Greece walks

This hike allows you to see the Canal d'Amour, a major tourist attraction in Corfu, but also to escape the crowds and enjoy nature, reaching the pretty Cape Drastis, with a swimming spot nearby.

Less well known but also less crowded and more shaded than the Samaria Gorge, the Imbros Gorge offers a beautiful descent almost to the Libyan Sea.We did this descent in the middle of August on a fairly hot day and didn't suffer from the heat at all, as we left at 8:30 a.m. and spent 80% of the time in the shade.The descent took us two hours, taking our time (photos).The descent costs €10 per person (there is a small hut at the start of the descent with someone there)and the taxi back up costs €25.

This is an unusual hike in Crete to its highest peak. Most guidebooks describe a fairly long hike starting from the Nida plateau. After talking to local residents, we tried a shorter route. If you want breathtaking 360° views of the sea, this hike is for you, provided you are fit and have good hiking experience.

Climbing to the highest peak on the island of Corfu is well worth the effort, especially in good weather, as it offers a 360° view of the entire island. At the top of Pantokrator is a pretty monastery that is open to visitors. The climb takes you through different types of landscape.

An easy hike all the way along the Caldera in Santorini with magnificent views.

A pleasant way to reach Preveli Beach after a lovely walk through the olive groves, heath and along the cliff edge overlooking the gorges.

A short hike with some elevation gain, taking you to a little slice of paradise where you can swim in crystal-clear water. Then, as you climb higher, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of this stunning spot.

Set within Samaria National Park, this hike takes you through the Agia Irini Gorge. The site is off the beaten track, offers spectacular scenery and is a lovely alternative to the Samaria Gorge. The Agia Irini Gorge runs through the western part of the White Mountains, taking you north of Sougia and to the shores of the Libyan Sea. Please note: there is an entry fee (€2 per person in 2019).

A lovely wooded hike in the Mili Gorge along a stream. The best option is to park in the north car park so that you can start with the climb and descend on the way back. There are restaurants at both points. Allow 1 hour 45 minutes for the round trip with children.

A must-do hike in Crete, the Samaria Gorge offers spectacular scenery in the heart of the national park of the same name. The trail starts at Xyloskalo (1,250 metres above sea level) and descends to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, following an impressive 16-kilometre canyon. The route is very well marked: just follow the descent along the entire route. The start is the most demanding part, with a steep and sometimes slippery slope; handrails have been installed to make it easier to progress. The path then alternates between pine forests, rocky passages and river crossings, before reaching the narrowest part of the gorge, which is only a few metres wide. Throughout the journey, several clearly marked checkpoints allow you to measure your progress and find places to rest. The arrival in Agia Roumeli, on the shores of the Libyan Sea, rewards your efforts with the opportunity to swim and enjoy the village's taverns.

A lovely walk, though very busy, leading to two magnificent little beaches situated back-to-back. Magnificent views.

A circular walk involving the ascent of the highest peak on the island of Naxos in the Cyclades, offering a 360° view.

A hike that starts at the bottom of the Samaria Gorge in Agia Roumeli. There are opportunities for a swim at the start of the route and at Agios Pavlos (3 km in), then at 13 km, at the end, at Marmara and Loutro.

Hydra is a stunning island in the Aegean Sea, south of Athens. On this car-free island, you get around on foot or by donkey. There is no shortage of walking trails. This short, easy coastal walk can be enhanced by a quick dip at Mandraki. The return route takes you up to the higher parts of the village of Hydra, offering superb views over the harbour.

Hydra is a stunning island situated in the Aegean Sea, south of Athens. On this car-free island, you get around on foot or by donkey. There is no shortage of walking trails. This walk will take you to the highest point of the Saronic Islands (588 metres above sea level) via the Monastery of Ilias. The 360° view from the summit is magnificent.

This is a well-signposted route (green and blue) through the forest. You’ll have the chance to admire large round stone cisterns and enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and the coast. To get there, in the village of Kroustas, near the school, head towards the Kroustas Forest. After about 4.5 km along a small road, just past a picnic area, there is an information sign. Parking is available at the start of the walk.

This route is recommended by the tourist office as ‘Route No. 4’. It is well signposted with red and white markings. It is accessible by bus. Please note: there are no shaded areas and no places to refill your water bottles.

The magnificent Zagori region boasts numerous stone bridges (around sixty!). You can find routes to explore several of them on fairly long walks. However, for those who’d like to go hiking without spending too long in the summer heat, here’s a short walk of almost 5 km to discover the Missiou Bridge, starting from the village of Koukouli. A very pretty route, mostly along stony paths.

