Winter Escapes in Greece; Extreme Getaways

If you ever thought that Greece is a destination only worth-visiting during summertime, well, I’m here with this series of pages to prove you definitely wrong.

As promised in part 4, I am now back to present a few alternative winter escapes in Greece that await to be discovered and that would definitely steal your heart!

If you’re an extreme sports lover then you’ll definitely appreciate the suggestions that follow. As mentioned previously, Greece is a country that cannot only be limited or characterised as an idyllic summer destination.

So now let’s suppose that you are one of those people who simply doesn't get fascinated about visiting the Greek destinations just for their beaches and sun. Your blood’s running fast and you need something extreme, something more breath-taking than chilling at a beach and enjoying your sunbed. You wanna feel your adrenaline rising and you wanna get in touch and explore the Greek natural paradises! Hiking, trekking, mountain biking, climbing and wandering into the greenery is just what characterises you and what you’re looking for during your travels. You’re an eco-tourist who just loves experiencing new challenges into the wild! So here we go, this page was made for you. Here’s a list with some of my personal favourites alternative and extreme getaways offered in Greece!

1) Climbing Olympus Mountain, the residence of the 12 Gods

Olympus is the highest mountain of Greece. It is the first declared National Park of Greece and has been included in Unesco's World Network of Biosphere Preserves since 1981. The mountain is rich in tree and plant life, supporting over 1700 species, some very rare. Climbing Olympus takes two days but you can easily spend longer if you like, it’s all up to your personal planning. The majority of the Mt. Olympus trails can be hiked throughout the year, provided that you are properly equipped and the weather so allows. On that trails refreshment also comes of local tasty food or an overnight stay in mountain huts or at dedicated accommodation for hikers.

2) Hiking the Gorge of Samaria

The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete. This majestic gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it. But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it.

3) Discover the Greek Grand Canyon

For the Hiking Lovers a visit should definitely be paid to the gorge of Vikos, also known as the Greek “Grand Canyon”. There’s one famous route starting at the base of the Vikos Gorge. The route takes about 6 hours and it is well marked with many signs. At the same time, if you enjoy climbing you should visit Smolikas as it rises to a height of 2637m, being the second highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus!

4) …and last but not least, that’s a call for the mountain-bikers !

You’ve tried mountain biking before but now you’re in Greece as a tourist. You need to find people and associations who share your interests and your passions. And here you are! Experience, no fear of grunts or grinders, and a love of mud and dust are prerequisites for a hardcore mountain biking holiday in Greece. Feel the adrenalin and follow your passions in wild paths and mountainous destinations!

Sounds like a good winter plan right? Stay tuned, part 6 is on its way!

Cheers!