Best Hikes In Greece (Mountains, Coastline & More)

When you think of Greece, your mind probably runs to crystal clear seas, pristine beaches, island hopping, and some amazing Greek food.

If you have been to Greece you will know that both mainland Greece and the Greek Islands are hilly and mountainous. The rugged terrain makes Greece an excellent hiking destination especially when you combine it with the ancient sites and amazing views you can see along the way.

But with so many hiking trails to choose from, where should experienced hikers start? Right here! Join me as we take a dive into the best hikes in Greece so you can enjoy the best hiking possible on your visit there this summer.

Viros Gorge hike, Epirus

One of the best hikes in Greece has to be the Viros Gorge hike in the Peloponnese region of Greece (not to be confused with the Vikos Gorge further north). The great thing about hiking in Greece is the dash of ancient sites you get along the way and this hiking trail offers just that.

The hiking trails start out at the summit of Taygetus and you can hike to Kardamili Bay if you do the entire hike but the hiking path is poorly marked after a while and chances are you will get lost.

It’s best to follow the hiking trail all the way to the Viros river springs and stop the hike there. Start the hike in Kardamili by hiking along the dry riverbed that will lead you to the gorge. Along the way, you will pass the stunning Lykaki monastery and from there it is about 2.5 hours until you get to the springs.

The scenic hiking trails are stunning as you descend into the gorge and as you walk you’ll see dramatic cliffs and caves. The entire trail passes around pine trees and the smells are very apparent plus you may even spot an owl as you walk, or at least hear one.

Menalon Trail, Peloponnese

The Menalon Trail is one of the best hikes in Greece if you want to see some of the lesser-known areas of this beautiful Mediterranean country. This is one of the longest hiking trails in Greece and it goes on for 75 kilometers.

The hiking trail starts in southern Greece on the Peloponnese peninsula between the two mountain villages of Lagkadia and Stemnitsa. The trail offers breathtaking views as it runs between valleys, plateaus, across mountains, and through canyons, it really is magical.

Along the Menalon trail, you will come across wildlife like wild boars, jackals, weasels, foxes, and more plus you will cross the stunning Lousios and Landos rivers too.

Since this is one of the longest hiking trails in Greece you have to do it in 8 stages and plan your accommodation along the way.

Samaria Gorge, Crete

The Greek island of Crete is a hiker’s paradise that is also drenched in history, Greek mythology, stunning seascapes, and lots more. It is without a doubt home to one of the best hikes in Greece, the Samaria Gorge.

The Samaria Gorge is one of the most dramatic gorges out there and it is comparable to the Grand Canyon in some ways. The hike follows very established paths which make it an easy hike in terms of navigation but it is quite a long one.

The trail leads down into the gorge from Omalos and runs for 13-16 km and finishes at Agia Roumeli beach where you can take the most refreshing dip of your life. The full hike can take up to 7 hours depending on your speed.

Along the way, you will see beautiful Byzantine ruins, spectacular scenery, and there are parts of the Samaria Gorge that are mind-blowing. When you arrive at the point known as the ‘Iron Gates’, the path becomes tiny and you are surrounded by the 500-meter walls of the Samaria Gorge on both sides.

Zakros Gorge Hike, Crete

The Zakros Gorge Hike is one of the best hi