 Agios Georgios north to Sokraki
Stage 9 Sokraki to ancient Perithia
Stage 10 Perithia Ancient to Agios Spiridonas

Crete: The White Mountains, Psiloritis and Lassithi

Crete offers a wide range of landscapes and challenges for hikers, with its spectacular gorges and numerous peaks exceeding 2,100m, its high mountain plains, forested crags, massive cliffs and remote beaches. A combination of climate and ancient historical sites make the Greek island of Crete a great destination to explore on foot.

All the mountain ranges of Crete high plains, ravines and gullies, but in the heart of Lefka Ori there is something else of the Lefka Ori there is something more. High above the tree line, the snow thaws in July to reveal a great circle of massive, barren peaks massive barren peaks, interspersed with outcrops of "moonscape", or depressions moonscape" outcrops, or depressions, of black, grey or red rock holes. This high and wild desert is rarely visited, but covers about 960 km2.

In the centre of Crete, where the island is the widest, the the huge mass of Psiloritis (Mount Ida) dominates the whole region. region. With an area of about 560 km2, this massif differs from the others in that, on the one hand, it is from the others by the fact that, on the one hand, a huge ridge rises from the summit of the a huge, partially asphalted summit ridge, which rises above huge cliffs and above huge cliffs, and on the other, a large area of lower peaks and foothills. of lower peaks and forested foothills. The summit of Mt, at 2456m is the highest point in Crete. It offers several challenging challenging linear hiking routes, including the high level of the Nida plain. Nida plain.

The Lassithi Mountains cover some 780 sq. km. 780 km2 and virtually divide central Crete from the eastern end of the island. eastern end of the island. It is not only the largest of the high mountain plains, but also the largest flat area of Crete. but also the largest flat area of Crete. At an altitude of about 820 m altitude, it is oval in shape, more than 9 km long in a west-east direction and 5 km north of west-east and 5 km from north to south.

In Crete, the E4 begins in Kastelli and several of the lesser-visited archaeological sites on its journey east. eastward journey. Although the main trail follows the mountainous backbone of Crete, the Cretan branches of the Cretan mountainous spine of Crete, the Cretan branches of the Hellenic Alpine Association have also Alpine Hellenic Association have also designated a good 'variations' route, either along the coast, or as branches leading to the main trail. main trail.

The White Mountains (Lefka Ori)

The Plain of the Omalos

Around the Omalos Plain
The Samaria National Park Gorge
The Rise of Gingilos
Xyloscala to Kallergi Hut
Kallergi Shelter in Melendaou
Xyloscala to Koustoyerako via Strifomadi
Koustoyerako to Xyloscala for Strifomadi.
Omalos to Koustoyerako via Ay. Chapel of Theodoros
Koustoyerako to Omalos via Ay. Chapel of Theodoros
Omalos to Ay. Irini Gorge
Ouch. Irini Gorge to Souyia
Souyia to Lissos and Paleochora (E4 Trail)
Omalos to Zourva
Zourva to Omalos
Zourva to Meskla
Omalos to Lakki and Meskla
Lakki to Omalos

The Northern Foothills

Kambi to Volikas Hut
Kambi a Melidoni
Melidoni to Kambi
Kares a Gournes
Melidoni a Fresco
Fresco in Vrisses
Fresh to Vafes via Tzitzifes
Melidoni to Vafes via Vothanas
Vafes to Melidoni via Vothanas
Vafes to Vrisses
Vrisses to Vafes
Vafes to Askifou

The Askifou Plain

Around the plain
Askifou a Imbros
The Imbros Gorge
Kommitades to Hora Sfakion
The Asfendou Gorge from Askifou
Askifou-Goni a Kallikratis
The Kallikratis Gorge
Askifou-Ammoudari to Niato (Trail E4)
The rise of the Kastro
Askifou to Imbros by Trikoukia
Askifou to Anopolis (or Hora Sfakion) via Kali Lakki
Askifou a Vafes
Krappis to Lake Kourna

