We know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Greece supposed to be a destination you visit to lie on a golden beach overlooking the Aegean as the ice slowly melts in your glass of Ouzo?
Now that you mention it…maybe we should just end this post here and grab some sunscreen.
But if we do, then you may never find out how to stay active while discovering one of the Mediterranean’s top destinations. Which is what Greece by Travelive invites you to do today.
Yes, enjoying Greece at a slow, leisurely, essentially “Greek pace,” is pretty much how its gods intended it to be.
But what if you’re looking for a bit more action? After all, even a lot of Greeks themselves, going back to antiquity, have been known to embrace an active lifestyle. And not just by dancing sirtaki and going on wine runs.
Even beyond the fitness routines of Olympian athletes, Greece has long been the original wellness destination, offering plenty of ways to get your daily steps in while discovering its landscapes, islands, mountains, and coastline. And here’s where, and how, to do it.
Athens — Mind, Body & Go!
Athens may be famous for moving philosophies, but there’s plenty of movement to be found in and around the Greek capital, too.
It can be something as simple as tackling Lycabettus Hill on foot instead of taking the funicular, earning those panoramic views the old-fashioned way. Or, for travelers looking to venture a little farther, the mountains surrounding Athens offer an entirely different side of the capital, where pine forests, wildlife, natural springs, and sweeping vistas replace ancient marble and urban bustle.
View Suggested Active Experience
- Hiking in Parnitha
Just 40 minutes from Athens, Parnitha offers a refreshing change of pace, where mountain air clears the mind and forest trails awaken the senses. Follow well-maintained paths through fir and pine forests, learning to identify animal traces and uncovering the remarkable flora of a mountain home to some 1,100 recorded plant species. Along the way, pause at natural springs and scenic viewpoints overlooking eastern Attica and the southern Evian Gulf before reaching Bafi Mountain Refuge at over 3,800 feet.
Peloponnese — Fairways, Trails & Tales
There are plenty of reasons why the Peloponnese belongs on your Greece itinerary, but the resorts of Costa Navarino around Pylos make a particularly compelling case for active travelers.
There, days can be spent perfecting your swing on one of four 18-hole signature golf courses, taking to state-of-the-art tennis courts, or trying your hand at the increasingly popular sports of padel and pickleball. And speaking of tennis, Costa Navarino is also home to the first European location of the renowned Mouratoglou Tennis Center.
Beyond Costa Navarino, the landscapes around Gialova offer another way to get moving, with scenic trails, bike routes, lagoons, and beaches all waiting to be explored.
View Suggested Active Experiences Outside of Costa Navarino
- E-Biking in Gialova Lagoon
Grab an e-bike and glide along a gentle path from Divari Beach, passing ancient olive groves and sweeping lagoon views while keeping watch for the more than 270 bird species that call Gialova home, including elegant pink flamingos. En route, trace the iconic omega-shaped Voidokilia Beach to the hidden Kalamaris waterfall, where crystal-clear waters spill amid lush green cliffs.
- Hiking in Gialova & Paleokastro
Set off on your own two feet for a half-day adventure through the natural and historical treasures of Navarino Bay. Follow a scenic trail around the Gialova Lagoon before crossing the dunes to the turquoise waters of Voidokilia Beach. Then, uncover the mythical cave of King Nestor and ascend to Paleokastro for sweeping views across the Ionian coastline.
Crete — Hike, Bike & Enjoy the Cretan Life
You can’t talk about moving through Greece without doing some island hopping in the process. And it’s hard not to land on its biggest island, especially if you’re looking to burn off some of those spanakopitas.
Chania in particular makes a perfect base for active adventurers. There, Crete’s White Mountains and rugged southern coast create an impressive playground for outdoor enthusiasts. More experienced hikers can tackle the legendary Samaria Gorge, while Imbros Gorge offers a shorter, more moderate route without sacrificing spectacular scenery.
Prefer two wheels? Then the backroads of the White Mountains are calling, inviting a cycling adventure through olive groves and orange orchards with the landscapes and flavors of rural Crete popping up along the way.
View Suggested Active Experiences Outside of Costa Navarino
- Imbros Gorge & Sfakia Hike
Follow a 5-mile trail from the fertile Askyfou plain toward Crete’s south coast, passing through changing landscapes and spectacular narrow passages along a route suitable for travelers in good physical condition, with no previous hiking experience required. Afterward, a dip in the Libyan Sea and a late lunch in the coastal village of Sfakia offer a chance to cool off in true Mediterranean fashion.
- Samaria Gorge Hike
For experienced hikers, Samaria Gorge is the ultimate Cretan challenge. Set out on a guided 10-mile hike through one of Europe’s most impressive limestone gorges, descending from the White Mountains to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli. After the hike, a refreshing swim and a rustic lunch in Sfakia reward the journey.
- Cycling in the White Mountains
Trade hiking boots for pedals in Crete’s iconic White Mountains. Ride a mountain e-bike along quiet backroads through olive fields and orange groves, passing through picturesque villages before stopping for refreshments beneath the plane trees. All before refueling with traditional Cretan snacks at a family-run taverna in Zourva and returning through the spectacular Therisso Gorge.
Greece, at the Right Pace
Maybe Greece was never meant to be explored at just one pace. Sometimes it calls for a leisurely afternoon by the sea; other times, it beckons travelers up a mountain, along a gorge, or onto a bike and into the countryside.
And with so many ways to stay active while discovering the country, the only question is where your travelers want to start.
Ready to put a little more movement into their next Greek adventure? Then contact our Greece by Travelive team at [email protected] and let us help you craft an itinerary that keeps them moving!
