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There is good reason why Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Aphrodite and the rest of the clan chose Greece as their home. With its piercing blue seas and rugged rocks and mountains, it is a place for deities, heroes and myths. It is also the perfect destination to enjoy an active holiday, with options that range from mountaineering, rock climbing, via ferrata, hiking, swimming, skiing and more and for all levels too! Furthermore, all that action can be paired with leisure, making for the perfect complement of outdoor adventure and after-sport fun. Not to mention, that Greece also boasts delectable cuisine to savor and fuel-up for the next adventure.
The question is Aegean, Ionian, Cretan or Mediterranean Sea? Because Greece has them all, and 227 inhabited, needless to say gorgeous, islands too, plus mountains galore that make up 80% of its surface area. With so much to choose from, studying your options well and going with a certified guide is a must. Find the perfect tour for your Greek adventure here and read our pick of top 5 tours to enjoy a thrilling active holiday in Greece!
Considered to be “home of the Gods”, Mount Olympus is also a national park since 1938 with breathtaking landscapes, and amazing vegetation and wildlife. Furthermore, its varied terrain makes it ideal for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts.
There are two main trails to climb Mount Olympus. The Prionia Trail (1,100m) takes you through valleys, lakes, the Agios Dionysios Monastery, forests, and different peaks is breathtaking and the most popular route. Otherwise, the Gorstia Trail is a bit longer, though less challenging in terms of terrain and less crowded. These routes usually take two to three days to complete, with overnight at some of the mountain huts in the area. There are also other, more challenging options to climb Mount Olympus, but keep in mind you will need to be properly prepared. In all cases, going with a certified guide ensures you make the most out of the experience and that you do so safely.
But it’s not only the quantity that counts, it’s also the top quality of the rocks. You will find amazing crags with stalactites and tufas, slabs and more, plus breathtaking views and seaside options for when you want to take a break from the climbing.
Kalymnos is divided into four basic climbing areas. The largest concentration of rock climbing options is in the center and the north of the island. The south of the island is perfect for those that want a more remote experience, and there is also an option of taking a ten-minute boat ride to a smaller island of Telendos. Whichever your preference, an experienced guide will be able to find the right itinerary for your needs.
Greece usually brings to mind sandy beaches rather than snowy mountains, but in fact, with around 80% of its surface area covered in mountains, it is a great option for winter sports! And, because it is a more unexpected ski touring destination than say Switzerland, it is less crowded.
Peaks in Greece are not as high as in the Alps, it’s true, however, in winter you can find pristine powder snow at altitudes of just 1,000 m.a.s.l. and with the sea right down below.
The Pindus mountains is a range to the north of Greece, with Mount Smolikas, at an altitude of 2,637 m.a.s.l as its highest point. Other important mountains in the area for ski touring include Mount Grammos, Mount Vassilitsa, Gamila, Lakmos and more! Furthermore, this region of Greece also boasts many historic and architectural landmarks that you can visit when you’re done with the powder.
The most majestic and historic location in Greece, plus, the biggest of its islands, is Crete. Once the center of the Minoan civilization, the oldest known civilization in Europe, it is home to the palace of Knossos and also the alleged birthplace of Zeus, all good enough reasons to visit.
Furthermore, this popular tourist destination is also a hiking and swimming haven with mountains, valleys, gorges, rivers, lakes and of course turquoise lined beaches that sparkle under the sun. It helps that it is said to boast one of the healthiest climates for humans to live in!
The Aoos Valley lies on the banks of the Aoos river that gets its name from the Greek Adonis, who was the lover of Aphrodite. Imagine then how beautiful this region is with its bright green vegetation and emerald waters.
It is surrounded by Mount Smolikas, The Tymfi massif, the Vassilitsa dual peaks, and Trapezitsa and is a great place for many outdoor adventures including Via Ferrata that will allow you to access some of its most beautiful stunning spots.
Whichever your preference, Greece has an option for you that promises a sense of wonder. Choose one of the guides featured at Explore-share.com and enjoy both culture and the thrilling wilderness on a fun-packed active holiday to Greece you will never forget!
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