Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the most revered destination in Greek mythology as it was believed to be home to the 12 principal Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient religion. It was once believed that the fabled mountain was built from crystal castles and that Zeus lived at the very top layer.

Mount Olympus is a perfect place for hiking in Greece as it features an endemic amount of flora and fauna, including Greek tortoises and brightly coloured geckos. The highest point of the mountain is called Mitikas, which means nose in Greek, and it stands at 2,919m high.

Temple of Hephaistos

The ancient temple of Hephaistos is an excellent place to begin a walk in Greece. It is located in the capital of Athens and boasts the accolade of being the best preserved ancient Greek temple in the world. However, despite this it still remains overshadowed by the Pantheon. You may know the site by its alternative name, the Theseum as it was once falsely believed that the legendary Greek hero, Theses, was buried at this site.

The temple was actually built to commemorate the God of blacksmiths and metallurgy and was designed by the architect, Ictinus, who worked on the Parthenon. The labours of Hercules are etched into the columns and it is worth taking a guided walk in Greece around the temple to gain a better understanding of the historical relevance of this magnificent site.

The legendary Acropolis is located just 500m away from the temple and it is possible to visit both of them during a themed walk in Greece.

The Tumulus of Marathon

This fertile plain may come across as one of the more bizarre sites that you’ll encounter on your walk in Greece. However, the site holds great historical significance. It was here that the battle between the Athenians and Persians was fought in 490BC and it remains the final resting place for the 192 Athenians that died in this ancient war.

The Ancient Agora

The Agora was once the heart of Athens and featured the political, commercial, administrative and social centre of Greece. It was also the seat of justice and remained occupied without interruption during all of Athens’ history. The site is a perfect spot for walking in Greece as it features many ancient restored buildings, including a Neolithic burial site, four colossal figures of the giants and tritons and the façade of an ancient gymnasium. The museum located in the grounds gives you a better understanding of this ancient culture and acts as a perfect pit-stop on your walk in Greece.

Rhamnous

One of ancient Greece’s lesser known sites is ‘Rhamnous’ situated on the north-west deme of Attica. Rhamnous features incredible views over the Ebola strait and is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely picnic whilst walking in Greece. The site is better known as the sanctuary of Nemesis, the implacable avenging Goddess. An acropolis dominates the harbours, from which grain was imported for Athens during the Peloponnesian war. The site also houses a 5^th century temple which was never completed and a smaller temple which is dedicated to the Gods, Nemesis and Thetis.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. A long-established and highly respected company, they have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. Their dedication to quality and experience of all things related to walking in Greece make them a superb choice for the discerning traveller.

A Well-Rounded Experience

Greece is known for its idyllic beauty, ancient architecture, and culture rich in tradition and myth. A trip to the island of Samos needs to incorporate all these aspects, making your holiday a truly Greek experience. From the ancient ruins of Heraion and Pythagoreion, to the fortified monastery of Moni Vronta, to the highest peak of Kerkis Mountain and the sunny beaches of Kokkari, hiking in Samos is the best way to experience the island.

1. A Temple for a Goddess

In a low marshy region in the southern part of Samos, lie the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess, Hera. The Late Archaic Heraion of Samos was the first of the iconic Samos temples to be built.  Today, only one column remains standing, and the ruins are now a World Heritage site.

According to Greek mythology, the goddess Hera was born under a lygos tree. The annual Samian festival celebrates the binding of the image of Hera in lygos branches, a tradition which is still upheld.

This is a great stop when walking in Samos, as the area has a beautiful marshy landscape and it is located in a river basin near the sea.

2. Pythagoreion Paths

Another cultural stopping point when walking in Samos is the Pythagoreion ruins. This is an ancient fortified port, hosting Greek and Roman monuments and the famous Tunnel of Eupalinos, a popular tourist attraction.

The tunnel is 1036m in length, and was built in the 6^th century BC to serve as an aqueduct bringing fresh water into Samos. It was discovered through the writing of Herodotus, without which it may never have been found.

3. A Monastery on the Mountain

Perfect for hiking in Samos, the monastery of Moni Vronta sits high up on a mountain making for spectacular views of the sea and the hilltop village, Vourliotes. This peaceful sanctuary is the perfect stopping point when walking in Samos.

Only one monk still lives in the monastery, but if you knock, either he or one of the soldiers from a nearby post will gladly let you in to look around. Be sure to pay a visit to the ‘spileo’, a cave in the outer wall. The cave forms a chapel, where you can see a collection of ancient objects.