A magnificent route with incredible views. On the way there, with our heads in the clouds on the Corfu Trail, we didn’t see much, but on the way back via the Corfu Path, we avoided retracing our steps. On the way back, we passed through olive groves with a breathtaking view of Corfu Bay.

For a jog or a walk along a coastal path, away from the tourist hotspots.

Taking the floating footbridge and walking around the island of Agios Achilleos is well worth the detour. You’ll have the chance to spot many different species of birds, including pelicans and egrets, cormorants, moorhens and swans… The contrast between the island’s greenery and the much drier mountains is striking. We recommend using the binoculars set up on the hill next to the car park: from there, you can see large wetlands. There are also binoculars set up on the island, 100 metres from the church, on the island’s first hilltop.

If you’re passing through Florina, make the most of it and go for a lovely hike in the surrounding mountains! You’ll mainly be following small paths through the forest. You’ll cross meadows with lovely scenery and, towards the end, some rather surprising sandy terrain. Remember to charge your mobile phone: GPS is very useful, as there aren’t many signposts.

An exceptional coastal walk. The path is well-marked and clearly signposted. There are a few inclines, but nothing too steep, with one slightly dizzying and unsecured section (just take care). You’ll arrive in Loutro, a peaceful, traditional seaside village that’s simply magnificent.

A very beautiful route along the coast, offering breathtaking views along the way. Opportunities for swimming along the route. There are no particular difficulties; the path is signposted. Take care in summer, however, as there is no shade. This is a round-trip walk.

A circular walk starting from Sougia to the ancient port of Lissos. This walk is well signposted (the E4 trail in yellow and black, and with red markings on the ground). It is not very difficult, but there are a few sections where you need to take care, particularly the descent towards Lissos.

A hike in the Cretan mountains. No major difficulties apart from the fact that the trail markings can be difficult to follow in places. You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled. There’s a bit of an elevation gain, but it’s manageable; the path is sometimes very stony and difficult to walk on. You’ll need sturdy footwear. You’ll cross a large meadow with numerous goats roaming freely. A word of warning for the squeamish: you may come across dead goats along the way.

A hike that takes you to the Kallergi refuge, then down to Xylaskalo (the starting point for the Samaria Gorge) and back to Omalos. The route is fairly well signposted, but it’s quite easy to miss a marker and stray from the path. The first section up to the Kallergi refuge is quite difficult, with a very stony path, before joining a track; after Xylaskalo, the return journey is by road.

A lovely, fairly easy walk through a gorge. The views are superb and the path is well signposted. The elevation gain isn’t very significant, and the hardest part is walking through the gorge. The path is very stony (which is to be expected, as you’re in a gorge). Along the way, just like in France, you’ll come across gates that you’ll need to open and, of course, close again (to keep out the goats).

It is easy to reach Kato Lako beach by parking just above it; however, for this route, I start from Kira Panagia. This makes for a much longer hike with ups and downs, but it allows you to see the inland area as well before finally enjoying the stunning Kato Lako beach.

A lovely circular walk on the island of Kythira, in Greece, starting from Plateia Ammos in the north of the island. It takes you to Cape Spathi Agios and Nikolaos Beach, with its charming chapel and breathtaking views.

A short walk on the island of Kythira, from Agia Pelagia in the north of the island to Kakia Langada Lake. Tucked away at the foot of the imposing cliffs of the Paleochora Gorge, this hidden gem offers a breathtaking natural spectacle.

A circular walk on the island of Kythira, Greece, from Potamos to Paleochora. This is the former Byzantine capital of Kythira, also known as the Castle of Agios Dimitrios, built between two gorges.

A picturesque circular route on the island of Kythera, Greece, starting from the village of Mylopotamos in the Valley of the Watermills. The route winds through a wooded valley with a refreshing atmosphere

A short circular walk on the island of Kythira starting from the village of Kapsali, taking you to the Agia Sophia cave with its chapel adorned with icons. This walk offers superb panoramic views.

A circular walk on the island of Kythira, starting from Chora and ending in Kapsali. This circular walk takes you to the secluded church of Agios Dimitrios and the peaceful cove of Feloti with its chapel in the cave of Agia Pelagia.

A short circular walk on the island of Kythira, 3.6 km long with a 184 m elevation gain, starting from Kapsali in the south of the island. An easy little walk allowing you to explore the old town of Chora and its Kastro. A beautiful view of the island of Hytra.

A circular walk on the island of Kythira in Greece. It starts from the village of Avlemonas in the south-east of the island. It is a beautiful but challenging circular route. `Do not underestimate the distance and the elevation gain.

