Greece
Description
Greece is a famous beach destination, and many island hoppers like to go for a walk now and again. Most islands are quite suitable for hiking, and locally guides and maps are available giving good descriptions of trails. But the crowded summer season is hot and dry. April is a much better month for hiking, with all flowers in full bloom, and also May, although it will start to get busier. June is more quiet but very hot. The busy season then lasts until winter. Although common in the past, your chances of actually following in the footsteps of mules carrying their loads in the traditional manner are dim.
But there is more. If you've had enough of the island's oregano, you can head for the mainland Pindos Mountains in the province of Epirus, on the border with Albania. European long distance trail E6, running from west to east, leads right across the Pindos. In the wide expanse of forests and pastures you may cross tracks with a bear (see the picture of a bear track which caused the author to freeze with fear), or if not, then at least with one or two herdsmen smelling of the inevitable ewe's cheese. Smolikos is the highest peak, reaching up to 2637m. Walking season in the mountains is from May, when the mountain tops are still covered in snow, until mid October. Greek mountain ranges have been made increasingly accessible over the years thanks to over 100 mountain huts.
Make an effort, and find out Greece has almost twenty national trails, maintained by regional mountaineering clubs. European long distance trail E4 enters Northern Greece from Bulgaria, and runs south via Mount Olympus (2918m), highest mountain of Greece and pleasant abode of Zeus. If you plan to spend the night there yourself in July or August, make sure to reserve in advance. The trail then leads across the Peleponessos, leaving it in the south, and continues on the island of Crete. Crete of course is famous for its Samaria gorge, the longest in Europe. It is impossible to lose your way here, simply join the crowd.
The Internet is not yet a very good source of information on Greek hiking, but maps and guides are easy to find. More information can be obtained through the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing.
Trails
Regions
- Agatohonissi, Dodecanese
- Amorgos, Cyclades
- Anafi, Cyclades
- Andros, Cyclades
- Antiparos, Cyclades
- Arki, Dodecanese
- Astipalea, Dodecanese
- Corfu
- Crete
- Cyclades Islands
- Dodecanese Islands
- Donoussa, Cyclades
- Folegandros, Cyclades
- Fourni, Dodecanese
- Greek Islands
- Ikaria, Dodecanese
- Ionian Islands
- Ios, Cyclades
- Iraklia, Cyclades
- Kalymnos, Dodecanese
- Karpathos
- Kea, Cyclades
- Kefalonia
- Kimolos, Cyclades
- Kithnos, Cyclades
- Kos
- Koufonisi, Cyclades
- Leros, Dodecanese
- Lesbos
- Lipsi, Dodecanese
- Milos, Cyclades
- Naxos, Cyclades
- Paros, Cyclades
- Patmos, Dodecanese
- Paxos
- Peleponnese
- Peloponnesos
- Pindos Mountains
- Rhodos
- Samos, Dodecanese
- Santorini, Cyclades
- Schinoussa, Cyclades
- Serifos, Cyclades
- Sifnos, Cyclades
- Sikinos, Cyclades
- Syros, Cyclades
- Telendos, Dodecanese
- Thirassia, Cyclades
- Tinos, Cyclades
- Zakynthos
Links
Facts
Reports
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
2023
- Wild Guide Greece
- Hidden Places, Great Adventures and the Good Life (including the mainland, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and over 20 other islands) Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2023
- Reisgids Wild Guide Greece | Wild Things Publishing
- Hidden Places, Great Adventures and the Good Life (including the mainland, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and over 20 other islands) Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2018
- Wandelgids Trekking in Greece - Griekenland | Cicerone
- Guidebook describing challenging treks in the mountains of Greece, traversing the Pindhos Range, near Athens, and the Peloponnese, plus a handful of shorter routes including Mount Olympus. The treks demand a high level of commitment and fitness due to their remoteness and difficult terrain, and boast stunning unspoilt scenery. Read more
United Kingdom
2019
- Walking and Trekking in Zagori
- Walking routes in Greece's wild and beautiful northern Pindos mountains Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2019
- Wandelgids Walking and Trekking in the Zagori | Cicerone