4. The Chalky Cliffs of Kerkis

The highest peak on the island is Vigla, in the Kerkis Mountains. This peak is 1434m high, and is a popular place for hiking in Samos. The mountain has a unique appearance, and the scenery is spectacular. Kerkis is an extinct volcano, and many of the cliff faces are white, due to thigh levels of chalk in the rock.

The mountain is also a sanctuary for endangered plants and animals and is part of a network of the EU’s protected sites, making it a great place to go walking in Samos. Several small monasteries dot the slopes, and there are many caves waiting to be explored. The Cave of Pythagoras can be found here, where Pythagoras is believed to have hidden before being exiled.

5. Coming to Rest on the Kokkari Shore

In an area of pine trees, olive trees and vineyards, walking in Samos is an extremely pleasant activity. Kokkari, on the northern part of the island, is the perfect area to unwind with slow walks as you pick the fruit and enjoy the sunshine.

Hiking in Samos is best enjoyed when you have a place to relax when you’re finished. Kokkari has three beaches. The Long Beach is situated on the waterfront, where you can enjoy walks along the coastline. There are also two secluded and sheltered bays, a great place to stop for a break when walking in Samos.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest holidays walking in Samos at the best value prices.

What Makes Crete Special

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, covering an area of 3,219 square miles. Its mountainous terrain makes Crete walks a popular activity, and the White Mountains (covered in snow until mid summer) afford spectacular views. Walking in Crete is great at any time of year, with plateaus such as Lasithi, Omalos and Nidha, the Diktaion and Idaion caves, and a number of gorges making for diverse scenery. But it is in spring that this island truly shines, when the already spectacular views become covered in wild flowers.

Plan for Easter

For Cretans, Easter is a grand celebration, and if you’re planning a springtime trip to Crete, the week of Easter is a good time to go. After fasting for 40 days (as is the Cretan tradition), the local people will be preparing to feast and celebrate when Easter comes.

Spit-roasted lamb is prepared over the fire for over 6 hours, as it is cooked to live up to traditional Greek standards. And working off your Easter feast will be easy, with the idea of a Crete walk being so appealing in your beautiful surroundings! Most villages will have an Easter fire, and the churches will be decorated with wild spring flowers.

Floral Wanders

Walking in Crete truly is spectacular in springtime, with over 2 000 species of flowers in bloom, 150 of them being endemic. The whole island appears to blossom, with the mountains, plains, woods and even the seashore being covered in wild flowers. Poppies, daisies, irises, tulips, orchids and hyacinths (to name but a few), will line your path as you wander the countryside on your Crete walks. And herbs such as thyme, sage and rosemary will scent the air.

Cretan Countryside

There is no shortage of scenic spots on the island, with diverse landscapes allowing for different levels of walking in Crete. Chania, in the western region of the island, is particularly beautiful in spring and boasts exceptional scenery. The Samaria Gorge is located here, and it opens for visitors at the beginning of May.

The gorge is 16km in length, with vertical cliffs reaching 500m. Covering the gorge are rare types of Cretan flora, with the cypress, pine tree, dittany and wild flower found in this area. This gorge is also the natural habitat of the wild goat and kri kri, adding beauty and interest to your experience of walking in Crete.

Other gorges worth visiting in the area are the gorges of Agia Irene, Stakia and Topolia. Agia Irene is rich in vegetation, and Topolia is magnificently wild. Both offer great views of the wild flowers, and are beautiful in springtime.

On a Crete walk, you can also explore the many caves that dot the shoreline, or visit the Kentis Valley where you can wander through the orange and lemon groves. A highlight of the area is sure to be the White Mountains (so named for their almost permanent snowy tops), where a very rocky landscape is covered in low bushes and wildflowers with a backdrop of snowy peaks.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest holidays walking in Crete at the best value prices.

Samaria Gorge

At around 18 kilometres in length, the Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe and is one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island, playing host to thousands of visitors between May and October each year. Situated in the prefecture of Chania in south west Crete, the gorge runs from the Omalos Plateau in the White Mountains to the village of Agia Roumeli on the southern coast. Taking between four and seven hours to walk, the route covers some quite rough terrain but is still suitable for the inexperienced, although walkers are recommended to wear sensible walking boots. Those taking part in the guided walk during the summer months, especially during July and August, are also advised to take plenty of sun screen and drinking water along with them, although there are places en route where you can buy bottled water. With steep cliffs and forests of pine and cypress, the landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and the gorge is also home to around 450 different species of plants (all of which are protected and may not be picked or removed from the gorge). If you are lucky, you might also catch sight of one of Crete’s famous inhabitants, the increasingly rare Agrimia, or Kri-Kri goats as they are commonly known. With other endemic species in and around the gorge, this is a wonderful place to visit and it certainly represents one of the highlights for anyone walking in Greece.

