If you ever thought that Greece is a destination only worth-visiting during summertime, well, I’m here with this series of pages to prove you definitely wrong.
Idyllic “White” landscapes, ski-resorts, picturesque mountainous villages, natural winter pools, mystical and mythological caves, hidden winter gems and generally extremely beautiful destinations are about to be presented, so stay tuned!
As promised in part 4, I am now back to present a few alternative winter escapes in Greece that await to be discovered and that would definitely steal your heart!
Part 5. Extreme Getaways
If you’re an extreme sports lover then you’ll definitely appreciate the suggestions that follow. As mentioned previously, Greece is a country that cannot only be limited or characterised as an idyllic summer destination.
So now let’s suppose that you are one of those people who simply doesn't get fascinated about visiting the Greek destinations just for their beaches and sun. Your blood’s running fast and you need something extreme, something more breath-taking than chilling at a beach and enjoying your sunbed. You wanna feel your adrenaline rising and you wanna get in touch and explore the Greek natural paradises! Hiking, trekking, mountain biking, climbing and wandering into the greenery is just what characterises you and what you’re looking for during your travels. You’re an eco-tourist who just loves experiencing new challenges into the wild! So here we go, this page was made for you. Here’s a list with some of my personal favourites alternative and extreme getaways offered in Greece!
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. —Edmund Hillary.
1) Climbing Olympus Mountain, the residence of the 12 Gods
Olympus Mountain
39Q5+9C Litochoro, GreeceOlympus is the highest mountain of Greece. It is the first declared National Park of Greece and has been included in Unesco's World Network of Biosphere Preserves since 1981. The mountain is rich in tree and plant life, supporting over 1700 species, some very rare. Climbing Olympus takes two days but you can easily spend longer if you like, it’s all up to your personal planning. The majority of the Mt. Olympus trails can be hiked throughout the year, provided that you are properly equipped and the weather so allows. On that trails refreshment also comes of local tasty food or an overnight stay in mountain huts or at dedicated accommodation for hikers.
Mount Olympus National Park
3C84+W4 Litochoro, Greece2) Hiking the Gorge of Samaria
Gorge of Samaria, Crete
6XR6+3F Sfakia, GreeceThe gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete. This majestic gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it. But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it.
Samaria Gorge Natural Park
6XR6+3F Sfakia, Greece3) Discover the Greek Grand Canyon
Vikos Gorge
Monodendri Monodendri, Monodendri 440 07, GrèceFor the Hiking Lovers a visit should definitely be paid to the gorge of Vikos, also known as the Greek “Grand Canyon”. There’s one famous route starting at the base of the Vikos Gorge. The route takes about 6 hours and it is well marked with many signs. At the same time, if you enjoy climbing you should visit Smolikas as it rises to a height of 2637m, being the second highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus!
4) …and last but not least, that’s a call for the mountain-bikers !
You’ve tried mountain biking before but now you’re in Greece as a tourist. You need to find people and associations who share your interests and your passions. And here you are! Experience, no fear of grunts or grinders, and a love of mud and dust are prerequisites for a hardcore mountain biking holiday in Greece. Feel the adrenalin and follow your passions in wild paths and mountainous destinations!
Mountain bike and Trekking in Zagorochoria
VVH4+X4 Tymphaea, GreeceHike & Bike in Metsovo
Nik. Galimana 1, 44200 Métsovo, Ioannina, GreeceSfendami Mountain Festival in Pieria
Makedonomachon 1, Sfendami 600 66, GreeceEcotourism Mountainbike activities in Pelion, Greece
EO Volou Portarias 3c, Portaria 370 11, GreeceHorseaback riding in Mount Pelion, the four seasons destination
C2QX+82 Zagora, GreeceVelvet Rides Tours in Kozani
El. Venizelou 9, Kozani 501 00, GreeceBike Odyssey in Pindos
V4WH+RQ Perivoli, GreeceSounds like a good winter plan right? Stay tuned, part 6 is on its way!
Cheers!
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The author
Chrisa Lepida
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