The Best Trail Running Routes in Greece

Greece has no shortage of impressive mountain ranges, resplendent beaches, and diverse terrains, making it one of the best destinations for trail running.

Trail running is the perfect excuse to ditch the pavement and sidewalk for a running experience in a more natural environment, and where better to do that than on one of the beautiful trails in Greece?

For those wanting to enjoy the views at a gentler pace, many trail running routes are also excellent for hiking. Either way, the myriad of exciting routes in Greece, each offering a combination of natural beauty and challenging terrain, makes it difficult for any lover of the outdoors to resist lacing up their shoes and taking to the trails.

The benefits of trail running

The most obvious benefits of trail running are derived from the location of the activity. Running in the great outdoors surrounded by natural beauty is infinitely more interesting than the urban and suburban routes most of us tend to take on our weekly or daily runs. This is even more so the case when compared to the static environment of the indoor treadmill.

One study, appearing in the peer-reviewed journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, found that just 90 minutes spent in a natural setting lessens negative brain activity, providing even more motivation to get outside and walk or run along the trails.

There are tremendous physiological benefits as well that are likewise backed up by academic research.

For example, a recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that trail running may increase the stimulation of the neuromuscular system and boost aerobic performance to a greater extent than road running.

The following list of the best trail running routes in Greece is based on over 5,000 reviews compiled by AllTrails, an online database of trail maps with an active community of runners and hikers.

Imerovigli – Oia (Santorini)

This particular route is on the island of Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular destinations for tourists. For those wanting to swap cocktail glasses for running shoes, this 8.2km trail running route offers a moderate challenge and stunning views of the coastline of the iconic Caldera.

The route takes an average of 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. The course commences at Imerovigli, situated in the northern region of Fira, and progresses towards the north, subsequently westward, eventually concluding in Oia.

Mouzakia – Mavro Vouno Hill – Oia (Santorini)

This entry in the list is another route on the island of Santorini. Owing to the island’s stunning natural beauty, it comes as no surprise that it provides some of the best hiking and trail running routes.

The route begins at the asphalt road in the Mouzakia area and follows a path that leads directly to the Mavro Vouno hill, passing by the Psilos Stavros church. The view from this point is breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the Caldera, the northern region of the island, and the settlement of Oia. The route then descends towards the Profitis Ilias church, traverses past the desalination plant, and finally enters the charming and scenic village of Oia.

The route is about 8.5km long and is considered to be one of the easier trails.

Byzantine road (Paros)

This route stretches for 6km along the old Byzantine road on Paros island. In fact, it is the oldest road on the island and dates back to about 1000 AD.

Beginning at Lefkes village, the trail heads east towards Prodromos village. The route leading to Prodromos is predominantly paved, with a gentle downhill slope, so it is suitable for people newer to trail running or hiking.

The trail meanders through picturesque olive groves, providing stunning panoramic vistas of the sea, nearby mountains, and surrounding villages.

Zolotas Refuge (Mount Olympus National Park)

This route is on the Greek mainland at the Mount Olympus National Park along the out-and-back trail near Litochoro, Central Macedonia.

The primary trail leading to the Spilios Agapitos (Zolota) shelter is a popular route that commences at Prionia. The well-defined path is clearly marked and ascends gradually, ultimately reaching the shelter. Along the way, runners and hikers can enjoy the magnificent vistas of the neighboring peaks of Olympus, the Enipeas Gorge, and the surrounding region. These breathtaking views are both stunning and awe-inspiring.

With a distance of 12.2km and an elevation gain of 998 meters, this route is more challenging than the previous trails on the list.

Cave of Ioannis the Hermit and the Katholiko Fjord (Crete)

This 4.5km trail route is located near Chordaki on Crete, the largest island in Greece. It is considered to be a moderately challenging route and is popular with runners, hikers, and backpackers.

The trail running/hiking route leads to the northernmost point of the Akrotiri peninsula, which is situated north of Chania city. The route traces the steps of the ancient monasteries that were once used by people seeking to isolate themselves in order to connect with God. The area is rugged, untamed, and characterized by dry, windswept landscapes that lend themselves perfectly to such a spiritual quest.

The rocky terrain is dotted with caves that would have provided the perfect refuge for those seeking solitude. The route ultimately leads to a charming little fjord nestled between the rocks on the seashore.