Best Greek Islands for Hiking: Trails, Views & Wild Landscapes
By Panos
When most people think of the Greek islands, they picture themselves horizontal on a sunbed with a freddo espresso in hand. And look, that's a perfectly valid way to spend a Greek holiday. But if you're anything like me—someone who gets restless after about two hours of doing nothing—you'll be thrilled to know that some of these islands have absolutely world-class hiking.
I'm not talking about a gentle stroll to a beach bar. I mean proper trails through gorges, along dramatic cliff edges, past Byzantine monasteries clinging to mountainsides, and through villages where the only other living things you'll encounter are goats and the occasional old man on a donkey.
The thing about hiking the Greek islands is that it's an entirely different way to experience the country. You see landscapes that 95% of tourists never reach. You stumble into villages that haven't changed in centuries. And the views—my god, the views. There's something about standing on a ridge in the Aegean with nothing between you and the horizon but blue that no beach lounger can compete with.
So here are the best Greek islands for hiking, ranked by someone who's worn through a fair few pairs of trail shoes finding them.
Which Greek Island for Hiking – A Quick Answer
If you want one answer and one answer only: Andros. It has the best-maintained trail network in all of Greece, incredible variety, and it's close enough to Athens for a long weekend. But honestly, each hiking island offers something completely different.
Want dramatic gorges? Go to Crete. Want ancient marble paths connecting hilltop villages? Tinos is your island. Want edge-of-the-world remoteness? Amorgos and Samothrace will deliver that in spades.
The best part? You can combine hiking islands with beach islands easily. Spend three days trekking through Andros, then hop a ferry to Mykonos or Paros for some well-earned lounging. That contrast is what makes a Greek trip truly special.
Not sure which islands suit your travel style? Take our quiz and get a personalized recommendation.
What is Hiking in Greece Actually Like?
Before I rank the islands, let me set some expectations—because hiking in Greece is its own animal.
The trails are old. Many Greek hiking paths aren't purpose-built recreation trails. They're ancient routes—donkey paths, trading routes, pilgrimage tracks—that connected villages for centuries before roads existed. Some are beautifully maintained and waymarked; others are overgrown and require a bit of route-finding. That's part of the charm, but it also means you should come prepared.
The heat is real. Between mid-June and mid-September, hiking in Greece can be genuinely dangerous in the middle of the day. Temperatures regularly hit 35°C+ with little shade on exposed ridge trails. The smart move is to hike early (start by 7am), take a long lunch break, and maybe do a short evening walk. Or better yet, visit in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) when conditions are perfect.
The reward-to-effort ratio is extraordinary. Almost every serious hike in Greece ends at either a hidden beach, a mountaintop monastery, a village taverna with cold beer, or a cliff edge with a view that makes you question why you ever hike anywhere else. The Greek landscape has a way of paying you back generously for every drop of sweat.
What to expect from island hiking in Greece:
- Spring wildflowers are spectacular. April and May transform the islands into carpets of poppies, orchids, and wild herbs. The scent of thyme and oregano on a warm trail is something you never forget
- Many trails end at beaches. Unlike mountain hiking elsewhere, Greek island hikes frequently reward you with a swim in a hidden cove. Pack your swimsuit—always
- Village tavernas are your trailhead cafés. Forget energy bars. In Greece, your post-hike meal is grilled lamb chops, a village salad, and a carafe of local wine for about €15
- Goat paths are real navigation aids. If the trail markings disappear (and they sometimes do), follow the goats. They know where they're going
- You don't need technical gear. Most Greek island hikes are non-technical. Good trail shoes, sun protection, plenty of water, and a decent offline map (I use Komoot or AllTrails) are all you need
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7 Best Greek Islands for Hiking
1. Andros
The undisputed hiking capital of Greece
Andros is the island that made me fall in love with Greek hiking. It has over 300km of waymarked trails—the most extensive and best-maintained network of any Greek island—and the landscape is completely unlike the arid, rocky Cyclades stereotype.
Andros is green. Genuinely, unexpectedly green. Stone walls line terraced hillsides, streams run through lush valleys (yes, streams—on a Cycladic island), and Venetian watchtowers dot the ridgelines. The trail network, maintained by the excellent Andros Routes organization, connects traditional villages through landscapes that feel more like rural Tuscany than the Aegean.
The standout hike is the Menites to Apoikia trail, which follows a river valley past waterfalls (actual waterfalls on a Greek island—I know), ancient springs, and Byzantine chapels. It's about 8km and takes 3–4 hours at a comfortable pace. Another favorite is the Andros to Korthi traverse, a full-day route across the island's spine with panoramic views in every direction.