Deliana Gorge

The walk along the Deliana Gorge is an unchallenging one, but one which is rewarding for those walking in Greece due to its beautiful scenery. During the cooler times of the year, a stream runs alongside the path and down the rocks, accompanying your walk with a soft tinkling sound. You are likely to see many goats during your walk, but most visitors come here to see the Griffon vultures which can be spotted throughout the year. The walk through the gorge and back again is not a long one and is only likely to take around two hours in total depending on your fitness or walking ability.

Arkoudospilios Cave

The walk to the Arkoudospilios Cave on the Akrotiri Peninsula in the municipality of Chania is about two kilometres and affords some spectacular views. Starting at the monasteries of Gouverneto and Agias Triadas and following a footpath which often features steep drops to one side, you will come to the cave where there stands a large stalagmite in the shape of a bear bowed over a cistern. Several different legends account for the significance of the animal. Some believe that it was once alive and that it used to drink the water from the cistern, leaving nothing for the local inhabitants and the monks. When one of the monks prayed to the Virgin for help, it is said that the beast was petrified and has stood in its position in the centre of the cave ever since. Others believe that the goddess Artemis, who was worshipped by the Pelasgians in the form of a bear, was worshipped here and that the stalagmite is a sacred representation of her. The footpath which continues from the cave also leads to the ruins of the Monastery Katholiko and the church of St John the Hermit. As you stand underneath the towering rock face in this extremely isolated place, it is not hard to imagine why the monks who used it many years ago sought their sanctuary here. With so much spectacular beauty along this route, walking in Greece will not only be enjoyable for the senses, but an experience which will open you up to wanting to learn more about this fascinating and stunning island.

About The Author:

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London.

Greece and the Greeks

Even people that proclaim they know nothing of even their own history probably have heard some of the echoes of Greek history ringing down through the ages. The 300 Spartans, Mount Olympus and the Gods, The Trojan War, great architecture, art, literature and science – all these often come to mind when the word ‘Greece’ is mentioned. More recently, Greece has also become associated with marvellous holiday opportunities through its beaches, crystal clear waters, marvellous historical sites, great food and fabulous people. There are so many destinations on both the mainland and islands of Greece that it’s hard to know where to start first in terms of choosing a destination. Yet one thing should be clear from the outset; while you’re in Greece you’ll want to get the most out of your experience.

Walking in Greece – getting the most out of your holiday

The majority of tourists to Greece tend to visit a relatively small number of main centres. Their holiday is usually based around a major resort, typically on a beach and there may be a few short day-trips by coach to see some sights. There’s nothing wrong with that at all but, if you’re interested in seeing a little more of the “real” Greece and a little less of the pool and beach, a walking in Greece holiday may be for you.

These holidays are taken in many parts of Greece including the Peloponnese, Samos, Crete, Rhodes and other locations. There are guided walks under the supervision of an expert and well-qualified tour leader and you’ll get the chance to see rural Greece at its best, or the wildlife of some of the more the remote parts of the countryside. You’ll come across isolated bays and inlets or mountain villages – places that most tourists will never see.

If that’s not appealing enough, then some of Greece’s best-kept historical secrets are far more easily reached on foot than by coach or car. You may even get to Delphi and ask the Oracle what the future holds for you! To see large parts of Greece, your own feet are often the very best way to get there – and you’ll see far more en-route in so doing.

Walks for all tastes

Don’t worry, unlike Pheidippides who ran 26 miles after the battle of Marathon in 490BC to bring Athens news of their great victory over the Persians, you won’t have to push yourself too hard! There are plenty of holidays to choose from and many are specifically arranged to allow a gentle pace for people to explore at leisure.

Walking in Greece holidays also cater for the modern tourist’s demands for comfort. Your guided walk accommodation and daily itineraries have been provided to ensure that you don’t get too stretched and are able to relax in civilised and pleasant surroundings at the end of the day. Your tour leader is there not only to act as an expert in helping you see all that there is to see, but also to ensure that you’re being well looked after in terms of creature comforts.

