When traveling in Europe, one can hardly miss visiting the cradle of western civilisation. Greece is the birthplace of philosophy, the home of the heroes, and the centre of classical history. When visiting Greece, one could walk through the Parthenon of Athens, visit the ruins of the Oracle of Delphi, or wander the beaches of Marathon. The one thing that is not allowed when traveling in Greece is standing still. Greece is too beautiful to view from a lawn chair and with affordable multi-day, self-guided tours, why would anyone consider sitting down?
Where Should I Go?
When touring Greece, the multitude of areas to travel can be overwhelming. With such a storied countryside, where does one begin? The first thing to realise about Greece is that it is deceptively large. It may look small on a map but Greece’s rocky mountainscape produces a much larger land area then may seem possible to fit inside her coastlines. Add on to this the fact that any hike will meet travellers with repetitive succession and it is quickly understood that a hike in Greece is not for the inexperienced. That said, it is still a worthwhile experience for those who are able.
For those who are able, a number of locations are available. For instance, the Menalon trail on the Peloponnese, which is widely acclaimed as one of Europe’s best trails, offers a week-long trip across beautiful countryside. West Crete also presents a rewarding hike with beautiful coastlines and mountainous landscapes. One could also visit the Holy Mountain, Mount Athos, where around 20 beautiful Christian monasteries gift the mountain its nickname.
What Should I Bring?
When considering hiking anywhere, it is advised to have plenty of water; a bladder is the best option, though don’t discount the benefit of water bottles. A water filter is highly recommended for extended trips as it is almost guaranteed that water will run out on day one of the hikes. Light clothing is recommended for ease of movement as well as plenty of thermal clothing for the nights. Also, bring something to keep spare clothes dry in the event of rain or river crossings.
How Much Will it Cost?
Greece walking tours are well priced for their quality. Most good trails are open to booking as self-guided tours and can range from five hundred to one thousand pounds. This may seem a lot to pay for a hike; however, when taking into consideration the experience that one will have and the length of the trip, it is incredibly affordable in comparison to several other guided or self-guided tours of countrysides around the world.
When Should I Go?
Timing is important in Greece. Though most of the country is rather temperate given the Mediterranean climate, trails within the mountains are prone to heavy amounts of snow and the more extreme of them are not unfamiliar with avalanches. The best time to hike in Greece is thusly around summertime for the mountains, depending on the weather, or springtime for the lower-altitude treks. This does not bar anyone from going during the winter or the fall but more equipment and supplies are recommended for the trip.
