Top Reasons Greece Is A Hiking Paradise

Reasons to start hiking. Hiking has many benefits for our health as it maintains our physical condition, gives us physical activity and contributes to the smooth functioning of our body. But beyond the health benefits, if you decide to start walking in nature, you will have much more to offer you in different areas of your life. If you've been thinking about walking a couple of times and have not yet decided to start, maybe it's time to make this idea a reality and be sure to change your everyday life. To start hiking while you are on vacation is a great idea to keep the spirits high. Below, you can find plenty of reasons why we recommend that you start hiking and be sure that if you include this activity in your life you will not regret it. 

The last few years more Greeks discover hiking. They explore Greece's hiking paths, follow the special markings and seek new paths in nature on organized hiking excursions but also try amateur routes as well. The Greek nature offers magical routes, ideal for all ages and any level of endurance. Hiking around those amazing Greek landscapes will show you the beauty and secrets of the land, secrets that are not "open" to everyone. Whichever place you might choose in Greece you do not have to worry about your accommodation since you can find plenty of Greek hotels and hostels even if you are backpacking.

Greek nature, endowed with an impressive scenery that creates unique scenery for hiking and wandering, still has a great advantage over time. The "six months of summer" favour hikes in nature, making it ideal for a refreshing entertainment and a revitalising outdoor experience. In the following lines, you will read about plenty of magical walks that one can take in the Greek nature. 

Chania: Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is the largest in Greece and its crossing is the main purpose of the tour of many tourists arriving in Chania. Its approach starts from the Omalos Plateau in the White Mountains, it is 18 km long and lasts from 4 to 7 hours depending on the experience and stamina of the hikers. It ends at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli in the south of the prefecture of Chania. 

Samaria Gorge is home to the wildlife of Crete, the Kri-Kri goat, but also to many other species that are not found anywhere else, as well as more than 450 species of flora, many of which are also unique in the world. The largest width of the Samaria gorge reaches 150 meters, while its narrowest point is the "Portes" (Doors) - just before the exit - with a width of 3 meters. The rocks there reach a height of 600 meters making the landscape simply breathtaking!

Messinia: Biliovo

Biliovo is a three-kilometer stone cave in Taygetos, Messinia, built in 1904 by local residents for the communication of the mountain villages. It has 83 turns (of which 78 is 180 degrees) to rise from the Sotirianica (altitude 300 meters) to Altomira (altitude 800 meters), two of the villages of West Mani. In some segments, it goes up on the rock and moves along its largest part in a high slope. The view of the Messinian Gulf is stunning without anything getting in your way. The perfect frame for your photographs! The hiking climb in Biliovo is one of the most popular routes in Messinia. It takes about two to two and a half hours, there is no particular difficulty apart from it being an uphill route.

Messinia: The Nature Trail

The Nature Trail was created around the Gialova lagoon, in Messinia by the Ornithological Society. It is a one-kilometre route and crosses the eight major ecosystems that are found in one of the most important wetlands in Greece. Its principle is in the old Pond Pumping Station, while for each ecosystem along the route there is a sign that fully informs the visitor. The total journey takes 45 minutes and is considered an easy, educational route for all ages.

Delphi - Korykyon Andro

The route Delphi - Korykyon Andro in Fokida is quite easy for everyone. It covers a distance of about 9 km and lasts about 3.5 hours. Along with its length the route steps on the ancient roads that were used to join the Oracle of Delphi with Korykyon Andro, a cave of great value in antiquity. The sign of the path is a red triangle. The route starts from the plane tree of Delphi where the small café is located and passes by the side of the archaeological site. After the ancient stadium, the ascent continues from "Skala", the ancient carved path. The view to the tops of Parnassus from the end of the route is astonishing.

Sifnos: Kastro - Apokofto

Kastro-Apokofto is one of the eight routes of natural and cultural interest in Sifnos. The picturesque path starts from the settlement of Kastro and specifically from the beach of the village, Seralia and it will take you about 2.5 hours to cross it. Walking among the magnificent nature of Sifnos, one can enjoy every moment, gazing at the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, passing through many dry stone walls and terraces. The route passes from Kalamaki and Agios Ioannis Siderou, while you will meet the beach of Faros, which is sure to entice you for a cool swim! The end of the route is at the beach of Apokofto, from where one can enjoy beyond diving, the excellent view of Panagia Chrysopigi. Sifnos is near some of the most beautiful and famous islands in the Cyclades. After your hiking adventure, you might like to try a Greek island hopping holiday and travel to other islands like Paros, Naxos, Koufonisia,  Santorini, Milos, Serifos and more.

Corfu: Hermit Trail

Following the coastline of an area entirely untouched by tourism, the Hermit Path in Corfu starts from Agios Stefanos Sinias and ends at Avlaki Beach, in the northeastern part of the island. On this route you will walk through dense vegetation, you will find some of the most isolated beaches of Corfu, as well as three lakes, important wetlands and rare bird sanctuaries. The total duration of the trail does not exceed one and a half hours.

Kefalonia: Waterfalls of Gradou

One of the well-hidden secrets of nature in Kefalonia is the Waterfalls of Gradou, in the southeastern part of the island. It is a beautiful natural landscape, where the torrents fall from a large height and form a small pond at their base. To get there, you have to start off the main road that connects Poros, the port on the southeastern side of the island, with Skala, one of the most touristic villages of Kefalonia. The distance is not great, while the sign with the inscription "To Biological Cleaning" (ask more info when you find yourself in Kefalonia, the sign might not be written in English) that you will meet on your way will assure you that you are following the right direction.

So, as you can see there are plenty of destinations to choose from when hiking in Greece is concerned. Looking for more reasons to go hiking in Greece? Keep some notes. Hiking gives spiritual clarity, it helps the heart function better, it is the best remedy against insomnia, it will help you burn calories, it helps you reduce your weight, obviously it is cheap compared to other activities, it contributes to longevity, you are able to see new places and meet new people. Also, you should not forget that hiking reduces stress and anxiety! It is a great and mainly easy activity for all ages but above all, it is amazing because it provides wellness and liveliness.

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