Guided walks in Greece – not just for the countryside

If you’ve ever visited a major city overseas, you may have found it a good but possibly a very tiring and even intimidating experience. That’s why there are also walking in Greece holidays that include walks around Athens and other major urban areas to admire at the art, history and architecture under the helpful eye of an experienced tour leader. You won’t get lost and you won’t miss anything important.

The walking holiday – a growing phenomenon

As people increasingly recognise the benefits of exercise, walking holidays are booming. Lying around all day eating and drinking is becoming less fashionable – and perhaps for good reason. So walking in Greece may be not only be very enjoyable, but possibly better for your health than a conventional break!

About The Author:

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London

Dance on Taverna Tabletops

After walking in Greece the last thing that you’re going to want to do with those tired feet is dance on taverna tabletops, so we’ll leave that to the locals. You may want to take advantage of the lashings of local food and drink on offer during the feast day of the Virgin Mary, so plan your walking trip around 15th August to take advantage of the eating and merriment. No matter where you are in Samos, every village square and every local taverna will be hosting their own celebrations. Wine and music play a big part in the celebrations and most followers of the Greek Orthodox religion will have been fasting for a fortnight prior to this date.

Splash Around in Samos

When you’ve been walking in Greece on a warm summer afternoon, the idea of swimming in a nice cool lake can seem like heaven; but what about entering a swimming tournament? In the town of Pythagario, swimming tournaments are just a small part of the celebrations intended to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Mikali. The anniversary takes place on August 6th and if you don’t like the idea of competing against an Olympian in the swimming races, you can simply watch the local children dance a traditional Samoan dance, called the ‘Sirtos’, in their local costume. Religion plays a big part in the anniversary celebrations, but the sermons are all in Greek so you may want to give them a miss. Foodies will be delighted to know that the Battle of Mikali has its own designated dish; giorti. Giorti is made with minced lamb, grains and paprika and doesn’t look dissimilar to porridge. However, giorti is a lot tastier, and will definitely fill you up after a long day walking in Greece.

Feast with Fisherman

By now you should have spotted a distinct formula to a Greek festival; dancing, eating and wine. If you head to Pythagario in June during the Feast of the Fisherman you’ll be delighted to find that the food and wine are free. The food consists of fresh fish delivered by the local fishermen and is organised by the local council. The festival wouldn’t be complete without dancing and this goes on throughout the night. If you’re planning to continue walking in Greece the next morning, you may want to rest your feet earlier on in the evening so that you are good to go.

Party for Panagia Vrondiani

Remember giorti? Well it makes another festival appearance on the 6th and 7th of August. In fact, anyone who plans a trip walking in Greece during the first week of August may find themselves in the midst of a three-day party. Straight after the celebrations commemorating the Battle of Mikali end, the feast day of Panagia Vrondiani begins. Dancing in the tavernas, followed by local wine and giorti are very much the flavour of the next two days. Walking during the day and feasting with the locals at night? It certainly sounds like the perfect holiday combination to us.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London. 

Gyros

If you build up a healthy appetite following a day of walking, in Greece you have the satisfaction of knowing that a good gyros awaits you in practically any restaurant you walk into. You may well be familiar with the doner kebab served in kebab houses throughout the UK; well this is along the same lines but a lot, lot better.

Gyros’ originate from a large vertical pillar of meat turning around on a spit. Rather than being made of one single column of processed meat like back home, the traditional gyros is comprised of lots of layers of succulent strips of real meat. This mouth-watering treat will not only fill you up but will also provide you with a taste sensation to enjoy after a long day of walking. In Greece, gyros is usually served in pita bread after being shaved off the pillar. It’s delicious and filling, so make sure you try it.

Moussaka

You many well have tried versions of moussaka back home, but when you next go walking in Greece, you should find an opportunity to try this local delight. Aubergine is the key ingredient of this delicious meal, but that’s just the start. Moussaka is made in layers: cooked aubergine in olive oil makes up the base, followed by a second layer of mince (usually lamb), and topped off with white sauce or egg custard, all baked in the oven.

When you go walking in Greece, you’ll realise that there is no end to the variations of moussaka that you will encounter. If you walk through different regions of the country, try moussaka in all of them and judge for yourself which region makes the tastiest dish.

