Hike Greece Tour
Hike to new heights as you explore the best of the Greek islands on our Hike Greece Tour!
Our small group tours take like-minded travellers off the beaten track, allowing you to explore a hidden side of the Greek islands on foot. Led by experienced hiking Guides, this tour showcases the rich history, nature and culture Greece has to offer those who wander off the well-trodden path.
Marvel at the Acropolis, hike the historic Byzantine Path, take in the Temple of Apollo and hike along Santorini's caldera on the Hike Greece Tour!
Itinerary
SUMMARY
The Hike Greece Tour covers the best of the Cyclades islands across an 8 day hiking adventure. Your itinerary begins in the ancient city of Athens and loops through the picturesque islands of Paros, Naxos and Santorini.
Walk ancient paths, hike to impressive peaks and meander through historically rich towns on this exciting and varied itinerary.
Daily Hike Overview:
- Average Daily Distance: 5.6km
- Average Daily Hike Time: 2.3hrs
SUMMARY
Welcome to Athens!
Check in to your hotel and join your fellow travellers and Guide for a Welcome Meeting at 3pm.
This afternoon we'll explore Europe's oldest capital city, taking in some of the most famous monuments of historical and modern-day Athens on an orientation walk.
After you've worked up an appetite, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a local Greek taverna.
Day 1 Hike Overview
- Distance: 6km
- Time: 2hrs
- Ascent: 80m
Inclusions
- Athens Orientation Walk
SUMMARY
Rise and shine! This morning we'll depart Athens and take a ferry to Paros, where we’ll begin our Greek island adventure.
This beautiful Cycladic island offers white-washed towns and quintessential Greek beaches, easily recognisable by their turquoise blue water. Once on Paros, check in to your accommodation and join your Guide for an orientation walk around the picturesque main town, Parikia.
Meander the twisting alleyways filled with boutique shops and explore the town at your leisure.
This afternoon we'll catch a short ferry to the neighbouring island of Antiparos, where we'll enjoy a short walk before indulging in a traditional Greek dinner.
Day 2 Hike Overview
- Distance: 4km
- Time: 1.5hrs
- Ascent: 30m
SUMMARY
Paros is well-known to hike enthusiasts for its marble-paved Byzantine Path that dates back over 1,000 years!
Start the day with a hearty breakfast, before being transferred to the scenic Lefkes Village, where we’ll begin today's hike.
Step back in time as you hike the ancient rock-lined trail, taking in views of Lefkes Village and the Aegean Sea along the loop.
This afternoon we'll visit a traditional house where a weaving loom operates, showcasing elements of traditional Greek life. We'll stop in Marpissa Village for lunch, before a transfer takes you back to the hotel.
This evening, explore Parikia Town or head into nearby Naoussa Village by public bus.
Day 3 Hike Overview
- Distance: 6km
- Time: 2hrs
- Ascent: 270m
SUMMARY
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxing morning at the hotel before we take a midday ferry to our next destination; the island of Naxos!
This afternoon a transfer will take you to Damala Village where we will visit a pottery workshop and olive oil press, learning more about these artisan crafts.
Today's hike begins in the picturesque Chalki village. This beautiful hike takes us out of the cobbled lanes and whitewashed paths of the village, and through idyllic olive groves with mountainous views, toward the impressive church of Agios Georgios Diasoritis. This Byzantine church dates back to the 11th Century and boasts impressive stone arches and enchanting interior frescos.
We'll walk back to Chalki Village for dinner, where guests can dine at one of the local tavernas. After dinner guests will be transferred back to the hotel.
Day 4 Hike Overview
- Distance: 3km
- Time: 1hrs
- Ascent: 43m
SUMMARY
After breakfast, a private transfer will transport you to the middle of Naxos for today's hike. Starting at Melanes Village, we'll begin our hike between three mountainous and picturesque Greek villages, taking in varied scenery and terrain.
Halfway through the hike, we'll take a short break to marvel at the ancient quarries and sculpted marble statues of Kouroi, which date back to the 6th Century BC.
We'll continue through the lush valley, taking in the traditional village of Ano Potamia before finishing our hike in Melanes Village, where we’ll enjoy lunch at a local taverna.
After returning to Chora Naxos for some downtime, we’ll re-group and walk to the Temple of Apollo to enjoy the spectacular view through the 'Great Door'.
Enjoy dinner in Chora Naxos and take in this beautiful town at night.
Day 5 Hike Overview
- Distance: 10.5km
- Time: 3.5hrs
- Ascent: 302m
SUMMARY
This morning we take a short ferry to one of Europe's most famous and most visited islands; Santorini!
Get ready to experience magic moments and breathtaking views in this picturesque destination!
We’ll get to know Santorini on an orientation walk around Fira Town, where we'll take in the quirks of this town perched atop a cliff.
This afternoon we'll get a private transfer to the volcanic sands of Kamari Beach, where we'll spend the afternoon having lunch, swimming and relaxing.
Enjoy a free evening and indulge in Greek cuisine at one of the many restaurants with a view that Santorini is so famous for.
Day 6 Hike Overview
- Distance: 1.5km
- Time: 40min
- Ascent: 40m
SUMMARY
Rise and shine! This morning we will hike along the famous Santorini Caldera, ending in the iconic village of Oia. Pass historic churches, whitewashed buildings and even donkeys, as you take in the azure sea views.