Best for: Serious hikers, nature lovers, anyone wanting a Cycladic island without the crowds
The catch: Andros doesn't have the classic "Cycladic postcard" look. If you want whitewashed villages and blue domes alongside your hiking, Tinos or Folegandros might be better picks. And nightlife is essentially nonexistent.
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate — well-marked, varied terrain
Getting there: Ferry from Rafina port (Athens) in about 2 hours—it's the closest Cycladic island to the mainland
2. Crete
Epic gorges, mountain ranges, and the longest trails in Greece
If Andros is the hiking capital, Crete is the hiking empire. The island is enormous—Greece's largest—and its landscape ranges from snow-capped mountains to palm-fringed beaches, with some of Europe's most dramatic gorges carved between them.
The headline act is the Samaria Gorge, a 16km trek through the longest gorge in Europe (well, one of them—it depends how you measure). The gorge narrows to just 3 meters wide in places, with 300-meter walls towering on either side. It's spectacular and absolutely worth doing, but be warned: it's crowded in summer. I'd suggest going in May or late September.
Beyond Samaria, Crete has dozens of lesser-known gorges that are equally stunning and far less busy. Imbros Gorge is a shorter, easier alternative (8km, 2–3 hours). Aradena Gorge is more challenging—involving some scrambling and a famously nerve-wracking bridge crossing—but rewards you with a deserted beach at the bottom.
For multi-day hikers, the E4 European Long Distance Path crosses the entire island from east to west, roughly following the spine of the White Mountains. Most people hike sections rather than the full traverse, and the Chania to Loutro coastal stretch is particularly magnificent.
Best for: Adventurous hikers, gorge lovers, anyone who wants to combine serious trekking with incredible beaches
The catch: Crete is big enough that you need a car to reach most trailheads. Public transport to remote gorges is limited. Also, the heat in southern Crete between June and August is absolutely punishing.
Trail difficulty: Easy (Imbros) to challenging (Aradena, E4 sections)
Book a Samaria Gorge guided hike
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3. Tinos
Ancient marble paths through a sacred landscape
Tinos is the hiking island that doesn't look like a hiking island. Most people know it as Greece's most important pilgrimage destination (the church of Panagia Evangelistria draws thousands of Orthodox faithful). But beyond the religious tourism, Tinos has one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of the Cyclades—and the trails to match.
What makes Tinos special is the network of ancient marble paths that connect over 40 traditional villages across the island. These paths are literally paved with the island's famous marble, polished smooth by centuries of use. Walking them feels like stepping through a living museum.
The villages themselves are extraordinary. Tinos has more artistic heritage per square kilometer than any other Cycladic island—marble fountains, elaborate dovecotes (pigeon houses), and churches decorated with intricate stonework. The Volax to Falatados trail passes through a surreal boulder-strewn landscape that looks like the surface of Mars, ending in a village known for its basket weaving.
Another highlight is the hike from Kardiani to Isternia, two clifftop villages connected by a coastal path with views that belong on a postcard. Both villages have excellent tavernas, so you can refuel properly before the walk back.
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, anyone who wants hiking with artistic and historical depth
The catch: Tinos' trails are less formally waymarked than Andros. Having a good offline map or GPS app is essential—several paths intersect and it's easy to take a wrong turn. The island also gets serious wind (the famous meltemi), which can make exposed ridge walks uncomfortable in July–August.
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly gentle gradients on old paths
4. Amorgos
Dramatic cliffs and a cinematic wildness
Amorgos is the island that people fall completely, irrationally in love with. It's long, narrow, and almost absurdly dramatic—a ridge of mountains dropping sheer into the deepest blue water you've ever seen. If you've watched Luc Besson's The Big Blue, you've already glimpsed Amorgos, and the island is every bit as cinematic in person.
The most famous hike connects the Monastery of Hozoviotissa with the village of Aegiali via a clifftop trail. The monastery itself is jaw-dropping—a whitewashed building seemingly glued to a 300-meter cliff face above the Aegean. The trail runs along the island's spine with views on both sides, passing through abandoned terraces and tiny chapels.
For a longer challenge, the Aegiali to Chora traverse takes you across the full width of the island's northern section, through three mountain villages (Tholaria, Langada, Potamos) that feel completely frozen in time. Each village has a taverna where hiking is an excellent excuse for a long lunch.
Amorgos also has excellent coastal paths leading to hidden swimming spots—the trail to Mouros Beach is a personal favorite, ending at a tiny pebble cove with crystalline water and zero facilities.
Best for: Adventurous hikers, photographers, anyone seeking dramatic landscapes and solitude
The catch: Amorgos is remote. Getting there takes 7–9 hours by ferry from Athens, or you can fly to Naxos and take a shorter boat. The trails can be exposed and steep in places, and facilities between villages are nonexistent—carry plenty of water.