Souvlaki

Souvlaki is classic Greek fast food, so next time you are walking in Greece and don’t have much time to stop off for a meal, this is a good option. It consists of a mix of vegetables and meat cooked on a skewer. It can then be eaten either straight from the skewer or from your hand, depending on where you are eating it.

The meat can vary, and although pork is the traditional choice, chicken is often used as well. It is generally served with a side salad, garnish or fried potatoes, but if you are in a rush then you can even eat it whilst walking. In Greece this is a very popular dish and unless you are a vegetarian then you will almost certainly find yourself tucking into a good souvlaki at some stage of your trip.

Eat Your Way Around Greece

There are many more delicious Greek dishes to try out when you are walking in Greece, and this is just a start. Baklava, horta vrasta and the famous Greek salad are served pretty much everywhere you go, so if you build up an appetite next time you go walking in Greece you know that you are never far from a mouth-watering dish to keep you going.

About The Author:

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London

The Ancient Acropolis

To the north of the modern Sparta, you’ll find the site of the ancient Acropolis. This extensive site takes you back in time and truly shows the glory of Sparta. Consisting of the Roman Agora, the Church of Christ Saviour, the Temple of Athena Chalkionos, the theatre, and many other archaeological remains, this impressive site does not fail to portray the power for which the Spartans were so famous. Offering some of the most fascinating ruins you’re likely to see whilst walking in Greece, the ancient Acropolis will transport you back to the original Sparta.

Mystra

Follow the road eight kilometres out of Sparta, and sooner or later you will come across Mystra. A city once enclosed within walls, Mystra’s history is long and complicated. However, today the remains of its castle, churches and mansions, and what’s left of the walls enclosing it, remain the only example of a medieval settlement left in Greece. Teeming with history and legends the slopes of this ancient town were declared an archaeological site in 1921, when the last inhabitants were removed. The site has now been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list and only the nuns living in the Pantanassa monastery remain. A popular place for those on holiday or walking in Greece, Mystra is full of myth and mystery.

Taygetus Mountains

The majesty of the Taygetus Mountains is inescapable. Taygetus itself, standing tall at 2407 metres high is one of the largest mountains in Greece. Named after Tayget, the daughter of Atlas, the rugged mountain looks down upon Sparta and Laconia, tempting all who visit to try to climb it. For anyone on holiday walking in Greece, tackling Mount Taygetus is a definite must. Walking in the foothills of the mountain you will come across olive groves galore, amongst other spectacular flora and fauna. However, for nature lovers, the real appeal of the spot is the birdlife. Lying on a major migration route for birds travelling from Europe to Africa, and covered in dense forest, this mountain is a haven for birds and birdwatchers alike.

Sparta has been represented as a powerful and strong Grecian entity for many years, and today, with Mount Taygetus looming over it as its protector, the modern Sparta still emanates this. Whilst you’re walking in Greece be sure to stop off at Sparta and enjoy the sense of seclusion that comes from being off the tourist track. As you wander around the ruins, let yourself be taken back to a different age that exists to us now only in books and on screen.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

The 6 ‘Must Haves’ for a Walking Holiday in Greece

1. Sunglasses

As Louis de Bernières pointed out in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the brightness of the light in Greece can be quite overwhelming for the first time visitor. Whether it’s the white-washed walls of the tavernas and villages, the hazy greens and browns of the fields or the striking blue of the sea that causes it, you’ll need something between the sun’s rays and your adjusting eyes! That’s not to say that walking in Greece is an uncomfortable experience, but there’s a reason why such a relaxed atmosphere descends upon the country when the sun is high in the sky. A good pair of sunglasses will help you drink in the amazing beauty of your surroundings without overloading your senses.

2. Fine Footwear

As you’re hiking in Greece it’s a given that you’d take a strong pair of walking shoes. With some sturdy footwear you’ll be able to roam over hot sands, pebbled stone and winding paths without impediment. But here’s an interesting question… what will you do as the sun begins to set? With such beautifully warm Mediterranean evenings to enjoy, it’s a good idea to bring some soft, open sandals that will let your feet breathe in the cool, soothing air. Remember, if your feet feel hot, you’ll feel hot and if they feel relaxed and free, so, in turn, will you. There’s no better way to spend an evening.

3. Phrase Book

Anyone who wants to walk in Greece and see the real, local country should have at least a few greetings stitched into their mind. With a simple ‘Yiá sas’ (‘Hello’) and a ‘Hérome yia tin gnorimía’ (‘pleased to meet you’), you’ll give an open impression of yourself to the people you meet on your travels, and will soon experience some of the warmest hospitality in the world. It’s surprising just how far you can get with even a basic phrase book, and there are few things quite as fun as exchanging compliments with a curious stranger, particularly if neither of you speak the other’s language.