Anopolis

Anopolis to Loutro
Kambia to Loutro
Kambia to Anopolis or Ay. Ekaterini
Kambia to Hora Sfakion
Anopolis to Aradena
The Aradena Gorge
Aradena to Ay. loannis and Sellouda
Aradena to Ay. Roumeli via Sellouda
Aradena and Kroussia Forest
Anopolis to Askifou via Kali Lakki

The southern coast of Sfakia

Hora Sfakion to Loutro (E4 Trail)
Time Sfakion to Anopolis
Hora Sfakion to Mouri
Loutro to Livaniana and beyond
Loutro to Ay. Roumeli (Path E4)
The Samaria National Park Gorge
around Ay. Roumeli
Eligias Gorge, Angelokampi and Turkish fortresses
Ouch. From Roumeli to Anopolis via Sellouda

Trekkings

1 Theriso to Livada via Kolokithas
1A Livada a Theriso
2 Kambi to Livada via Volikas Refuge EOS
2A Livada a Kambi
3 Askifou to Livada via Niato and Grias Soros (E4 Trail)
3A Livada to Niato and Askifou (E4 Trail)
4 Livada to Katsiveli (Path E4)
4A Katsiveli to Livada (E4 Trail)
5 Katsiveli to Potamos (Path E4)
5A Potamos to Katsiveli
6 Omalos (or Kallergi Hut) to Potamos (and Katsiveli) via Melendaou (E4 Trail)
6A We set off to Kallergi Hut (E4 Trail)
7 Potamos to Ay. Ioannis via Zaranokefala
7A Ay. From Ioannis to Potamos via Zaranokefala
8 Anopolis to Katsiveli
8A Katsiveli to Anopolis

The rise of Pachnes

9 Roussies to the summit of Pachnes
9A Pachnes summit to Katsiveli
9B Katsiveli to Pachnes summit

The south coast

10 Ay. From Roumeli to Souyia (E4 Trail)
10A Souyia to Ay. Roumeli (Path E4)

Psiloritis (Mount Ida)

Anoyeia to the Nida tavern
Zaros to Ay. Chapel of Ioannis Rouvas by the Rouvas Gorge
Ouch. Chapel of Ioannis to the plain of Nida (E4 Trail)
Kamares to Kamares Cave
Walk through Kamares Cave to Nida Plain
Kamares to the top of Mount Ida
The monastery of Arcadi at Aravanes Kampos
Aravanes Kampos to the Nida plain
Lakkos Mygerou (Livadia) to the top of Mount Ida
Aravanes Kampos to EOS Toubotos Prinos Refuge
The Amari Valley: Fourfouras and Kouroutes

The Nida Plain

Nida to the top of Mount Ida (E4 Trail)
Top of Mount Ida: descent to Kamares
Nida to Anoyeia on E4 Trail
Nida to Anoyeia by Old Droving Trail
Nida to Ay. Chapel of Ioannis (E4 Path)
Nida to Kamares via Kamares Cave
Nida to Arcadi Monastery

The Lassithi Mountains (Dikti)

Kastamonitsa to Ay. Georgios (E4 Path)
Ouch. Georgios to Tzermiado Ferry
A Tzermiado to Ay. Georgios
Tzermiado to Karphi and back
Ay. Georgios to Katharo plain and vice versa.
Ay. Georgios (for the summit of Mt. Dikti) to Selakano (E4 Trail)
Selakano to Ay. Georgios (E4 Path)
Selakano to Katharo plain (for Lassithi or Kritsa)
Katharo Plain along the southern rim road to Selakano
Katharo Plain to Kritsa (for Ay. Nikolaos)
Kritsa to the Katharo Plain
Magoulas to Xeniakos and Ano Viannos

The most impressive places in Greece for trekking and mountaineering:

Seafarer of Alonnisos
Vikos-Aoös