Hiking in Europe - Greece

Looking to add some interesting or challenging adventures to an otherwise relaxing holiday in Greece? 

Source: Feri & Tasos

We all love a holiday; travelling somewhere new, taking in the sights, walking through bustling cities, and coming across a piece of history on every corner. Sometimes though, this can get exhausting; standing in line, competing with strangers for a few mere seconds of looking at a priceless artwork and being constantly jostled about in crowds. Our suggestion? Step off the worn cobblestones and into a hiking or running adventure along ancient trails, participate in local events, and experience a different side of a country that most tourists never see.

Country: Greece
Perfect for: Those who want a day hike between other holiday events, mountain goats, trekkers
Difficulty: Low to moderate
Events: TeRA running weekend

The Zagori region in north-western Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with various hiking trails ranging from short, moderate walks through some of the 46 traditional villages collectively known as Zagorochoria; to more challenging treks through the Pindus Mountain range. ‘Zagori’ comes from Slavic and means ‘the place behind the mountains’, setting the stage for secret, epic views. If you’re looking for a location that’s away from the crowds with the possibility of shorter hikes, has plenty of history and good views, then the Zagori region is a great option. The ancient paths combined with modern trails are an echo of the tradition of human movement through the landscape which is known for its independence and resistance.

Quick fact:  When the Ottoman empire occupied Greece, the Zagori region maintained a level of autonomy and this history of resilience and freedom continues to offer a place of solitude for travellers today. A typical image of Greece might be white buildings, dramatic cliffs and rich blue oceans, but the Vikos Gorge in the Pindus mountain range has dense scrub, rushing rivers, emerald lakes and is the world’s deepest canyon in proportion to its width. 

Hike Vikos Gorge:
Walk the one-way 13km trail from Monodendri to Vikos village to see the stone homes and bridges, the most famous being the Kokkori bridge, built in 1750. The trail is relatively short, but if you don’t want to pay for a taxi back, you can extend your adventure and walk back to the start enjoying the meadows of wildflowers and the Voidomatis springs. In addition to the springs, many of the villages have public fountains, so it’s easy to maintain a constant supply of water.

Source: M & J Rousell
 

Journey to the Dragon Lake:
For some mountain hiking, enjoy the 1,417m elevation over 17.5km to reach the summit of Mt Tymfi, the sixth highest mountain in Greece and home to the Dragon Lake (Drakolimni). Tradition says that this lake is a dwelling for dragons, and indeed does provide a home for the Alpine newt (adults are a fearsome 12cm long).

The hike begins in Mikro Papigo in the forest and becomes more open and rocky as you gain altitude. While the first part of the trail is well protected, from the 3rd or 4th kilometre, there is little to no sun protection which, combined with the final ascent, can be very challenging - especially in the sun. Thankfully, there are locations along the way for refilling water and taking a break or two. 

Along with peace and quiet in the middle of the national parks, you might also see (hopefully from a distance) some of the wildlife including brown bears, wolves and rare birds. Zagori is open year round, but spring, summer and autumn are considered the best times for hiking in the region, especially as the leaves change and spot the rocky landscape with bright reds and yellows. Winter can bring snow and ice thanks to the mountains, so always make sure you’re prepared to enjoy the landscape.

As none of the hikes in Zagori are particularly long, there is no need for huts along the trails, instead live up the luxury of small hotels, family-run establishments and mountain resorts. Wild camping in Greece is prohibited and is often heavily fined, especially in tourist areas, however there are official campgrounds available in most regions. 

Events:
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, then Zagori Mountain Running offers a weekend of running every July including a 60km race called the TeRA with an elevation gain of 4,000m; the Zagori Classic of 33km and a half marathon as well as a 5km, 10km and a kids race. They also have a 93km Challenge race split over two days, however they do have a list of race criteria that all participants must adhere to, to ensure the safety of all participants. 

Longer hike:
For those of you who are hoping for a longer hike, there is also the Long Pelion Trail which is 168km long and passes through mountain villages. Depending on your physical fitness and goals, you can complete the 11 sections in 11 days, take a rest day and make it 12, or really maximise the challenge and aim for a fast trek pace, mountain run or 3, 24hr sections. 

Along the way, you can take breaks at old chapels and streams along the trail and stay in traditional cosy guesthouses.

Section 1:  16.5km, 730m elevation gain (EG), Kamari to Veneto (moderate difficulty): passes through the traditional village of Keramidi. 

Section 2:  14.4km, 932m EG, Veneto to Sourvia Monastery (moderate difficulty): note, the Flamouriou and Sourvia monasteries along this section both follow the Monastery of Mount Athos which does not allow female visitors. 

Section 3:  15km, 692m EG, Sourvia Monastery to Makrinitsa (easy difficulty): when you get to Makrinsta, take in the sights of the old village hidden amongst vegetation and enjoy the traditional coffee house ‘Theofilos’.

Section 4:  16.3km, 1,085m EG, Makrinitsa to Chania (easy difficulty): stop by the charming villages of Agios Onoufrios, Stagiates and Portaria before arriving at Chania surrounded by forests.

Section 5:  24km, 1,103m, Chania to Tsagkarada (moderate difficulty): the most demanding section but with a great reward of traditional villages such as Mouresi, which houses a cave with stalactites and stalagmites (Quick fact: it is believed the centaurs resided here in the Cave of Chiron).

Section 6:  10.7km, 364m EG, Tsagarada to Milies (moderate difficulty): a more relaxing section to follow the previous day, featuring gentle slopes and small settlements.

Section 7:  14.4km, 364m EG, Milies to Afissos (easy difficulty): stop by Afetes to cheek out the old olive oil mill, multiple chapels and stone arches.

Section 8:  10.8km, 378m EG, Afissos to Argalasti (easy difficulty): be sure to take a break in the coastal villages of Lefokastro and Kalamos.

Section 9:  14.2km, 251m EG, Argalasti to Platanias (moderate difficulty): so begins the gradual descent to Lafkos which contains monumental fountains, traditional architecture and art museums.

Section 10:  11km, 223m EG, Platanias to Valtoudi  (easy difficulty): the villages here are very small, often with facilities only available during summer. Be sure to enjoy the last easy day and stock up on water as there are no refill stations in the final section. 

Section 11:  19.7km, 1,035m EG, Valtoudi to Agia Kyriaki (difficult difficulty): in saving the best for last, enjoy sea views and the picturesque village of Trikeri. There’s a whole lot of up and then a quick down in the first half of this section which features limestone boulders for scrambling and cliffs overlooking crystal blue water which Greek is famous for. 

Whether you decide to include a day hike, take on the 168km trek or take part in the local running festival, we hope you have a wonderful time exploring Greece!