4. Swimming Costume

One of the great virtues of walking in Greece, particularly in the warmer months, is the many attractive coastal routes that you can follow. The heat of the day need never inconvenience you as the cool waters of the Mediterranean are often no more than a stone’s throw away. So warm are the sea breezes that a towel may not even be a necessity. Come to think of it, many of the routes are so secluded and peaceful that the swimming costume may not be a necessity either!

5. Compilation of Greek Myths

Hiking in Greece is not only a feast for the senses, but a chance to explore the birthplace of classical literature. So many evocative myths and tales have come from Greece and her islands that you’re spoiled for choice at every turn. Whether this is at the remains of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi or by hoping to stumble upon Jason’s Golden Fleece, Aphrodite’s Girdle, or Hermes’ Winged Boots is up to you. However, a ball of twine is a wise investment if you plan to search for the Minotaur’s Labyrinth on Crete, as finding your way into its lair is famously easier than finding your way out.

6. A Guide Book

The wise old Greek leaders said that when walking in Greece, all paths go from the back of one church to the back of another church. Given the ubiquity of churches and chapels this isn’t a bad maxim to follow. However, in reality hiking in Greece isn’t that simple and paths can be extremely difficult to find, unless they are motorways like the Samaria Gorge on Crete. For this reason investing in a good map or guide book is a wise choice and going with a company that has already worked out the routes in advance definitely pays dividends.

You will not be able to resist the charm and beauty of Greece and once you fall under her spell – you will be smitten forever.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, a long-established and highly respected company. They have expertise in more than 70 different countries, offering over 250 holidays, including many related to walking in Greece, making them a superb choice for the discerning traveller.

The cradle of Western civilisation, Greece is a destination that mixes the myth with the modern, spectacular landscapes with ancient ruins. It is home to some of the most important ancient sights in the entire world, and walking in Greece is the best way to experience these remarkable places up close.

There are countless remarkable places to visit whilst walking in Greece, but these are three of the most remarkable…

Atlantis, The Sunken City

Ever since Plato first mentioned the lost city of Atlantis, it has captivated generations of archaeologists, historians, writers and artists. No one knows if the city ever actually existed, or where it might have been, but one school of thought believes that the most likely location of Atlantis is in the archipelago of Santorini. This archipelago used by a single island until thousands of years ago an enormous volcanic eruption separated the islands. There is evidence of an advanced civilisation that lived on the island before the eruption – many believe this to be none other than Atlantis itself.

Whether or not it is truly home to Atlantis, Santorini is a stunning island to visit. Vertical red and black volcanic cliffs plunge down and circle a part of the sea known as the caldera. The caldera is utterly spectacular, and the only thing that makes it even more remarkable is imagining the sunken city that may lie beneath the waves!

Delphi, Home of the Oracles

In the ancient world, prophecies changed the course of empires, and kings would make fantastic offerings of gold and silver in the hope of receiving a favourable prophecy. By far the most famous and prestigious oracles were the oracles of Delphi. Though they rarely spoke plainly – in one famous incident, King Croesus of Lydia asked Delphi what would happen if he went to war with Persia, and was told that ‘he would destroy a great empire’. He eagerly went to war, only to realise too late the prophecy referred to his own empire!

Today, Delphi is one of the essential historical sites to see whilst walking in Greece. It is home to a cluster of excellently preserved ruins, which include a temple, gymnasium, and a beautiful theatre. For a real taste of ancient Greek architecture, Delphi is a great place to visit.

Crete, The Land of the Minotaur

Even today, most children soon learn the myth of the minotaur, a terrible bull-headed monster that stalked a Labyrinth and who was eventually slain by the Greek hero Theseus. Crete was the mythical sight of this event, and the bull remains a potent and important symbol of Cretan culture. No one will ever know what historical basis the legend has, but the famous archaeological site at Knossos certainly ties in with the stories – the ancient labyrinthine palace is a remarkable sight.

In addition to the archaeological site, the countryside of Crete makes it one of the best places to go walking in Greece. Mountains, coasts, forests and traditional Cretan villages make it a diverse and rewarding place to explore on foot and the excellent weather means that it can be visited at any time of the year.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.