While Greece is known for its beaches, the European country happens to be a great place for hiking. There are tons of different hiking routes to choose between that all have their own unique landscapes. The mainland has routes that go through olive groves and gorges and the country’s islands have kalderimia (cobbled or flagstone paths that date back to Byzantine times). When it comes to Greece’s best hikes, these three are the top of the top.
Samaria Gorge, Crete
One of Europe’s most popular flights, the 10-mile-long Samaria Gorge in Crete takes about four hours and you’ll be captivated by the beauty of Samaria. There are walls that go up to 500 meters and are only 3.5 meters apart at the narrowest point. The hike, which starts at Xyloskalo just south of Omalos and finishes in Agia Roumeli, is most gorgeous in April or May when the trail is full of wildflowers.
Hike to the Tomb of Kleoboulos, Rhodes
This easy three-mile hike takes about two hours and it goes from Lindos to the Tomb of Kleoboulos. The circular tomb was built during the 2nd century BC, which way before Rhodes was ruled by Kleobolus.
Melinda–Paleohori Trail, Ithaki
Enjoy southern Lesvos’ olive trails that dot the paths and old local roads across the island while hiking in Ithaki. One stretch of it is the Melinda–Paleohori trail, a .7-miles hike, which takes 30 minutes and follows the Selandas River to Paleohori and passes a spring. The trail finishes at a village’s olive press.