- Guidebook to 30 walks and 3 treks centred on Zagori and Konitsa in mainland Greece. From easy strolls to demanding hikes along remote mountainous traverses, including the rugged peaks of Mt Timfi and Mt Smolikas in the Pindos range, Drakolimni Lake, and the dramatic Vikos Gorge. With background information on architecture, history and wildlife. Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Alonisos - Northern Sporades Marine Park Anavasi 9.2
- The island of Alonnisos on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map at 1:30,000 from Anavasi highlighting 14 recommended walks. On the reverse is a map showing the nearby islands of the Northern Sporades Marine Park highlighting locations of 16 archaeological sites. All place names are in both Greek and Latin... Read more
Netherlands
2018
- The Rough Guide to Greece
- The Rough Guide to Greece has been the definitive guidebook to the country for more than 30 years. This full-color 14th edition has detailed coverage of all the best attractions this fascinating country has to offer. With user-friendly accommodation and eating reviews, crystal-clear maps, detailed background and a journalistic eye for detail,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
2018
- The Rough Guide to Greece
- The Rough Guide to Greece has been the definitive guidebook to the country for more than 30 years. This full-color 14th edition has detailed coverage of all the best attractions this fascinating country has to offer. With user-friendly accommodation and eating reviews, crystal-clear maps, detailed background and a journalistic eye for detail,... Read more
Netherlands
- The Great Donkey Walk - From Spain to Greece by Pilgrim Ways
- When biographer Susan Chitty and her novelist husband, Thomas Hinde, decided it was time to embark on a family adventure, they did it in style. Arriving in Spain in time for the Ascension Day fair at Santiago, they bought two donkeys whom they named Hannibal and Hamilcar. Their two small daughters, Miranda (7) and Jessica (3) were to ride... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- The Great Donkey Walk - From Spain to Greece by Pilgrim Ways
- When biographer Susan Chitty and her novelist husband, Thomas Hinde, decided it was time to embark on a family adventure, they did it in style. Arriving in Spain in time for the Ascension Day fair at Santiago, they bought two donkeys whom they named Hannibal and Hamilcar. Their two small daughters, Miranda (7) and Jessica (3) were to ride... Read more
Netherlands
2017
- Reisgids Direkt Chalkidikí | Dumont
- Dit zijn handzame, praktische reisgidsen en geven u de belangrijkste highlights om deze 'direkt' te beleven. Er is aandacht voor culturele bezienswaardigheden als ook voor natuurlijke bezienswaardigheden. De gids geeft de reiziger de gelegenheid om eenvoudig en snel te navigeren in het reisgebied en 'direkt' in het dagelijks leven van de lokale... Read more
Netherlands
- Athens Travel Guide
- Athens, the ancient capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Here you can marvel at the mighty Acropolis and walk in the footsteps of Plato and Aristotle. This is the city where democracy and justice made their first steps. Outside Athens sits the blue sea of Piraeus and the enchanting neighborhoods of Kifisia and Ekali. Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Athens Travel Guide
- Athens, the ancient capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Here you can marvel at the mighty Acropolis and walk in the footsteps of Plato and Aristotle. This is the city where democracy and justice made their first steps. Outside Athens sits the blue sea of Piraeus and the enchanting neighborhoods of Kifisia and Ekali. Read more
Netherlands
- Top 10 Athens
- An unbeatable, pocket-sized guide to Athens, packed with insider tips and ideas, colour maps, top 10 lists, and a laminated pull-out map - all designed to help you see the very best of Athens.Discover ancient treasures at the National Archeological Museum, visit the Acropolis's breathtaking temples, wander Filopappos Hill's pine-covered slopes,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Top 10 Athens
- An unbeatable, pocket-sized guide to Athens, packed with insider tips and ideas, colour maps, top 10 lists, and a laminated pull-out map - all designed to help you see the very best of Athens.Discover ancient treasures at the National Archeological Museum, visit the Acropolis's breathtaking temples, wander Filopappos Hill's pine-covered slopes,... Read more