In Oia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the many shops, boutiques, restaurants, viewpoints and photo opportunities this village has to offer.
We'll be transferred back to the hotel to freshen up for tonight's included wine tasting.
Taste local grape varieties and enjoy local wine with new friends on the final evening of your Hike Greece Tour.
Day 7 Hike Overview
- Distance: 8.2km
- Time: 3hrs
- Ascent: 200m
Inclusion:
- Wine Tasting
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxing morning at the hotel before it's time to check-out.
Explore more of Santorini independently, or if you're booking onward travel, ask your Guide for assistance with ferry tickets.
Pricing
Secure your spot with only a €60 deposit. Your full balance isn't due until 12 weeks before departure.
Inclusions
Experienced Hike Guide Explore Greece with a local, experienced guide who leads each days hiking itinerary
7 Nights Accommodation 7 nights accommodation in boutique hotels (twin-share)
Daily Hikes Explore Greece on foot with daily guided hikes
Ferry Tickets We’ll organise your ferries
Port Transfers We'll organise port transfers for you
Breakfast Daily Continental breakfast is included daily
Wine Tasting Taste Greek wines at a local winery. Return transfers are also included
Hike Transfers Selected transfers to/from the start/end hiking locations
Who Are Your Guides?
Your experienced Guide has hiked these trails many times before and works closely with us to curate the perfect itinerary for our guests! Our Guides are passionate about the flora, fauna, history and culture of Greece, showing travellers the best trails, peaks and views this incredible country has to offer.
Your Guide is First Aid trained and able to respond in the unlikely event of a medical situation arising whilst hiking.
Guides are Health and Safety trained, following guidelines from the British Safety Council. Your Guide is well versed on how to look after guests during their tour!
Your Guide is local to Greece and knowledgeable in the flora, fauna, culture and history of Greece!
Your Accommodation
Twin-share rooms are included on all Hike Greece Tours, providing a relaxing and welcoming space to retreat to after an invigorating day of exploring! Rooms are air-conditioned and include a private ensuite.
Each unique hotel is family-run, offering Greek hospitality and a relaxing atmosphere. There are various spaces to relax and unwind at each hotel - with some locations also featuring a pool.
Hike FAQ's
The Hike Greece Tour is a small-group tour, covering the Greek Islands of Paros, Naxos and Santorini on an 8 day hiking adventure. This tour is perfect for travellers who are looking to stay active on their vacation, whist relaxing, exploring and socialising.
The tour officially starts at 3 pm in Athens, with the welcome meeting taking place in the lobby of your hotel. You can check in from 12.30 pm. The tour ends on day 8 in Santorini when you check out of your accommodation.
We recommend you have a reasonable level of fitness to participate in our Hike Greece Tour. Each day’s itinerary brings a different challenge, and your guide will cater to your group’s interests and abilities. If you don’t feel up to hiking, or feel a particular day may be too strenuous, you’re welcome to spend the relaxing at the hotel or exploring a nearby town.
You will stay in twin-share ensuite rooms on the Hike Greece Tour. Each boutique, family run hotel offers unique facilities, with some hotels providing pools, on-site bars and gardens.
Please note: images are representative of the acommodation provided at each destination. Accommodation of equal standard will be provided at each location.
Rooms are based on two people sharing, however if you're travelling solo or in an odd-numbered group, a single supplement fee is applicable. Single supplements are an additional 30% of the per person price.
Athens has an international airport that many low-cost European and International carriers service. Flights are not included in our tours.
A basic continental breakfast is included every morning on your Hike Greece Tour. On days when you depart the hotel early, a breakfast box will be provided so that you can have breakfast on the go! All other lunches, dinners and snacks are not included. This is another way we save on costs by allowing you to try authentic local cuisine and spend as much or as little as you like on food and drinks. Your friendly Guide can recommend places to eat and drink throughout the tour!
This tour is suited to young professionals and young-at-heart travellers. The Hike Greece Tour is an 18+ tour and attracts travellers between the ages of 20 and 60.
Our Hike Greece Tour is not a cruise. You will travel between the islands via public ferries and stay in boutique hotels on each island and in Athens.
The Athens Orientation Walk will take travellers through the iconic Monastiraki and Syntagma squares, providing glimpses of the Acropolis along the way. Unfortunately entry to the Acropolis is not included in the orientation walk, and we recommend buying tickets in advance to visit this very popular monument prior to your tour, or after your orientation walk.
Using a combination of ferries and high-speed catamarans we book the most convenient ferries as close to departure as possible. This ensures you have as much time as possible to explore each destination. Once you arrive at your destination we arrange all transfers between the ports and hotels
The length of the ferry will vary depending on availability and the destination, ranging from 1 - 4.5 hours. We recommend bringing a good book or utilising the onboard wi-fi on some of the longer journeys.
We recommend a starting budget of €60 per person, per day to cover meals. If you would like to participate in additional excursions or dine at higher-end restaurants, we suggest allowing additional budget. Greece is a part of the European Union and uses the Euro. There are plenty of ATM’s in Greece where you can get cash out.
Yes! You'll have time to explore local culture, take a stroll, or get up to whatever you desire to make the most out of your experience. Your tour guide will advise you each day as to when free time is available.
Yes, we are! Sail Croatia owns and operates Island Hopping. Sail Croatia has been operating since 2003 and today is one of the biggest and most respected tour operators in Europe.