Best Hikes to Try While Visiting Greece
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Greece is one of those enchanting countries that doesn’t disappoint. The cuisine, the gorgeous scenery, the historic landmarks – there is so much here to experience. One of the best ways to experience Greece is to go for a hike in a pristine setting. The terrain is also extremely unique and ranges from coastal areas to beautiful mountaintops. Here are some of the best hikes that you should do while in Greece:
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is the highest peak in Greece, making it a perfect choice for your epic hike. The area also carries the distinction of being the country’s first national park in 1938. A vast network of trails stretches over 160 kilometers, providing plenty of opportunities to get out and connect with Mother Nature. A variety of refuges allow you to take a multi-day hiking trip. Do not attempt to summit this monster without the use of a guide who is familiar with the terrain.
Samaria Gorge
Designated as a World’s Biosphere Reserve, this trail is in the Samaria Gorge park in southern Crete. The hiking trail is 13-16 kilometers in length so that you can enjoy the entire park as you hike along the river path. The trail passes through a host of ancient Byzantine ruins, making this an educational experience as well. In addition to stunning natural scenery, keep on the lookout for wildlife such as the wild Cretan mountain goats. Finish your adventure with a stop at the black-sand beach on the southern coast of the island.
Fira – Oia Hike
You cannot visit Santorini without taking the time to experience the Fira to Oia Hike. This is an ideal way to discover the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia. Depending on your speed and how much time you allot to exploring the area, the 10.5-kilometer hike will take between two and five hours. The path is well-maintained, making this hike a good choice for families. Be sure to embark early in the day during the warm summer months so that you beat the heat. It is also important to bring plenty of water.
Pelion Trail
Located halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki, you will find the Pelion Peninsula. You can hop on this trail from a variety of villages, including Milies, Tsagarada, and Kala Nera. A diverse ecosystem makes this an interesting hike from start to finish. In addition to the scenery, you will encounter old churches, monasteries, and ancient ruins to explore. Regardless of where you are on the hike, you will enjoy the magnificent spectacle of Mount Pelion towering over you.
Corfu Trail
Glistening beaches, olive groves, juniper dunes, and steep gorges are just a few of the natural elements that dot the varied landscape of this 220-kilometer trail. The long and winding Corfu Trail was established in 2001, providing visitors with an amazing way to explore the island and its untouched landscape. Hiking part of this trail is an ideal way to explore the more tranquil parts of this island paradise.
All six of these hiking trails are simply begging to be explored as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of Greece. You can’t go wrong doing any one of these!
Categorized in: About Santorini, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
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