Netherlands
- Venturing in Southern Greece
- Made famous by Homer, the stunning hillsides and islands of southern Greece seem to have been forgotten by modern tourists. This exciting anthology invites travelers to expand their itineraries beyond Athens and explore the territory once roamed by Odysseus. Filled with vivid accounts that transport the reader to the Peloponnesus, the... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Venturing in Southern Greece
- Made famous by Homer, the stunning hillsides and islands of southern Greece seem to have been forgotten by modern tourists. This exciting anthology invites travelers to expand their itineraries beyond Athens and explore the territory once roamed by Odysseus. Filled with vivid accounts that transport the reader to the Peloponnesus, the... Read more
Netherlands
2018
- Reisgids Live! Chalkidiki - Thessaloniki | Merian
- MERIAN live! Reiseführer Chalkidiki Thessaloniki ab 11.99 EURO Mit Extra-Karte zum Herausnehmen Merian live! Read more
Maps
United Kingdom
- Monemvasia - Maleas - Elafonisos
- Monemvasia - Maleas - Elafonisos area, the eastern finger of the Peloponnese and the Elsfonisos Island, at 1:50,000 in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps from Anavasi with a UTM grid for GPS users. On one side is a topographic map of the area with contours at 20m intervals and a 1-km UTM grid. On the reverse a simplified... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Monemvasia - Maleas - Elafonisos Anavasi 8.9
- Monemvasia - Maleas - Elafonisos area, the eastern finger of the Peloponnese and the Elsfonisos Island, at 1:50,000 in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps from Anavasi with a UTM grid for GPS users. On one side is a topographic map of the area with contours at 20m intervals and a 1-km UTM grid. On the reverse a simplified... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 8.9 Monemvasia - Maleas - Peloponnesos | Anavasi
- Monemvasia - Maleas - Elafonisos area, the eastern finger of the Peloponnese and the Elsfonisos Island, at 1:50,000 in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps from Anavasi with a UTM grid for GPS users. On one side is a topographic map of the area with contours at 20m intervals and a 1-km UTM grid. On the reverse a simplified... Read more
United Kingdom
- Kalimnos
- The Dodecanese island of Kalymnos / Kalimnos on a waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Anavasi, highlighting hiking trails and the islands numerous rock climbing and bouldering sites.Landscape is shown by contours at 20m with altitude colouring, hill shading and spot heights. The map indicates dirt... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Kalymnos - Telendos & Pserimos Anavasi 10.32
- The Dodecanese island of Kalymnos / Kalimnos on a waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Anavasi, highlighting hiking trails and the islands numerous rock climbing and bouldering sites.Landscape is shown by contours at 20m with altitude colouring, hill shading and spot heights. The map indicates dirt... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 10.32 Kalimnos | Anavasi
- The Dodecanese island of Kalymnos / Kalimnos on a waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Anavasi, highlighting hiking trails and the islands numerous rock climbing and bouldering sites.Landscape is shown by contours at 20m with altitude colouring, hill shading and spot heights. The map indicates dirt... Read more
United Kingdom
- Central Imittos (Mount Hymettos)
- Central Hymettos in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use variations, e.g. forests,... Read more
United Kingdom
- Attika Viotia
- Attica and Boeotia at 1:100,000 in a series from Anavasi covering selected popular areas of central mainland Greece and the Peloponnese on GPS compatible, detailed topographic road maps printed on light, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper. Coverage extends north well beyond Thebes/Thiva and Livadia to Atlanadi and includes Salamina... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Attica - Boeotia Anavasi 10
