Best Greek Islands For Hiking

This island will make you think that you're not in the Cyclades. Its deep blue water will make you love the Aegean Sea even more. Andros has some bare slopes with the characteristic ruggedness of the Cycladic landscape, but at the same time, it has many springs and a really rich vegetation. Its self-sufficiency in agro-livestock products and the occupation of the inhabitants with shipping kept it for years away from tourism. Andros has gone mildly into tourism in the last few years, the visitors keep growing slowly and steadily. The landscape in Andros island is rich in variations. There are four main mountain ranges: Rachi, Gerakion, Kouvaras and Skoudi. You can find oaks and maples, plane trees, chestnuts, alder, walnuts, tall cypress trees, olives and fruit trees. It also has streams, waterfalls, springs and fountains, and this is the reason that the island was called Hydrosa in antiquity. Andros was the name of its first resident, according to mythology. Arched bridges, watermills and country chapels make the walks even more beautiful. The paths in Andros are estimated to exceed 300 km in length. A continuous 100 km route of the Andros Routes network has been awarded the European Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe certification.

Sifnos has a very rich environment for its size. It is divided into three areas based on their characteristics. Firstly, there is the area with the whitewashed settlements, crops and countless terraces; Secondly, the Natura 2000 area, which is absolutely wild and unexplored, without the possibility of approaching it with a motorized vehicle. Finally, there is the northern part of the island, which is typically dry, with low vegetation and particularly stony terrain. The Sifnos trail network is named "Sifnos Trails". The total length of the trails exceeds 100 km and is divided into 19 wonderful trails. Sifnos is an all year round destinations for those who want to explore its hiking routes. Spring and autumn are considered to be the best times thanks to its mild temperatures and its colourful nature. Hiking is also possible during the winter, but the chance of rain is greater. If you look at a Greek map you will see that Sifnos is located between Serifos, Kimolos and Paros. This may not be among the most famous island of the Aegean, but it will surely win your heart, as it manages to combine mountain trails and magical sunsets on unspoiled beaches. From Sifnos, you could start your island hopping in the Cyclades. Your Greek island hopping choices are endless since Sifnos is connected to islands like Kythnos, Serifos, Kimolos, Milos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini, Paros and Syros. 

The ideal way to explore the heart of Crete is by hiking on its highest peaks, coastal paths, and crossing its spectacular canyons. Such an activity in Crete will lead you to amazing places. Find your way through magnificent paths that are rich in flora and fauna, pass by the mountain villages and get to know the "authentic" Cretans and their traditions. The Samaria Gorge in Crete belongs to the most popular climbing sites in Europe, combining the wild natural beauty of plants and animals. Zakros and Kato Zakros will drive you through the path that takes you to the Valley of the Dead - one can understand the mystery surrounding it only by reading its name - and then you can reach the place where King Minos Palace was located.

The Greeks call "Small Cyclades" the island complex that surrounds Naxos from the south and east and consists of the islands of Iraklia, Schoinousa, Kato and Pano Koufonisi, the uninhabited Keros and Donousa. The inhabited islands are a favourite summer destination as they offer a quieter and more friendly tourist environment than the other major Cycladic islands. In the Small Cyclades, the visitor will spontaneously search for the paths that will take him to the remote cape and the deserted churches, which are central elements of the lush landscape. There are a series of easy and enjoyable hiking trails in Iraklia and Donousa, while the other three islands offer a lot of exploration.

Hydra is a beautiful island of the Saronic Gulf, where the vehicles are non-existent, with well-maintained paths leading to beaches and monasteries. Τhose who love hiking will have the opportunity to choose between many routes in Hydra, where one path is better than the other. The most famous route is the one that starts from the harbour and reaches Kamini, Vlychos and Palamidas. From there one can continue inside the island in Episkopi and the beach of Nisiza. The combination of the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the rich tradition and the diverse natural environment of Hydra is a true paradise for hikers and naturalists, as the island's mild climate favours hiking all year round.

The national park of Ainos is located in Kefalonia, stretching over an area of almost 30,000 acres with its highest peak, Mega Soros, reaching 1,628 meters. Few clothes in your backpack, a pair of athletic shoes and a water-repellent are all you need when you head out to discover the unknown side of Kefalonia by walking. When you go hiking in Kefalonia you will surely discover secrets that are hidden from many of the locals as well. Paths passing through picturesque villages and magnificent coves, paths with magnificent views, dense gorges and unique geological phenomena, beyond the world-famous Myrtos, the unique Fiskardo and the lush Assos. One of the most interesting hiking trails starts from the village of Pyrgi and ends at Megalos Soros, the peak of Ainos. If you want to walk by the sea, choose the path that starts from the beautiful beach of Antisamos and goes to the second largest port of the island, Poros. In the southern part of the island, where Poros belongs, you will find the Gorge of Gradous. If you love the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is your best choice. You could also get to other islands like Lefkada and Paxoi from there.

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