Trail difficulty: Moderate to challenging — steep terrain, some exposed sections
5. Naxos
The best all-rounder: hikes, beaches, and everything in between
Naxos is a hiking island that also happens to be one of the best Greek islands for families and first-time visitors. That versatility is exactly why I love it. You can spend the morning hiking through the mountainous interior and the afternoon swimming at one of the best beaches in Greece.
The interior of Naxos is dominated by Mount Zas (Zeus)—at 1,004 meters, it's the highest peak in the Cyclades. The summit hike starts from the village of Filoti or from the Aria Spring trailhead and takes about 2–3 hours up. The trail passes through a mythological cave where Zeus was supposedly raised, and the summit views stretch across the entire Cycladic archipelago. On a clear day, you can see Santorini shimmering on the horizon.
Beyond Zas, Naxos has lovely walks through its Tragaea valley—a lush highland region dotted with Byzantine churches, olive groves, and the marble villages of Apeiranthos, Chalki, and Filoti. The Chalki to Apeiranthos trail is particularly scenic, following old mule paths through a landscape that feels centuries removed from the beach resorts on the coast.
Best for: Hikers who also want beaches, families with active teenagers, anyone wanting variety
The catch: The trail markings in Naxos are inconsistent. Some routes are well-signed; others require a GPS track. The Zas summit hike is also more exposed than it looks—bring layers, as the wind at the top can be fierce even in summer.
Trail difficulty: Easy (valley walks) to moderate (Zas summit)
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6. Samothrace
The wild, mountainous island almost nobody visits
Samothrace is the island for hikers who think the Cyclades are too tame. Located in the far northeast Aegean, closer to Turkey than to Athens, this is one of Greece's most dramatic and least-visited islands.
The star attraction is Mount Fengari (1,611 meters)—the highest peak in the Aegean islands. According to Homer, Poseidon watched the Trojan War from its summit. The hike to the top is a genuine mountain trek: 6–8 hours round trip, through dense forest, past streams and waterfalls, and finally above the treeline to a bare, wind-blasted summit with views that stretch to Turkey, Thasos, and Lemnos.
But Samothrace isn't only about the big mountain. The island has gorgeous waterfall hikes through plane-tree forests—the Fonias River trail leads to a series of natural pools and cascades that make for perfect post-hike swimming. The Kremastos Waterfall is one of the tallest in Greece and requires a more challenging approach, but the payoff is extraordinary.
The island is also home to the ancient Sanctuary of the Great Gods, one of Greece's most atmospheric archaeological sites. It's where the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace (now in the Louvre) was discovered.
Best for: Serious hikers, wilderness seekers, anyone wanting a Greek island that feels genuinely remote and wild
The catch: Samothrace is hard to reach. There's no airport—you take a ferry from Alexandroupoli on the mainland (2 hours) or from Kavala via Lemnos. Tourist infrastructure is limited, and the island has very few organized beaches. This is an island for the experience, not for luxury.
Trail difficulty: Moderate (waterfall trails) to challenging (Fengari summit)
7. Folegandros
Short but stunning cliff walks with Cycladic beauty
Folegandros isn't a hiking island in the traditional sense—it's tiny, and you can walk across it in a few hours. But the trails it does have are some of the most scenically spectacular in all of Greece, and the island itself is the ultimate romantic escape.
The classic walk is the Chora to Angali Beach trail, a 3km path from the island's clifftop capital down to a gorgeous bay on the south coast. The descent through terraced hillsides with the Aegean stretching infinitely below you is pure Cycladic magic. At Angali, you can swim, eat at a beach taverna, and then either walk back up or take a water taxi.
Another must-do is the trail to the Church of Panagia on the island's highest point. The church sits dramatically on a cliff edge above Chora, and the walk up (especially at sunset) is one of those quintessentially Greek moments that stay with you forever.
For a longer walk, the coastal path from Ano Meria to Livadaki Beach traverses the wild, sparsely populated western end of the island, ending at a remote beach accessible only on foot or by boat.
Best for: Couples, photographers, hikers who want short but spectacular walks combined with a beautiful island
The catch: Folegandros is small, and if hiking is your primary purpose, you'll run out of trails in 2–3 days. It's best combined with other islands—Milos and Sifnos are both a short ferry ride away and have their own walking paths.
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate — short distances but some steep sections
At-a-Glance: Best Greek Islands for Hiking Compared
Island
Trail Network
Scenery
Difficulty
Beaches Too?