- Attica and Boeotia at 1:100,000 in a series from Anavasi covering selected popular areas of central mainland Greece and the Peloponnese on GPS compatible, detailed topographic road maps printed on light, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper. Coverage extends north well beyond Thebes/Thiva and Livadia to Atlanadi and includes Salamina... Read more
Netherlands
- Wegenkaart - landkaart 10 Atiki - Attika | Anavasi
- Attica and Boeotia at 1:100,000 in a series from Anavasi covering selected popular areas of central mainland Greece and the Peloponnese on GPS compatible, detailed topographic road maps printed on light, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper. Coverage extends north well beyond Thebes/Thiva and Livadia to Atlanadi and includes Salamina... Read more
United Kingdom
- Thasos
- Het eiland Thassos heeft een prachtige natuurlijke schoonheid. Het is rijk aan bossen en stranden, maar het eiland heeft ook oude mijntunnels en overblijfselen van de mijnen, oude torens die de kust bewaken en moderne steengroeven. Met deze kaart, die is gemaakt met de steun en samenwerking van de Environmental Association of Thasos, zijn er... Read more
United Kingdom
- Chalki
- wandelkaart schaal 1:20.000 met hoogtelijnen, wandelpaden, toeristische informatie en UTM grid, de kaart is geschikt voor gebruik met GPS. A tiny island though very rich in monuments and ancient remains. More than 50 byzantine chappels, dozens of rock carved cisterns and old agricultural settlements and a well-preserved medieval caslte with a... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Chalki Anavasi 10.33
- The island of Chalki at 1:20,000 on a waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map from Anavasi, with highlighting five recommended hiking routes and other useful tips, plus an enlargement showing in greater detail the Chorio archaeological site.On one side is a map of Chalki with contours at 20m intervals and hill shading to... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 10.33 Chalki | Anavasi
- wandelkaart schaal 1:20.000 met hoogtelijnen, wandelpaden, toeristische informatie en UTM grid, de kaart is geschikt voor gebruik met GPS. A tiny island though very rich in monuments and ancient remains. More than 50 byzantine chappels, dozens of rock carved cisterns and old agricultural settlements and a well-preserved medieval caslte with a... Read more
United Kingdom
- Astypalaia
- Deze wandelkaart van Astipalaia is in samenwerking gemaakt met de gemeente Astipalaia. Het prachtige Chora met zijn grote Venetiaanse kasteel is ontzettend indrukwekkend, maar Astipalaia heeft nog veel meer te bieden. Er zijn 20 routes ontworpen en gemarkeerd. Via deze routes zijn de meeste monumenten (kastelen, basilicas, enz.) te bezoeken... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 10.49 Astypalaia | Anavasi
- Deze wandelkaart van Astipalaia is in samenwerking gemaakt met de gemeente Astipalaia. Het prachtige Chora met zijn grote Venetiaanse kasteel is ontzettend indrukwekkend, maar Astipalaia heeft nog veel meer te bieden. Er zijn 20 routes ontworpen en gemarkeerd. Via deze routes zijn de meeste monumenten (kastelen, basilicas, enz.) te bezoeken... Read more
United Kingdom
- Northern Hymettus
- Mt Parnitha in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use variations, e.g. forests,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Mt Parnitha Anavasi 1.1
- Mt Parnitha in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use variations, e.g. forests,... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 1.1 Mt. Parnitha | Anavasi
- Mt Parnitha in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use variations, e.g. forests,... Read more
United Kingdom
- Smolikas Mount Trapezitsa
- Pindos: Mt Smolikas - Mt Trapezitsa area in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Mt Smolikas - Mt Trapezitsa Anavasi 3.31
- Pindos: Mt Smolikas - Mt Trapezitsa area in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use... Read more
United Kingdom
- Delos - Mykonos - Rheneia
- Mykonos with the nearby islands of Delos and Rineia / Rheneia on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Anavasi. The reverse side shows a large, very detailed plan of the archaeological remains on Delos of the temples of Apollo, Artemis and Leto.Topography of the islands is shown by contours with hill... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Mykonos - Delos - Rheneia / Rineia Anavasi 10.42
