‘Eat, beach, sleep, repeat’ is some people’s idea of a dream vacation, but it’s by no means for everyone! If you’re on the lookout for a big adventure post-Covid lockdowns, here are our ideas for the best outdoor activities Greece has to offer.
Mountaineering on Mount Olympus
Did you know that over 80% of Greece is mountainous? There are over 40 mountain ranges with peaks over 2000m so there is no shortage of excellent hiking on offer, on both the mainland and islands. Greece’s most famous mountain is also its highest: Mount Olympus – the home of the Gods. This blockbuster mountain is a World Biosphere Reserve, Greece’s first National Park, and there are over 30 species of mammal and 100 different species of bird that live here. Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks so there are a whole host of hikes to suit every ability. For the ultimate hiking challenge, take on the 2917m summit called Mytikas, on a two-day hike. Camping and watching the sunset over a range, so steeped in mythology, is the ultimate Greek experience.
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Kitesurfing and Windsurfing in Paros
Cycladic island Paros is famous for colorful villages, picturesque fishing harbors, and charming Greek tavernas. From mid-May to mid-September, the strong and dry “Meltemi” wind blows here. As well as cooling down the islands, this wind makes Paros the perfect location for windsurfers and kitesurfers, from beginners all the way up to the best in the world (the Professional Windsurfers Association World Championship took place on Paros for numerous years). The most popular beaches to get involved with some breezy action include Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Santa Maria, and Pounda.
Skiing in Northern Greece
Skiing in Greece? Yep, you read that right! For a country better known for its beautiful beaches, skiing in Greece is genuinely great – stunning mountain scenery, charming villages, pleasant weather, and a good variety of slopes for all abilities. Two hours from Athens, Mount Parnassos (the home of the Muses in Greek mythology) houses the biggest downhill ski resort in the country. The resort boasts over 20 runs and is the ideal place for someone to kickstart their skiing or snowboarding journey.
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Snorkelling to see the sunken city of Pavlopetri
Even if you’re not a qualified diver, it’s definitely still possible to view unbelievable underwater sights and marine life in Greece’s azure seas. One of our favorite snorkeling spots in Greece houses the remains of the 5000-year-old sunken city of Pavlopetri in the Peloponnese. Pavlopetri, which thrived for around 2,000 years before it was claimed by the sea, is thought to be one of Europe’s first ‘planned’ cities, with distinct residential and commercial neighborhoods. Recreational diving is banned at Pavlopetri, so the only way to see the UNESCO-protected site is by snorkeling.
White water rafting in the Peloponnese
One of the best ways of experiencing Northern Greece’s spectacular Tzoumerka mountains is by donning a wetsuit, lifejacket, and helmet and getting your adrenaline up while rafting down the Aracthos river. Our highlight is passing by the destroyed Plaka bridge – which, built-in 1866, used to be the largest one-arch bridge in the Balkans before it was destroyed by flooding in 2015.
Rock climbing in Kalymnos
Kalymnos – a small island in the Icarian sea, a short hop from Turkey – is one of the best places to climb in the world. Since the climbing community discovered the joys of the island’s gigantic limestone cliffs in 1995, the island has grown into a world-class sports-climbing destination that attracts both professionals and casual climbers alike. Watching experienced climbers take on the jaw-dropping Grande Grotto is nothing short of epic!
Bungee-jumping at the Corinth Canal
Make like Icarus and take to the skies! Flinging yourself off tall things might seem like an activity more akin to a trip to New Zealand or South Africa than Greece. However, the 80-meter plunge from the Corinth Canal has been described as one of the best bungee jumps in the world. The views at the top of the jump into the sheer gorge of the canal are simply stunning and the cord can be weighted to allow you a refreshing dip in the waters of the canal below.
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Sea kayaking in the Sporades
The Sporades means ‘scattered islands’ and the best way of exploring the 24 islands that make up this beautiful Aegean island complex is by paddling. Nothing too arduous in terms of waves here. It is so flat it is almost like kayaking in a swimming pool – albeit with coves, sea caves, and beautiful beaches to discover. Stop for snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and picnic on uninhabited islands. The ultimate Castaway adventure!
Sailing in the Ionian islands
Off Greece’s Western coastline, the Ionian Islands have inspired many historical and literary figures from Homer and Odysseus to Captain Corelli. The relatively calm summer winds of the Ionian sea provide the perfect setting for a relaxing Greek sailing adventure. Spend days sailing the tranquil waters in the sunshine, before mooring in a sleepy port next to a harbourside taverna and dine on freshly-caught fish and sip local wine. Highlights include Zakynthos’s instagrammable Navagio Beach, Lefkada’s legendary white sand beaches, and hidden gems Paxos and Antipaxos with their luminous sapphire waters and secret coves. Why not hire a skipper if you really want to max-it relax-it?
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