Discover Greece's captivating national parks instead of Santorini, offering awe-inspiring canyons and Europe's longest gorges as appealing alternatives.
Explore the diverse landscapes of Greece with these five national parks, each offering unique natural features, biodiversity, and trail challenges suited for various levels of outdoor adventure.
Samaria Gorge National Park
Hike through Europe's longest gorge, the 16-kilometer Samaria, and experience towering rock walls up to 980 feet high and the narrow "Gates" section that's only 3 meters wide. This dramatic and challenging trek takes you from the White Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. The park is also home to the endemic kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat [1][4].
Olympus National Park
Home to Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Greece and mythological home of the Greek gods, this park offers diverse hiking trails ranging from forests to alpine terrain. With a rich biodiversity, including rare flora and fauna, Mount Olympus is a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers [1][3].
Parnassos National Park
Known for its mixed forests and mountain landscapes, Parnassos National Park is particularly popular for hiking and outdoor activities around the Parnassos massif. The park features forested slopes of fir and cedar, and at higher altitudes, alpine pastures covered with colorful flowers [1].
National Marine Park of Zakynthos
Greece's first marine protected area, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos is crucial for marine biodiversity. Famous for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting beaches, this park offers nature exploration combining coastal walks and sea life observation [1].
Vikos-Aoös National Park
Featuring the vertiginous Vikos Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, Vikos-Aoös National Park offers spectacular canyon hiking with rich biodiversity and pristine nature. The park includes forested mountains, rivers, and traditional villages, making it a less commercialized destination with an authentic nature experience [1][4].
More to Discover
In addition to these parks, there are other hidden gems waiting to be explored. Prespa National Park, located on the border of Greece, Albania, and Northern Macedonia, is a haven for birds, with a diverse range of avian species, including curly pelicans, purple herons, and white-tailed eagles [2].
Vikos-Aoos National Park also offers less adventurous visitors the opportunity to admire the views from the lookouts, while the Voidomatis River twists and turns at the bottom of Vikos Canyon, creating a turquoise ribbon-like appearance [3].
Hiking in Vikos Canyon can be challenging due to its steep terrain and potential for vertigo, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort [3]. Mount Parnasse, known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, is popular among hikers and climbers in summer, and the Parnassos ski resort attracts winter sports enthusiasts in winter [4].
Mount Olympus, home to over 1,700 plant species and may offer sightings of golden eagles or griffon vultures, is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, featuring steep paths, pine and beech forests, alpine pastures, and rocky peaks [4].
These parks highlight Greece's diverse landscapes, from rugged gorges and alpine peaks to marine environments, making them top destinations for hiking enthusiasts and nature explorers.
[1] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/europe/greece/ [2] https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/hidden-byzantine-treasures-and-rupestrian-hermitages-prespa-lake-greece-001214 [3] https://www.visitgreece.gr/en/destinations/the-mainland/europe/greece/thessaly/parnassos [4] https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/oct/05/greece-hiking-olympus-mountain-national-park-travel-guide
Engage in a unique home-and-garden experience as you stroll along the tranquil banks of the Voidomatis River, twisting and turning at the bottom of Vikos Canyon in Prespa National Park.
Experience a perfect blend of travel, sports, and lifestyle while traversing the challenging trails of en-vols within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos,Observing the majestic loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in their natural habitat.
