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August 6, 2017

On and Off the Trails in Greece

By WT Adventurer Steve Hathaway
Europe Hiking & Trekking Traveler Stories

10-time WT Adventurer Shares His Photo Journal From his Time on the Trails in the Greek Isles

WT adventurers Steve and Elaine Hathaway joined our Greece: Zagoria and Mt. Olympus journey a few years ago and it inspired them to return to Greece on our Hiking in the Greek Isles trip in 2017. Here are some great images from their adventure.

We had thoroughly enjoyed hiking in and around the tiny villages of Zagoria of northern Greece, seeing the Meteora monasteries, and hiking to the top of Mt. Olympus (Greece: Zagoria and Mt. Olympus). I would say that we fell in love with the Greek culture and wonderful food on that trip, all the while being entertained by our “larger than life” Trip Leader, Kostas Vasileiou. So we placed the Hiking in the Greek Isles journey on our “to do” list.

Our opportunity to return to Greece came in May 2017. And who do we run into in the taxi line to get to our hotel in Athens? Our two guides, Kostas and Dimitra! It was a fun reunion from the very beginning as our group of 10 set out with Kostas on our odyssey to the Greek Isles. We visited three islands in the Cyclades—Tinos, Naxos, and Amorgos. What’s wonderful about these islands is that they are “off the beaten path,” with very few other tourists. We hiked through some lovely villages with white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and had wonderful lunches and dinners. Kostas loves introducing everyone to a variety of tasty Greek foods, all served family-style so that you can sample it all. And if you like swimming, the Aegean is crystal clear (though it was slightly chilly this May).

A group of hikers walks along a stone path on a steep cliffside in Greece, with a view of the blue ocean below and rocky outcrops in the distance.
Kostas leading the group down a stone path on Amorgos with the beautiful Aegean in the background.
The image shows the Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, with its iconic columns and partially ruined structure against a clear blue sky. Surrounding trails add to the allure of this historic landmark.
A trip to Greece is not complete without a tour of the Acropolis.
Three people with backpacks hike a stone path in Greece, with a scenic view of a coastal town and the sea in the distance, epitomizing the allure of travel along these historic trails.
Hiking back to our hotel on Tinos before walking to the beach for a late afternoon swim.
White church with a wooden door and bell tower, adorned with vibrant bougainvillea flowers on the side, under a clear blue sky. A cat sits near the steps of this off-the-trails gem in Greece.
A few delightful things you will see throughout the islands—white-washed churches, vines of blooming bougainvillea, and cats.
A group of people posed behind a white stone wall in front of a small white church with a cross on the gate, under a clear blue sky, capturing the serene beauty of Greece.
Taking a short break at a small chapel on Tinos.
A group of people walking near a small white and blue chapel on a hillside in Greece, with greenery, flowers, and scenic trails around, all beneath a partly cloudy sky.
One of the hundreds of blue-domed chapels found throughout the islands.
A group of people with backpacks and sun hats hike along scenic trails towards a windmill and a white building on a rocky hillside in Greece, all under a clear blue sky.
Just starting our morning hike near one of the ancient windmills that can be found throughout the Cyclades.
A signpost with multiple white arrows, indicating distances to cities like Berlin (1997 km), New York (8166 km), and Sydney (15122 km), stands against a mountainous backdrop, guiding hikers along Greece trails and beyond.
Even on little Amorgos, you are never far from the major capitals of the world!
A bright blue door and window are surrounded by vibrant purple bougainvillea on a white wall, with a large terracotta pot at the base and stone steps leading up to the entrance, evoking the charming trails of Greece.
Another stunning door with blooming bougainvillea.
Two people wearing outdoor gear sit in front of a dilapidated stone structure, surrounded by small green shrubs and plants, under a foggy Greek sky, taking a break from their travel along the rugged trails.
Resting at the one of the ancient windmills at the top of Mt. Krikelos (2,200′) on Amorgos.
On the way to lunch at a seaside taverna after a morning hike.
Our group spent three hours on Mykonos, where we ran into our son’s college roommate and his wife. It’s a small world!

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