Crowds
Best Season
Andros
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Green valleys, waterfalls
Easy–Moderate
⭐⭐⭐
Low
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Crete
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gorges, mountains
Easy–Challenging
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Medium–High
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Tinos
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Marble paths, villages
Easy–Moderate
⭐⭐⭐
Low
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Amorgos
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dramatic cliffs
Moderate–Challenging
⭐⭐⭐
Low
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Naxos
⭐⭐⭐
Mountain summit, valleys
Easy–Moderate
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Medium
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Samothrace
⭐⭐⭐
Wild mountains, waterfalls
Moderate–Challenging
⭐⭐
Very Low
May–Jun, Sep
Folegandros
⭐⭐
Cliff walks, Cycladic charm
Easy–Moderate
⭐⭐⭐
Low–Medium
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Honorable Mentions
A few more islands that deserve recognition for hikers:
Serifos — A rugged Cycladic island with old mining trails and gorgeous coastal paths. Far fewer tourists than its neighbors.
Ikaria — The famous Blue Zone island has trails through ancient forests and along dramatic northern coastlines. The hiking here feels wonderfully untamed.
Sifnos — Known for food more than hiking, but the trails connecting its hilltop villages are lovely. Combine a culinary trip with daily walks through the countryside.
Skopelos — The Mamma Mia island is surprisingly green and hilly, with forest trails and coastal walks that most visitors never discover.
Kythira — Suspended between the Peloponnese and Crete, this overlooked island has excellent gorge walks and coastal trails with almost no other hikers in sight.
Practical Hiking Tips for the Greek Islands
Start early, finish by noon in summer. The sun between 11am and 4pm in July–August is genuinely dangerous on exposed island trails. An early start also means softer light for photos and fewer people on the paths.
Spring is the golden season. April and May offer perfect hiking temperatures (18–25°C), wildflowers everywhere, green landscapes, and very few tourists. September and October are also excellent, with the bonus of warm seas for post-hike swimming.
Carry more water than you think. There are almost no water sources on most island trails. I carry at least 2 liters for any hike over 2 hours, and 3 liters for full-day walks. Fill up at village fountains whenever you can.
Download offline maps. Mobile signal can be patchy in mountain areas. I use Komoot or AllTrails with downloaded offline maps. For Andros specifically, the Andros Routes app is excellent.
Proper footwear matters. Greek island trails are rocky, and marble paths can be slippery. Sandals and flip-flops won't cut it. Trail shoes or light hiking boots with good grip are essential.
Don't skip the village tavernas. Every hiking day in Greece should include a long taverna lunch. It's not just about refueling—it's about the experience. The best meals I've had in Greece have been at tiny village places I stumbled into after a morning on the trail.
Book hiking and nature tours across Greece
Sample Hiking Itineraries
7-Day Hiking-Focused Island Hop
Day 1–2: Fly into Athens, explore the city, hike up Lycabettus Hill and Philopappou Hill Day 3–5: Ferry to Andros (2hrs from Rafina). Three days of hiking: Menites waterfall trail, Andros-Korthi traverse, coastal paths Day 6–7: Ferry to Tinos (30min from Andros). Two days of marble-path walks between villages, sunset hike to hilltop churches
10-Day Hiking + Beach Combo
Day 1–2: Athens + Cape Sounion day trip Day 3–5: Naxos — Hike Mount Zas, explore Tragaea valley, swim at Plaka and Agios Prokopios Day 6–8: Amorgos — Monastery cliff trail, Aegiali traverse, swim at Mouros Beach Day 9–10: Folegandros — Chora to Angali walk, sunset at Panagia church, relax
Best Time to Hike the Greek Islands
Month
Temperature
Conditions
Verdict
March
12–17°C
Green, occasional rain
⚠️ Some trails muddy, ferries limited
April
15–21°C
Wildflowers, perfect temps
✅ Excellent — best month overall
May
19–25°C
Warm, still green
✅ Excellent
June
23–30°C
Hot, dry
⚠️ Good if starting early
July–Aug
28–35°C
Very hot, windy
❌ Too hot for most hikers
September
24–30°C
Warm, calm seas
✅ Excellent — warm sea for swimming
October
19–25°C
Cooling, quiet
✅ Very good
November
14–19°C
Rain possible, very quiet
⚠️ Limited ferries, some trails close
Final Thoughts
Hiking the Greek islands changed the way I experience Greece entirely. Before I discovered these trails, I was a beach-and-taverna visitor (nothing wrong with that). But walking through a Cretan gorge, standing on the summit of Mount Zas, or following an ancient marble path across Tinos to a village where the baker still uses a wood-fired oven—these moments gave me a Greece that no beach resort ever could.
The beauty of Greek island hiking is that you don't have to choose between the trail and the sea. You can have both. Hike in the morning, swim in the afternoon, eat grilled fish at sunset. That's not a bad way to spend a holiday.
If you're thinking about which islands to combine for a hiking trip—or how to mix hiking with the classic Greek island experience—check out our 7-day and 10-day Greece itineraries for a starting point. Or just take the quiz and let us point you in the right direction.
Either way, pack decent shoes. Your feet will thank you.