- Mykonos with the nearby islands of Delos and Rineia / Rheneia on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Anavasi. The reverse side shows a large, very detailed plan of the archaeological remains on Delos of the temples of Apollo, Artemis and Leto.Topography of the islands is shown by contours with hill... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 10.42 Delos - Mykonos (Mikonos) - Rheneia (Reneia) | Anavasi
- Mykonos with the nearby islands of Delos and Rineia / Rheneia on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Anavasi. The reverse side shows a large, very detailed plan of the archaeological remains on Delos of the temples of Apollo, Artemis and Leto.Topography of the islands is shown by contours with hill... Read more
United Kingdom
- Prespa - Vitsi - Voras
- Uitstekende topografische kaarten van een deel van Griekenland: zonder meer hele goede kaarten voor wandeltochten in een onbekend stuk Griekenland! Ze zijn gedrukt op scheurvast en watervast papier op een schaal van 1:50.000 met een UTM grid voor GPS gebruikers. Op de meeste kaarten is geven de hoogtelijnen een interval van 20m. aan. Met... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Prespa - Vitsi - Voras Anavasi 6.2
- Prespa - Vitsi – Voras area of northern Greece at 1:50,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant, GPS compatible, contoured map from Anavasi, with recommendations for three hiking trails and notes on the E4 and E6 cross-European trails. The map is double-sided; coverage in the west starts from the Prespa Lake on the border with Albania and... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 6.2 Prespa - Vitsi - Voras | Anavasi
- Uitstekende topografische kaarten van een deel van Griekenland: zonder meer hele goede kaarten voor wandeltochten in een onbekend stuk Griekenland! Ze zijn gedrukt op scheurvast en watervast papier op een schaal van 1:50.000 met een UTM grid voor GPS gebruikers. Op de meeste kaarten is geven de hoogtelijnen een interval van 20m. aan. Met... Read more
United Kingdom
- Exo Mani 2018
- Uitstekende wandelkaart op scheur- en watervast papier van het wandelgebied rond Kardamyli maar ook nog met Agios Nikolaos. De wandelpaden staan er op ingetekend, zo ook alle bezienswaardigheden als klooster, kastelen en meerdere opgravingen. Mani is the middle and southernmost peninsula of the Peloponnese and is split between Laconia and... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Exo Mani - Verga - Kardamyli - Trachila Anavasi 8.10
- The northern part of the western coast of the Mani Peninsula, the “middle finger” of the Peloponnese, on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant, double-sided, contoured and GPS-compatible map at 1:20,000 from Anavasi highlighting 24 hiking trails and various facilities and places of interest. Coverage, with a good overlap between the sides,... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 08.10 Exo Mani | Anavasi
- Uitstekende wandelkaart op scheur- en watervast papier van het wandelgebied rond Kardamyli maar ook nog met Agios Nikolaos. De wandelpaden staan er op ingetekend, zo ook alle bezienswaardigheden als klooster, kastelen en meerdere opgravingen. Mani is the middle and southernmost peninsula of the Peloponnese and is split between Laconia and... Read more
United Kingdom
- Spetses
- De kaarten van Anavasi zijn zeer gedetailleerd, beschikken over een helder kaartbeeld en zijn uitstekende kaarten voor diverse activiteiten. Ze beschikken over vele interessante punten voor wandelaars, fietsers of andere toeristen die het gebied bezichtigen. De wandelkaarten bevatten ook een uitzonderlijke reliefaanwijzing, verschillende vormen... Read more
United Kingdom
- Mt Dhirfis - Mt Xerovouni Anavasi 5.11
- Mt Dhirfis in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use variations, e.g. forests,... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 5.11 Mt. Dirfis - Mt. Xerovouni | Anavasi
- Mt Dhirfis in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use variations, e.g. forests,... Read more
United Kingdom
- Pirin (BG) - Orvilos - Vrontou (GR) Geopsis 134
- Pirin Mountais in south-western Bulgaria, plus Orvilos and Vrondous (Vrontou) Mountains in northern Greece on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible amt at 1:50,000 from Greek publishers Geopsis, highlighting waymarked hiking trails, places of interest, etc.On one side are the Pirin Mountain in Bulgaria with... Read more