Descending to Lissos Beach in Crete | <i>Jaclyn Lofts</i> Trekking in Zagoria Walking along the Ag Roumeli coast on Crete Zagoria bridge Loutro harbour in Crete | <i>Jaclyn Lofts</i> The stunning coastline of Crete Island features fine sandy beaches and tranquil blue water Hiking through Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete | <i>Hetty Schuppert</i> Samaria Gorge, Crete

Self Guided Walking Holidays in Greece

Explore Greece's ancient ruins and spectacular views on a self guided walking tour

Ancient Greece was the origin of democracy, history and theatre. Successive civilizations – Mycenaean, Classical, Byzantine – have left a language and a culture which survived centuries of Ottoman Turkish rule to re-emerge in the 19th century as modern Hellas. This was partially aided and abetted with the encouragement given by the young Lord Byron, who helped inspire the Greeks to throw off the Ottoman Empire.

In the modern age, the beaches, islands, ancient monuments and shrines such as Delphi and Dodoni still inspire the traveller, however there is so much more to the country. Few would realize, but it is, after Switzerland, Europe’s most mountainous state, with Mount Olympus, legendary home of the gods, reaching almost 10,000 feet/2900 metres. The main mountain axis extends from the Pindos range in the north, through the Peloponnese and on to the island of Crete. Within the Pindos range are the wild and remote Zagoria Villages, famed for their  traditional stone-roofed houses, and also the monasteries perched on the pinnacles of Meteora. Greece is botanically rich, notably Mt. Olympus and the Pindos peak of Smolikas.

Our self-guided walking holidays are fully flexible which means you can normally start your walk on any day during the season and customise by adding extra days for resting or sightseeing. As you're walking independently, you're free to follow the trail at your own pace. You set your own pace as you are not limited by the constraints of group travel. You are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so. As long as you are reasonably active you will be able to find a suitable tour and all of our tours are graded to help you choose the right walk for you.

Find your Greece trip

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Why travel with us

Self Guided Walking Specialists in Greece

We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore Greece at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Great Value & Quality Trips in Greece

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guidebooks along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your self guided walking holiday in Greece.

Personal Experiences

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot.

Responsible travel

Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Bed & breakfasts (B&Bs)

Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.

Guesthouses

Similar to bed & breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.

Meals

Breakfast is included on all our walks and will generally consist of breads, meats, fruit, tea, coffee & juices. Where evening meals are included, these will generally consist of 2-3 courses. Greek food is very well known internationally and you will be able to enjoy the classics such as a greek salad, moussaka, grilled meats, fish and baklava.

Trip reviews

Country information

Currency

Euro

International Dialing Code

+30

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in Greece is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

In the first half of 2025 it is expected that the ETIAS travel authorisation will be introduced requiring online application before travel. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for more details.

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area – note that a new entry/exit system will be introduced in 2025. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en for more information. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.