Greek Hikes: The 7 most beautiful trails for hikers
April 11, 2025
Greece is not just blue sea and white beaches. It's also a country with an incredibly diverse landscape, where mountains and canyons create breathtaking scenery, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through seven of the most beautiful mountain trails in Greece that will satisfy both experienced trekkers and families with children looking for an active vacation. From the dense forests of the Peloponnese to the monumental rock formations of Meteora to the wild shores of Crete, each of these routes offers unique experiences and unforgettable views. Get ready to discover a lesser-known but equally fascinating side of Greece, where nature and history intertwine to create the perfect conditions for unforgettable mountain adventures.
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Forest hikes and monastic peaks
Our journey begins in the heart of the Peloponnese, where the Skiritida Forest Hiking Trail offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Beginning and ending in the picturesque village of Vlachokerasia, this 15-kilometer trail leads through dense forests, crossing streams and revealing breathtaking views. This route, although challenging, is an excellent choice for families with older children and those in good physical condition. Be sure to bring a spare pair of shoes, as the path crosses a creek many times, which can result in wet shoes.
The next point on our trip is the Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery in the Meteora region. This route, although shorter (about an hour's walk from the town of Kalambaka), offers an unusual combination of spirituality and nature. The path, steep at first, leads through a picturesque forest, offering great views of the city and the surrounding monumental rock formations along the way. This is an ideal destination for families with children who want to combine physical activity with exploring Greece's fascinating history and culture. It's a good idea to bring enough water with you, especially on warmer days, as there aren't many shady spots along the route.
Comparing the two routes, the Skiritida Forest Hiking Trail offers a longer and more challenging adventure, ideal for those looking for a challenge and a deep immersion in nature. The trail to Holy Trinity Monastery, on the other hand, is shorter and more accessible, perfect for families with children and those who want to combine trekking with cultural exploration. Both routes have their own unique strengths - Skiritida impresses with its wild nature and diverse landscape, while the trail in Meteora offers unforgettable views of one of Greece's most iconic regions.
Panoramic views and scenic gorges
We now move to the Zagori region, where the Beloi Hike - a short but extremely rewarding route - awaits. This 30-minute walk leads to a lookout point with a spectacular view of the Vikos Gorge. The route is relatively easy and accessible for entire families, offering an unforgettable experience without the need for a long and tiring walk. It's the perfect place for a picnic overlooking one of the world's deepest canyons.
Also not to be missed is the Kakos Poros trail in Crete, which leads to a viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas of the Libyan Sea. This route, although short, requires some caution due to the steep sections. The reward for the effort, however, is a view that many describe as 'literally taking your breath away.' This is the perfect place to watch sunsets and enjoy the tranquility of Greek nature.
For those looking for a more diverse experience, the Avlaki Gorge Trail on Crete's Akrotiri Peninsula offers a fascinating mix of nature and history. This two-hour trail leads through a picturesque gorge, passing the ruins of ancient buildings and churches along the way, and ends at a beautiful beach. It's ideal for families who want to combine an active vacation with exploring the island's rich history.
Comparing these trails, the Beloi Hike stands out for its ease of access and spectacular views with minimal effort, making it ideal for families with young children or those with limited mobility. The Kakos Poros Trail, while also short, offers a more intense experience and requires a bit more effort, but rewards with one of the most beautiful views of the Greek coast. Avlaki Gorge Trail, on the other hand, is the longest of the three, but offers the most diverse experience, combining natural and cultural elements. Each of these trails has its own unique character and is able to cater to a variety of hiker preferences - from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.
Mythical trails and coastal adventures
Our journey through the Greek trails would not be complete without a visit to the legendary Olympus National Park. Here, on the slopes of the mountain of the gods, you'll find Enipeas Waterfall - a short but captivating trail leading to a picturesque waterfall. This is an ideal place for a family walk, offering not only beautiful views, but also a chance to cool off on hot days. The route is relatively easy and accessible to most hikers, making it a great choice for families with children.
Last but certainly not least on our trip is the Hiking Trail: Chora Sfakion -> Sweet Water Beach -> Lοutro -> Aradena Gorge in the south of Crete. This route is a real gem for trekkers, offering an unusual combination of mountain and coastal scenery. The trail follows the coastline, through picturesque villages and wild beaches to the impressive Aradena Gorge. This is a longer and more challenging route, ideal for experienced hikers and families with older children. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and plenty of water, especially in the warmer months.
Comparing the latter two routes, Enipeas Waterfall offers a short but intense nature experience, ideal for families looking for an easy and enjoyable hike in the mythical setting of Mount Olympus. The Crete route, on the other hand, is a full-scale adventure, combining a variety of landscapes and requiring more physical preparation. Enipeas is accessible to a wider range of hikers, while the route in Crete will satisfy more experienced hikers looking for challenge and variety.
To summarize our journey through seven of Greece's most beautiful trails, it is worth noting that each trail offers unique experiences and views. From the dense forests of the Peloponnese to the monumental rock formations of Meteora to the wild shores of Crete, Greece's mountains and gorges hold countless treasures for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a family looking for adventures tailored to the abilities of the little ones, there's a trail perfect for you in Greece. However, remember to always be well-prepared - proper footwear, enough water and respect for nature are the keys to exploring Greece's trails in a safe and rewarding way. Greece isn't just about beaches and sights - it's also a paradise for mountain hikers, offering unforgettable views and experiences that will live long in the memory.
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