Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Greek Islands
Most people go to the Greek islands for the beaches, but how about trekking there instead? Head to the beautiful interior landscapes, with Crete’s Samaria Gorge, Naxos’ mountain villages, Andros’ trails, and Santorini’s caldera rim. Seven to ten days hiking focus throughout. The vies constantly change, but they’re always beautiful, and, of course, you can head to the beach to relax after a long day of trekking!
10 best hiking & trekking Greek Islands tours
Compiled by
MelissaGreek Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Secret Cyclades: Hiking Holidays on Kythnos island
- Walking the Mountains & Villages of Evia
- Hiking in Greece: Self-Guided Trip in the Cyclades
- Cyclades Islands Multi-Activity Adventure
- Walking on the Greek Islands
- Andros & Tinos Walking Holidays, Cyclades,Greece
- Walk in the Footsteps of Zeus on Mount Psiloritis, Crete!
- Hiking Crete: Gorges & Coastal Walks
- Andros Cyclades Walking Holidays
- Corfu Trail Walking - North and South
Secret Cyclades: Hiking Holidays on Kythnos island
“The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. The breakfast was incredible with local cheeses, fruit, eggs, and Greek yoghurt and honey.”
Louise, traveled in October
Ancient trails link Vryokastro ruins and Castle of Oria, with daily hikes ranging 6-13km. Paths lead to Kolona beach's unique sandbar and through pine forests to Kanala monastery. Four nights in traditional guesthouses, averaging 4-5 hours hiking daily.
Duration 5 days Destinations Athens, Kythnos Age Range Ages 8+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 110 mi Operator Trails Beyond From
- US$751
Walking the Mountains & Villages of Evia
“The walks were at times challenging up and down and along goat tracks and a walking pole was a great help!”
Judith, traveled in June
Ancient stone paths link mountain villages, following routes like the Demosaris Gorge descent and Mount Ohi climb. Stunning sites include Castello Rosso fortress and Roman marble quarries. Moderate 5-6 hour daily walks with swimming breaks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Athens, Rafina, Karystos, Styra, Marmari Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 115 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,210
20% off- US$1,768
The white canyon of Sarakiniko in Milos leads to ancient paths reaching Sifnos's Chryssopigi monastery. Perseus's hill rises to Serifos's Chora village (+250m elevation), with stunning monopati between Kastro and Faros. Routes range from 5-14km daily, with moderate +300m ascents through Mediterranean vegetation.
Duration 10 days Destinations Athens, Piraeus, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, French Physical Rating Easy Distance 221 mi Operator Grand Angle From
20% off- US$1,631
Cyclades Islands Multi-Activity Adventure
“Absolutely perfect is the best way to describe our vacation with Trails Beyond. The service was impeccable.”
EricStathes, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Athens, Naxos, Filoti, Apiranthos, Thera, Oia, Perissa, Akrotiri, Nea Kameni Island, Palea Kameni Island Age Range Ages 8+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 327 mi Operator Trails Beyond From $1,895
5% off- US$1,800
Walking on the Greek Islands
“The stunning walk from Fira to Oia on Santorini, dazzling ever changing views of the caldera.”
Nigel, traveled in April
The spectacular 6-mile Cliff Trail in Santorini rises 1,310ft above the volcanic caldera. Naxos's lush Tragea Valley unfolds through ancient olive groves and citrus orchards. A 1,000-year-old Byzantine path from Lefkes village in Paros passes through medieval settlements and Cycladic villages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Athens, Rafina, Santorini, Oia, Naxos, Paros Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 355 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,905
20% off- US$2,324
Andros & Tinos Walking Holidays, Cyclades,Greece
“The ferry tickets - where and how to get them - would be helpful.”
Kirsi, traveled in May
Greek Island paths stretch from Pythara waterfalls to Volax plateau. Daily 10-12km hikes reveal Dipotamata gorge's watermills and dovecote trails. Expert guides lead walks through medieval settlements and coastal landscapes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Andros, Ormos Korthiou, Tinos, Vólax, Panormos, Rafina Age Range Ages 25+ Operated in English, Italian, French Physical Rating Moderate Distance 130 mi Operator One Foot Forward From
20% off- US$1,682
Duration 11 days Destinations Heraklion, Knossos, Anogia, Axós, Margarítai, Eleutherna, Zaros, Gérgeri, Rouvas Gorge, Agía Iríni Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 194 mi Operator Worldee From
20% off- US$834+$1,151 upfront costs
Hiking Crete: Gorges & Coastal Walks
“Everything about it from the people to the hikes to the food to the scenery was amazing and I have such good memories.”
Clare, traveled in November
The narrow Agia Irini Gorge winds through ancient trees and mountain flora. The 16km Samaria Gorge trail, Europe's longest, leads to coastal paths from Agia Roumeli to Loutro village, with stops at secluded Mediterranean beaches.
