Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trekking Hellas (
Click here
) offers half-a-dozen possibilities, including the Ladonas
and Alfios Rivers in the Peloponnese, the Arahthos River in Epiros and the Aheloos
Psyrri) offers rafting and kayaking on the Ladonas River, which hosted the kayaking at
the 2004 Olympics, as well as on another three rivers throughout Greece.
Land Activities
Hiking
The majority of Greece is mountainous and, in many ways, a hikers' paradise. The most
popular routes are well walked and maintained; however, the
EOS
(Greek Alpine Club;
210 321 2429; Plateia Kapnikareas 2, Athens) is grossly underfunded and conse-
quently many of the lesser-known paths are overgrown and inadequately marked. You'll
find EOS branches in Epiros, Crete (Greek Mountaineering Association) and Evia
(Halkida Alpine Club).
The Lousios Gorge and the Mani, both in the Peloponnese, are two of the best places
in Greece to explore on foot.
Hiking on the islands is particularly rewarding. On small islands you will encounter a
variety of paths, including
kalderimia,
which are cobbled or flagstone paths that have
linked settlements since Byzantine times. Other paths include
monopatia
(shepherd's or
monk's trails) that link settlements with sheepfolds or link remote settlements via rough
unmarked trails. Be aware that shepherd or animal trails can be very steep and difficult to
navigate.
If you're going to be venturing off the beaten track, a good map is essential. Unfortu-
nately, most of the tourist maps sold around the islands are completely inadequate. The
(
www.terrainmaps.gr
), both Greece-based companies.
Spring (April to May) is the best time for hiking; the countryside is green and fresh
from the winter rains, and carpeted with wildflowers. Autumn (September to October) is
another good time, but July and August, when the temperatures are constantly up around
40°C, are not much fun at all. Whatever time of year you opt to set out, you will need to
come equipped with a good pair of walking boots to handle the rough, rocky terrain, a
wide-brimmed hat, a water bottle and a high UV-factor sunscreen.
A number of companies run organised hikes. The biggest is Trekking Hellas (
Click