During this walk, you will head up to and visit the Cave of Zeus (Idaean Cave). This relatively short walk starts from the information point (closed), where there is a large car park, and follows the path to the Cave of Zeus. It also offers a beautiful view of the Nida plateau, at the foot of Mount Ida.

Hike through the Richtis Gorges near Sitia. It’s a lovely route along the gorges, featuring a waterfall where you can have a swim. Reasonable numbers of visitors given the time of year (late August). Suitable for children over 8 who are used to walking. There are small log bridges to help you get along the path.

This 15 km circular route follows trails 5, 5A and 6. It is very well signposted. Park at the start, just in front of Milia Stadium. The first part of the route follows the coastline. The Aghii Anargyri monastery, 20 minutes from the beach, offers a magnificent view. Agalou Lakka is the last spot for a swim. The path then becomes very steep for 45 minutes. After the summit, be careful: there are no red markers, so do not take the first path signposted ‘Megali Amos’, but the second one, which branches off a little further on to the right. There is also a sign pointing to Megali Amos. After about 15–20 minutes, there is a fork in the path. Turn left to follow path 6, not 6A, which branches off to the right. You will then reach the summit.

From Patitiri, where there is ample parking, you reach the old town, Chora, via the old path. All the paths are signposted. From Chora, we head up to Mount Kalovoulos, where there is a magnificent view of Skopelos. We head back down and then make our way to Mikros Mourias to enjoy a swim in crystal-clear water. We return to Chora and then head back down to Megalos Mourias via Path 4. Then we return to Patitiri.

Iraklia is a small island in the Cyclades, south of Naxos; although not very busy, it nevertheless offers pleasant facilities (restaurants and accommodation, most of which remain traditional). The circular route described here allows you to explore the centre of the island, starting from the harbour (the island’s only one), so no special transport is needed to reach the starting point. You’ll also see the island’s other village (Panaghia), situated in the centre of the island. The first part follows dirt tracks and the rest follows the island’s only road (which is very quiet), passing by the magnificent Livadi beach

The walk starts at the car park by the stone bridge in Konitsa. The route follows the old road on the way up and the footpath on the way back (you can, of course, do it the other way round). Signposts indicate that it takes 1h30 to walk up to the monastery via the road. The monastery is open until 2 pm and closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. It’s best to do this walk in the morning if you want to visit the monastery.

A pleasant walk in the shoulder season.Beautiful views of the island of Zakynthos and Corfu in good weather.You pass two churches facing each other. An easy route, mostly along paths through olive groves. A few road crossings (including the descent on the way back).

Kythira (in Greek Kythira) is an island situated fifteen kilometres south of the Peloponnese. It offers a number of archaeological sites and pleasant sandy beaches in summer. This is a coastal walk between Agia Pelagia (Sainte-Pélagie) and Diakofti. There are magnificent views and an abandoned shepherds’ village.

An easy hike leading to several idyllic beaches starting from the port of Agios Stefano. This route, which can be adapted to suit your preferences, allows you to combine walking with swimming. Suitable footwear (trainers, walking shoes, etc.) is, however, required.

The route starts and ends in the square of Lampia, moves next to the Divriot River, looking for the imprints of the timeless influence of water on the history of Lampia, tracing fragments of the village's past, discovering local sights and landmarks of the area and coming into contact with the cultural heritage of the place. The recording and description of the route was done by the students of class A Lyceum of the Gymnasium of Lampia.

The hike is difficult and arduous over scree, with route markings that are very difficult to read: the cairns are too low, and the yellow markings (e4) are insufficient in some areas. You need to follow a map continuously.Very beautiful, contrasting landscape, sea visible in the distance after 1½ hours, superb long-haired goats.We did not climb the final section to Mount Spathi due to lack of time as it was getting dark at the end of October.Round trip hike.

Starting from sea level, the passage through the Gorges des Morts is absolutely magnificent: high ochre cliffs, in total silence. The markings are perfect, with extremely regular yellow, white and blue dots. There are traces of climbing equipment, and after an hour you arrive at a magnificent rocky cirque.At the intersection to the second gorge (exit), on the right, the markings change to red dots that are much rarer and even difficult to read. There is a small passage with metal pedals and a chain, which is not difficult.After following the dry riverbed, you climb up onto the plateau, which is ultimately of little interest, as you cannot really see the gorge, which is some distance to your right. It is probably more pleasant to turn back and return via the bottom of the gorge rather than making a circular route.

As 2 walkers in our late 60s and 70s, we look for circular routes. This is a very easy one. It starts at the top of the valley, goes down gently in the strange landscape around Volax and then up into the village. We then took the not very busy road, which is fairly flat, back to the car. The large, probably volcanic lumps of stone/granite are very special and worth seeing.