Greece is a land of mountains and plains. Accompanied by an abundant exposure of the Mediterranean some islands of Greece are ideal for holidays. The highlands are also famous for their natural reserves of fine quality trees famous for their woods. The towns in this country are also luxuriously plenty with historical artifacts that can cover a continent at other places. It is natural that an outsider would love to go for minute exploration of these contrasting features of the country by walking/trekking in Greece. The two are not very dissimilar but it is recommended by some of the professionals in this trade to use walking for the mainland of the country and trekking for outer adventures. It is easier on foot and the joy of finding places long read in history is exquisite and one can always find that in the millenniums old reins of the country.
The places to see in this adventure can be any and some of the more prominent ones are discussed. The ability of a person and the complexity of a route are the factors which decide which places to chose for walking. It is though intimated that if one is interested to go through the beautiful natural abundance of this country then it is better to choose some hill, some beaches and some regular places. With introduction of GPS devices it is better to keep one when going out of the regular path. Sithonia is one such off the track places for walking in Greece. The place has beautiful beaches, the place has sea at three of its side (yes, it is a peninsula), sea surfing and scented pines to cover whole of the region. The walking expeditions here are taken for seclusion or privacy or to the indomitable spirit of human curiosity. Beaches covered by rocky mountains which make exploring the place and reaching near to impossible task, high altitude points reached through narrow passages that are chilling at points to give a view of the complete landscape that one dies with in memory are some the reasons for which the place offers walking expedition. There are no formal indications for trekking in this region. There are tree marks made by earlier travelers who have been mesmerized and wanted to share the feeling of surprise and divinity, some animal clearings for paths, some are haphazard to follow a particular landmark are the guides in this trekking. There are though helpful locals always eager to offer residence and food.
The better months of hiking are always when there is breeze and there is not so harsh a sun in the sky, January to May and October are very good and winter is avoided at any cost. Some of the routes of trekking are Elia to Petros rock from the beach to the rock this is a five to seven hour walk and is easy that even seniors can also try the route. In this route the unique Greek beehives are visible and literally accompany the walker through the trail. This is something many city dwellers will cherish for their life. In another route of Parthenonas there are observation points of military interest from the era when Greece was a respectable military power in the continent. The to and fro route takes more than five hours and there are some rise and fall patterns on the path, better to save energy by starting early and walk slowly. This is some touch of history in way to trekking in Greece.
The Porto Carras coastal walk is a different walking experience in that all along the route the path is coastal and accompanies the sea. The journey is more than five kilometers and the road is not safe in darkness. Better if it is completed in day time. The constant company of cool breeze is an added bonus of this trek. Ithaca is another place opened recently for trekking. There are ridged mountains in the tracks and chances of wild animals are not ruled out. Kalamos to Exoghi is one route where it is not recommended for people with walking difficulties. The scenery of the route is wild and beautiful and once taken the route one naturally returns for a repeat. In contrasting conditions to the earlier one another route starts from Kalamos where it reaches Perivoli beach. The route has small water streams running along it to make most of the path slippery, muddy. This is a descent on the beginning of the journey and climbs in end so be prepared to preserve energy on route. Such route for walking in Greece invites the world by its charms and the memories of celebrities the likes of Sophia Loren.
Scattered along the length and breadth of the country there are many small and unknown tracks inviting people from every corner of the globe to trek. They come and discover new tracks every year and from the following season a few more routes are included in the itinerary of the walkers. Many parts still remain unexplored in this country and with the exemplary rapidity shown it is safely forecasted that there will be many more routes to trek in a few years. Enthusiasts should remember some basics before starting on trekking. Footwear that is tough for the rigor of climbs but not hard on the feet to damage it. Adequate supply of food and water when one is trying to find new routes. A good GPS system or map, well defined is better. Light cloth comfortable to the body and not heavy to hold on the sweat. Some antiseptic cream, some regular medication for forest ailments and mosquito repellent cream for the body are also necessary. Some sun protection, body cleanser, sanitizer and other medicinal supply that can reduce the chances of infections. Torch is important in any form. It can also be lantern but not rechargeable, it is better if the light source is solar powered or battery operated and there is provision to carry surplus supply of battery. Even there can be need for other protections which will reduce the risks in trekking in Greece like instant bandages and stick on supply.