Duration 7 days Destinations Chania, Agía Iríni, Omalós, Samariá, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Loutró, Hora Sfakion Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 667 mi Operator G Adventures From
20% off- US$1,449
Ancient paths connect Andros' mountain villages to protected beaches. Daily 12km routes climb to Vourkoti at 620m and follow coastal walks to Achla Bay's unique ecosystem. Expert guides ensure safe navigation through challenging terrain while exploring hidden coves and Byzantine monuments.
Duration 9 days Destinations Rafina, Andros, Mpatsi, Ormos Korthiou, Gavrio Age Range Ages 17+ Operated in English, Italian, French Physical Rating Moderate Distance 126 mi Operator One Foot Forward From
20% off- US$1,850
This 200km route across Corfu reaches Mount Pantokrator (917m) and follows ancient paths like the Donkey Trail to Agios Georgios. Paths wind through olive groves from Kavos to Agios Spyridon, staying at historic coastal properties like the White House in Kalami.
Duration 15 days Destinations Corfu, Kavos, Lefkimmi, Paramonas, Kato Pavliana, Vouniatades, Komianáta, Benitses, Agii Deka, SinaradesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 1106 mi Operator Explore! From
20% off- US$2,860
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greek Islands
We’re a family of three travelling from New Zealand. Our daughter is 10. We were enchanted by Kythnos, it’s mix of history, walks and hikes, beaches, lovely weather, food and hospitality. But the best thing we’re our hosts. George was fun, friendly and knowledgeable and proud of the history of Kythnos and bought it to life for us. We have been travelling for 5 months through the EU and USA but Kythnos and George has topped it all.
Secret Cyclades: Hiking Holidays on Kythnos island
- Cyclades Islands Multi-Activity Adventure
I very much enjoyed this tour and our Guide, Robert, was excellent. Even though I could not do some of the hikes, due to injury (not sustained during the tour), I was well looked after and accommodated and thoroughly enjoyed all the other aspects of the tour.
- Walking on the Greek Islands
We were thrilled with the overall walking experience…it was beyond our expectations
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Greek Islands
What is the best time of year for hiking in the Greek Islands?
The Greek Islands welcome hikers from April through October with spring and fall proving most comfortable for outdoor activities. During April and May Crete's temperatures hover around 20-25°C making it perfect for exploring the White Mountains and Samaria Gorge. The Cycladic islands of Andros and Tinos show off carpets of wildflowers in spring while autumn brings reliably clear weather. A TourRadar traveler noted "We really lucked out going in May because the whole island was covered in a sea of wild flowers. The temperature was good a little windy but comfortable."
Where do I sleep on multi-day hikes in the Greek Islands?
Greek Island hiking tours offer a mix of lodging options from modern hotels to family-run guesthouses. Crete features properties like the Orpheas Resort in Georgioupolis and traditional accommodations in Loutro village. Travelers on Andros can stay at the sea-view Vassiliki Studios while Tinos offers spots like the Aeolos Bay Hotel near Agios Fokas Beach. According to one TourRadar traveler "Our room was lovely and overlooked the harbour. Every morning we enjoyed breakfast on the terrace so relaxing!"
What are the best hiking trails in the Greek Islands for various skill levels?
From coastal walks to mountain paths the Greek Islands serve up trails for every ability. Crete's Samaria Gorge stretches 16km through Europe's longest gorge while Kythnos offers easier routes like the seaside path connecting Loutra to Chora. Andros boasts European Hiking Trail certification with paths ranging from the beginner-friendly 12km Hora to Gialia Beach route to advanced tracks in Tinos' rocky terrain. One TourRadar traveler shared "The hiking is just fantastic! The views were breathtaking and many are not in easy to find places. The walking itself was pretty easy as long as you're used to hills and uneven terrain."
How physically demanding are hiking tours in the Greek Islands?
The physical challenge depends on your chosen island and route. Crete's Farangi Imbros Gorge takes about 3 hours with 625m elevation gain while Corfu offers gentler coastal walks of 8-10km per day. Andros presents more challenging options with some paths extending 12km over 4-4.5 hours. A TourRadar traveler commented "George was considerate thoughtful and patient. The hikes were a great mix of history culture and wildlife."
What kind of weather conditions should I expect while hiking?
Weather patterns shift across seasons and locations. Spring hikers find temperatures between 18-25°C with some rain especially suitable for Crete's gorges. Summer brings heat to Crete and Corfu with temperatures up to 35°C. The Cyclades experience regular winds that can help cool hikers on Andros and Tinos. One TourRadar traveler reported "Our weather for early spring was a little chilly but with clear skies so although we wore all of our clothes we were happy."
What safety measures are in place during guided hikes?
Greek Island hiking tours maintain strict safety protocols. Guides hold certifications in first aid and CPR. On demanding trails like Crete's Samaria Gorge guides carry emergency gear and stay connected with local emergency services. Cyclades tours provide backup vehicles and daily transfer support. A TourRadar traveler confirmed "George was an expert guide who knew every person on the island making us feel completely safe and supported throughout the journey."