The best hikes in Greece in 2026 are Mount Olympus, the Samaria Gorge and the Menalon Trail — a 2,918 m alpine summit, Europe's longest walkable gorge at roughly 16 km, and a 75 km waymarked village-to-village route through Arcadia. Between them they cover high mountains, a coastal gorge and gentle multi-day trekking, so most hikers can find a trip that matches their fitness and the season.
Greece is far better known for islands and ruins than for trails, which is exactly why its hiking is so uncrowded compared with the Alps. The country has more than 60 mountains over 2,000 m, a network of European long-distance paths (the E4 crosses the mainland and Crete), and a hiking season that stretches from April in the lowlands to October in the high peaks. This guide ranks the three routes worth building a 2026 trip around and explains who each one suits.
What are the three best hikes in Greece?
Each of the three flagship routes targets a different kind of hiker. Mount Olympus is for peak-baggers who want the highest summit in Greece. The Samaria Gorge is a one-day classic that almost anyone reasonably fit can complete. The Menalon Trail is a relaxed multi-day cultural walk through stone villages and a river gorge.
| Trail | Length | Days | Difficulty | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Olympus | ~18 km return | 2 | Hard (scramble) | Jun–Sep |
| Samaria Gorge | ~16 km | 1 | Moderate | May–Oct |
| Menalon Trail | 75 km | 4–6 | Moderate | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov |
Mount Olympus: the highest summit in Greece
At 2,918 m, the Mytikas summit of Mount Olympus is the mythological home of the Greek gods and the highest point in the country. The standard route climbs from the Prionia trailhead (1,100 m) to Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos, 2,100 m) on day one, then tackles the summit and descends on day two, with around 1,800 m of total ascent. The final 200 m to Mytikas is an exposed Class 3 scramble across the Kakoskala (Bad Steps), so many hikers settle for the gentler Skolio peak at 2,911 m instead.
Olympus is a serious mountain day, and a multi-day pack with good load transfer makes the climb to the refuge far more comfortable — a frameless ultralight bag punishes you on the long ascent. The Osprey Atmos AG 50 and the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 both carry a two-day refuge kit well. If you want our full breakdown of grades and exposure, read how difficult Mount Olympus really is.
Samaria Gorge: Europe's longest walkable gorge
The Samaria Gorge on Crete is a roughly 16 km, one-way, almost entirely downhill walk from the Xyloskalo trailhead on the Omalos plateau (1,250 m) to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. It runs through Samaria National Park, established in 1962, and squeezes through the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), where the walls rise over 300 m yet narrow to about 3–4 m. The 2026 entry fee is around €5, and the gorge is open from roughly 1 May to mid-October depending on water levels.
Because Samaria is a single descending day, a lightweight daypack is all you need. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 carries 2–3 litres of water and snacks without bouncing on the rocky path. The catch is logistics: there is no road out of Agia Roumeli, so you must take a ferry to Sougia or Chora Sfakion and a bus back. Our Samaria Gorge hiking guide covers tickets, ferries and timing.
Menalon Trail: village-to-village in Arcadia
The Menalon Trail is a 75 km waymarked route across eight sections in the Peloponnese, linking stone villages such as Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Elati and Vytina around Mount Mainalo. In 2015 it became the first Greek trail certified as a Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe by the European Ramblers Association. The standout section drops into the Lousios Gorge past clifftop monasteries, and most hikers split the route over 4–6 days, sleeping in guesthouses rather than tents.
This is the most accessible of the three for hikers who want scenery without exposure or extreme heat. A comfortable 45–55 litre pack such as the Gregory Baltoro 65 works if you carry camera gear and layers, while ultralight walkers staying in guesthouses can manage with the Zpacks Arc Blast 55L. See how hard the Menalon Trail is and what to pack before you book.
When should you hike in Greece?
Season depends entirely on altitude. The Samaria Gorge and the Menalon Trail are spring and autumn walks — April to June and September to November — when daytime temperatures sit around 18–25°C and the lowland heat is bearable. Mount Olympus is the opposite: its refuges open from mid-May to late October, and the safest summit window is June to September once the snow on the upper scree has cleared. July and August bring 35°C-plus heat to the gorges and the Peloponnese, so high routes make far more sense in midsummer. The Greek National Tourism Organisation publishes regional weather guidance, and trail standards across the country are audited by the European Ramblers Association.
How to plan a Greek hiking trip for 2026
Most international hikers fly into Athens or Thessaloniki. Olympus is a 1-hour drive south of Thessaloniki via Litochoro; the Menalon Trail is around 3 hours from Athens; and Samaria needs a flight or ferry to Chania in Crete plus an early KTEL bus to Omalos. A practical 2026 itinerary combines two regions — for example, the Menalon Trail followed by a few days on Crete for the gorge — using the cooler shoulder months at each end. Pack a proper sun layer and read our guide to UPF sun hoodies, because Greek trails offer very little shade.
How much does a Greek hiking trip cost in 2026?
Greece is one of the most affordable hiking destinations in Europe. A bunk with half-board at Mount Olympus Refuge A costs roughly €40–50 per night, Samaria Gorge entry is about €5 plus €25–40 for transport and the mandatory ferry, and Menalon Trail guesthouses run €40–70 per night with tavernas serving full meals for €12–18. Compared with hut-based Alpine routes, a week of hiking in Greece typically costs 30–40% less. Domestic transport is cheap too — the KTEL bus network reaches every trailhead, and an Athens-to-Chania flight for the Samaria Gorge is often under €60 return when booked early. Budget around €60–90 per day all-in for a self-guided trip in 2026, including accommodation, food and local transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiking in Greece safe?
Yes, Greece is a safe hiking destination with low crime and well-marked flagship trails. The main hazards are heat and dehydration in summer and exposed scrambling on Mount Olympus. Carry at least 2 litres of water, start early to avoid midday heat above 30°C, and check refuge and gorge opening dates before you travel.
Do you need a guide to hike in Greece?
No, the Samaria Gorge and the Menalon Trail are well signposted and easy to follow without a guide. Mount Olympus is also doable solo for fit hikers, but the final scramble to Mytikas is exposed Class 3 terrain, so beginners often hire a local guide for the summit push only, which costs roughly €100–150.
What is the longest hiking trail in Greece?
The Greek section of the E4 European long-distance path is the longest, crossing the mainland and continuing across Crete for well over 1,000 km. Among signposted regional routes, the 75 km Menalon Trail in the Peloponnese is the best-developed multi-day trail, with full waymarking and village accommodation along all eight sections.
When is the best month to hike in Greece?
May and September are the best all-round months. Lowland gorges and village trails are comfortable at 18–25°C, while Mount Olympus is snow-free and its refuges are open. July and August are best reserved for high-altitude routes, as gorge and Peloponnese temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.