ON FOOT · MOUNTAIN AND SUMMIT HIKES IN GREECE
The good mountain and summit hikes in Greece cap their group sizes and fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 5 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Travel from Chania to Xyloskalo, then walk the 18-kilometre Samaria Gorge at your own pace with an English-speaking guide such as Pari or Dafne nearby for help. Expect a long downhill hike, spring water, wild scenery, and a swim at Agia Roumeli before the ferry and bus ride home.
“It was fun, but it’s a very long day. You definitly need sturdy shoes for the walk.”
Join Trekking Hellas guides such as Nick, David, Anastasia, or Nectarios for a four-hour Mount Zas hike. You will follow an ancient rocky trail to the Cyclades’ highest summit, hear stories of Zeus and Naxos, use hiking poles if needed, and finish with a traditional Greek picnic.
“An amazing experience with amazing, patient, and encouraging guides. I brought my young son with me, and he is so proud that he made it all the way to the top!”
Climb Mount Zas, the Cyclades’ highest peak, on a 6-kilometer guided hike from Danakos. Your English-speaking guide points out ancient inscriptions, wild herbs, island views, and local myths, then serves a traditional Naxian picnic. Allow 4.5 to 6 hours, bring 1.5 liters of water, and expect rocky ground, wind, and a moderate climb.
“I Highly recommend this activity. Our guide was phenomenal! He had such great knowledge that he shared with us and he made us an incredible lunch! Once you reach the top of Mt Zas, you have the most spectacular view of all of Naxos. This was probably my favorite excursions in Greece!”
Walk through the high country of Karpathos on a 4.5-hour guided hike from the Archangelou Mychael monastery area. Guides such as Renate, Thom, or Jax lead you through pine woods, rocky paths, old shepherd shelters, and broad views toward Kyra Panagia and Mertonas. Expect a strenuous route, quiet scenery, coffee or tea, and walking sticks on request.
Spend about five hours hiking 10 km up Mount Akramitis, with 500 meters of altitude gain. Your English-speaking guide leads you through pine and cypress woods to Limeri Cave, a wartime partisan base, then to St. John Church and the summit. Pickup is offered, and groups are limited to eight people.
“A truly wonderful way to spend a day. This was my second hike with Hiking Rhode. I highly recommend this walk if you like hiking, it is a fantastic way to see the island in a different way. The hike was thoroughly enjoyable taking in different terrains and points of interest including Limeri Cave and St John Church. You are rewarded with the most stunningly beautiful panoramic views from the top. Manuela was the perfect guide, professional, friendly and full of knowledge about the area, history, plants and nature.”
Other ways to spend the day on foot
Rock, ice, forest or crater rim.
