5 Epic Island Hikes in Greece for Spring Explorers

Whereas Greece’s island mountains might not be as well-known as its sun-drenched seashores – Psiloritis maybe being the exception – their attract runs deep. From the “large of Crete” to the peaks of Mount Ainos, Kerkis, Attavyros, and Zas, these mountains have captivated folks since antiquity with their mythology, wild magnificence, distinctive ecosystems and sweeping views of the countless sea. Spring is the right time to reply their name. With delicate temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and an opportunity to actually reconnect with nature, Crete, Kefalonia, Samos, Rhodes, and Naxos provide hikers 5 unforgettable ascents. Better of all? You don’t have to decide on between mountain and sea – right here, you possibly can have each.

Kefalonia – Mount Ainos, 1,628 meters

One of many few Nationwide Parks positioned on a Greek island, Mount Ainos – a part of the Natura 2000 protected space community and the Kefalonia-Ithaca Geopark – is famend for its distinctive ecosystem. Rising to 1,628 meters, it’s the very best peak within the Ionian Islands and dominates southeastern Kefalonia. The mountain is cloaked in uncommon black fir timber (Abies cephalonica), which earned it the Venetian title Monte Nero – the “Black Mountain.” This haven of untamed magnificence is dwelling to the well-known free-roaming Ainos horses and provides 5 marked mountaineering trails of reasonable problem. The path from Digaleto on the mountain’s base to the Megas Soros summit spans about 6.5 km, winding by means of dense fir forest and rewarding hikers with views of the whole Ionian Sea – on clear days, even the mountains of Aetolia-Acarnania come into view. The complete hike takes about 5 hours.

Extra data: kefaloniageopark.gr

Crete – Mount Psiloritis, 2,456 meters

With 5 peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, the Ida Mountain vary – generally often known as Psiloritis – is dwelling to the Ideon Cave, the place, in accordance with Greek mythology, Zeus was raised. The ninth-highest mountain in Greece towers over the middle of Crete, providing a shocking mixture of gorges, caves, forests, and conventional villages which might be excellent for exploration. Climbing the sacred mountain of the Minoans is not any simple process, however the reward is breathtaking: panoramic views stretching from the White Mountains to the island of Chrissi and from Heraklion to Gavdos. The hike to the Timios Stavros summit (2,456 m) follows a stone path that begins at Lakos tou Mygerou, overlooking the Cretan Sea, and continues alongside the European E4 path. It’s a 6-hour trek, requiring correct gear, as even in summer season, temperatures can dip under zero at evening.. As one of many island’s mantinades (rhyming couplets) says:

“On Psiloritis’ peak, the snow by no means ends –
As quickly because the previous snow melts, the brand new begins.”

Extra data: pezoporikos.gr

Samos – Mount Kerkis, 1,437 meters

This huge rock rises 1,437 meters above the western facet of Samos, providing panoramic views of the Aegean – from Lesvos all the best way to Leros – on clear days. A rugged and rocky peak, Mount Kerkis (or Kerketeas), is wealthy in historical past and nature. Its slopes are dwelling to many springs and caves, corresponding to the Cave of Pythagoras or Sarantaskaliotissa Cave, which additionally homes a small chapel devoted to the Virgin Mary. There are 5 trails resulting in Vigla, the height of Kerkis, which serves as a refuge for a lot of endangered animals and crops. Vigla is a part of the Natura 2000 protected space community. Whichever path you select, the hike to the summit is about 11 kilometers lengthy.

Extra data: samosoutdoors.com

Rhodes – Mount Attavyros, 1,215 meters

Rhodes provides a unique form of expertise once you go away behind its famed seashores and head inland to its tallest mountain, Mount Attavyros. Recognized for its hanging mild and the ruins of the traditional Temple of Attavyrian Zeus, this peak stands at 1,215 meters. Hikers making their means from the village of Aghios Isidoros to the summit of Aghios Ioannis are handled to views over the island, the close by Dodecanese islands, and the coast of Turkey. The climb takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and is reasonably difficult – solely the foothills are forested, whereas the remainder of the mountain is naked and rocky as a consequence of overgrazing. Spring is the perfect time to overcome the very best peak within the Dodecanese and discover the villages of Embonas, Sianna and Monolithos.

Extra data: trekking.gr

Naxos – Mount Zas, 1,004 meters

One other mountain linked to the parable of Zeus, Mount Zas – whose summit reaches 1,003 meters – is the very best peak within the Cyclades and considered one of Naxos’ hottest mountaineering locations. In line with mythology, Zas (the native title for Zeus) was the place the king of the gods grew up, to flee the wrath of his father, Cronus.

The hike often begins from Filoti, the island’s largest village, or from the small church of Aghia Marina close to the village of Danakos, and follows the identical historic path used since antiquity. The route passes by the Arion spring and the Cave of Zas earlier than reaching the summit, which provides views of Naxos’ lush slopes and the Aegean Sea. The round hike from Filoti takes round 5.5 hours.

Extra data: naxostrek.com