Eco-friendly adventures await
in Greece
10 sustainable outdoors adventures to have in Greece
Get the heart pounding in Greece's greenest corners
Wanderlust has asked tour operators, readers and writers to share their favourite sustainable ways to experience Greece's adventurous landscapes. Read on for some thrilling tips...
Walking the gorges in Crete is a wonderful way to explore the island’s unique flora and fauna without harming the landscape. You can spot the island’s endemic Crocus oreocreticus and see swallowtails flit in the breeze. Local tour operator Satori offer tours of the gorges; it also helps sustain traditional practices within the community such as nomadic pastoralism, which has very little impact on the environment. It’s a special experience to be at one with the landscape and people of Crete in this unique way. You’re transported to a timeless place, tracing the footsteps of the ancients and seeing Greece as they would.
Vikki Rimmer, Wanderlust Reader
Greece isn’t a country known for its hiking, even through there are some great trails here, particularly in the Peloponnese region where the gorges of the Upper Mani are a delight as the leaves turn in autumn. However, the region’s stand-out marked trail is the Menalon (75km), which threads its way through mountainous Arcadia, deep in the rocky heart of the Peloponnese. This area is known for its skiing in winter, but in the warmer months it offers a glorious opportunity to overnight in stone-built hill villages and traverse endless forests of oak and spruce across a route that typically takes between five and eight days. “For those just after a taste, the most eye-catching stage is the Stemnitsa-to-Dimitsana section (about five hours), which is marked by a steep descent into leafy Lousios Gorge. Here, you’ll pass a pair of hanging monasteries built into the rock face. The second of these – the 10th-century Old Philosophou – is now just ruins, but you’ll also find the whitewashed Prodromou, which is still a working monastery. Because of this, visitors in shorts or revealing clothing may need to cover up with the gowns provided on entry. Inside, you’ll find cups of sweet tea and great views of the gorge from the balcony. In general, this trail is extremely well marked, but if you go to the Open-Air Water Power Museum of Dimitsana, you can also purchase a detailed guide for a few euros.”
Gareth Clark, Associate Editor at Wanderlust
“Support small local hotels and restaurants and you will be repaid in memories that will last a lifetime. When we visited Greece’s mainland in March 2020, we stayed at Guesthouse To Fragma near Lake Kerkini. In doing so, we were able to visit Lake Kerkini, where we witnessed an amazing avian spectacle of more than 500 Dalmatian pelicans and many other beautiful birds. We have so many memories that will stay with us forever.”
Mike Hunter, Wanderlust Reader
Sunset at Meteora is very popular with tourists visiting the area, so we arrange a way for clients to avoid the crowds by taking an e-bike tour with a local guide (one of a husband and wife team). There are plenty of stops along the route where the guide explains the history of the monasteries and the daily lives of the monks today, with the final stop being the ideal place to watch the sunset. A truly beautiful sight.”
Michael Truby, Greece Specialist at Audley Travel
This is an off-the-beaten-track place in the Ionian Sea where you’ll learn about the nature of the Mediterranean, especially its birds and insects. All proceeds from your stay go to fund the Kalamos and Kastos sustainable development programme. Accommodation is in a refurbished traditional house in a village where we follow a low-environmental-impact model. We’ll walk and use public transport to get around. Bring a swimsuit, as we’re close to many wonderful beaches. Also bring an appetite for local cuisine, as the place has several restaurants worth visiting. And lastly, be sure to bring a curiosity for learning about the history of the Mediterranean too.
Ted Karfakis, Ecological Scientist, Director of the Kalamos Island Biological Field Station and also an Eco-tour Guide at Terra Sylvestris.
Experience the real Corfu on our Corfu Trail itinerary. On this trip, you will join a local tour leader who plays an active role in maintaining this historic walking trail. This is a walking holiday like no other and takes you far away from the tourist hot spots, showcasing the island’s true beauty and charm. It’s a great way to see authentic Corfu.
Alison Butler, Product Manager at Explore Worldwide
Consider the eco-friendly destination of Tilos, the first island in the Mediterranean to become energy self-sufficient using renewables. Tilos is known for its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives like waste-management programmes, renewable energy projects and protected natural areas. We enjoyed its beautiful landscapes, did some birdwatching and explored some walking trails, all while supporting local eco-friendly businesses and accommodations.
Clive Powell, Wanderlust Reader
The Voidomatis in Epirus is said to be one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, with water so pure that you can drink straight from its natural springs. It is also one of the most underrated places in Greece for soft adventure, from riverside hikes to beginner-friendly rafting.
Jessica Reid, Digital Editor at Wanderlust
The Vikos Gorge is a geological wonder, offering breathtaking hikes through pristine landscapes. Choose a local guide who adheres to ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and supports community-based tourism initiatives. It’s an adventure that respects the environment.
Charlotte Wells, Director of Product at Abercrombie and Kent
The Ionian island of Lefkas is making a name for itself as a cycling destination. There are plenty of routes to pedal, and all types of bikes are available for hire, including e-bikes of course. A number of local companies offer escorted small-group day tours, which means you are taken on the best routes by professionals and don’t need to worry about having a puncture or simply getting lost!
Dudley der Parthog, Director at Sunvil
Ready to go off the beaten track?
One great way to ensure your trip is more sustainable is to head off the tourist trail and support communities in lesser-known areas. We've picked out three tours that offer top adventures in hidden locations...
Milos’s fiery landscapes
The Cycladic island of Milos may slip under the radar but it packs an explosive punch. On Audley’s Cycladic Islands: Milos, Paros and Naxos tour, you’ll have a chance to head out and explore the volcanic fields, red and white rock-strewn beaches and the ghost town of an abandoned sulphur mine, offering a rarely seen side of Milos.
Lesser-visited Leros
Take a leisurely stroll on the uncrowded island of Leros in the Aegean. During the walk you will soak up historical sights including the medieval castle of Pandeli which offers up show-stopping views over the cove and bay-strewn coastline. See it for yourself on Peter Sommer’s Crusing the Aegean: From Kos to Patmos tour.
Peaceful Paros
With a network of well-preserved Byzantine roads, walking in Paros is made easy. On Explore’s Greek Island Wanderer tour, you can follow the trailhead from the mountain village of Lefkes to discover fields fragrant with wild herbs and coastal views that prove fair reward for the two-hour hike.
