Many people associate Greece with sun, sea, and islands, as well as culture and history of course. However, 80% of this beautiful country is covered by mountains, making it the third most mountainous country in Europe, with endless tracks and trails for us to discover. And for those who like their hikes with some beaches or ancient history on the side, there are plenty of options for that too.
If you are a keen hiker, or simply someone who wants to explore Greece off the beaten track, there is a huge choice of multi-day treks from Northern Greece to the southern Mani Peninsula, as well as across the famous Greek islands. Even those with just a few hours to spare can enjoy the Greek mountains - Athens is surrounded by hills, and what better way to end a holiday of sun bathing and moussaka eating, than with a day-long ramble in peaceful forests on the doorstep of this hectic European capital.
Ymittos Walks
Arriving in Athens Airport, you are greeted by the skyline ridge of Ymittos, whose forested slopes dominate eastern views from the city. Ymittos is a maze of trails and 4x4 tracks, the perfect playground for Athenian hikers, runners and mountain bikers. The grounds of Kaisariani Monastery are popular with Sunday walkers and families looking to enjoy nature. You will see people foraging for herbs, Scout groups playing in the clearings and, if you are lucky, you may even spot a tortoise. If you would like to add a little exercise to your time in Athens or take a break from the city crowds, a half-day walk in Ymittos is ideal for you. With hikes tailored to your schedule, this still gives you plenty of time to see some museums or explore downtown Athens on the same day.
Duration: 2 Hours Minimum
Trip Level: 2-6 / 10
Dates: Year Round
Parnitha Day Hikes
North of the city is the vast Parnitha mountain range, protected as a National Park since 1961. Stretching over 30km, the Parnitha mountains are wild and high, but still under an hour from downtown Athens. The trail network is vast and the nature diverse - most visits here will include a glimpse of deer and other wildlife, as well as an abundance of different herbs, plants, and trees. As the mountain range is limestone, it is riddled with caves and dramatic cliff faces, including the home of Pan, Ancient Greek God of the Wilderness. There are also many ruined fortifications and castles, as well as functioning monasteries. A day trip to Parnitha is a great way to top or tail your Greek holiday, and the itinerary can be designed to be challenging or relaxing, depending on your preferences.
Duration: Full Day
Trip Level: 4-6 / 10
Dates: Year Round
Explore Athens & the Aegean
Athens is surrounded by mountains on three sides and to the south is the port of Piraeus, gateway to the islands. This trip is the best of both worlds - the highlights of Athens, along with hiking days in Ymittos and Parnitha and an overnight on a Greek island. With a base in the city centre, you will have free time in the evenings to eat and drink in the many restaurants, bars and cafes, and enjoy the markets and shops. A rest day in the middle of the week is the perfect chance to climb the Acropolis and visit some museums. Many feel like no trip to Greece is complete without an island visit - this trip includes two days hiking on a nearby island such as Hydra, Andros or Kythnos. This really is the perfect balance of active holiday meets Athenian city break.
Duration: 7 Days
Trip Level: 4-6 / 10
Dates: Year Round
Olympus, Home of the Gods
Olympus, steeped in mythology and legend, is Greece’s oldest National Park since 1938. With its often cloud-covered summit, it is easy to understand why Ancient Greeks decided it was the Home of the Gods. Situated in Northern Greece (approx. four hours from Athens), the village of Litochoro sits nestled in the foothills and serves as a comfortable base camp. The range has 52 peaks and the highest, Mytikas, is 2,918m. We start at 1,200m, winding our way from the lower forested slopes to the rocky, lunar landscape of the higher plateaus. After spending the night in Greece’s oldest refuge, we tackle the trekking peak of Skala at 2,905m. After a breathtaking night in a second refuge on the Plateau of the Muses, we descend back to mortal terrain via a forested path, often busy with mule caravans bringing provisions to the mountain huts.
Trip Level: 7 / 10
Dates: May ➔ October
Duration: 3 Days
