The Greek Islands Trail is a long-distance trail made up of the best trails of each of the Cyclades islands. It’s a years-long dream coming to fruition. A path that will pass through all the Cyclades and that will be the most important long route in the country. As Greece is known abroad with white and blue colors, the trail in question comes to highlight this image, as well as the culture and rich geology of the Cyclades to the international hiking public. Our vision is for Greek islands trail to become one of the top trails in the world. The aim of the «Greek Islands Trails - Cyclades» is to connect the best trails of each island of the Cyclades in a single hiking route from island to island. It is hoped that this route will be the main entrance and introduction to global hiking tourism in our country. The «Greek Islands Trails - Cyclades» program is implemented with the funding of the initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, Cycladic Identity, with the support of the South Aegean Region and local bodies. For more information about Cycladic Identity visit www.cycladicidentity.gr
The Greek Islands Trail is a long-distance trail made up of the best trails of each of the Cyclades islands.
It’s a years-long dream coming to fruition. A path that will pass through all the Cyclades and that will be the most important long route in the country.
As Greece is known abroad with white and blue colors, the trail in question comes to highlight this image, as well as the culture and rich geology of the Cyclades to the international hiking public. Our vision is for Greek islands trail to become one of the top trails in the world.
The aim of the «Greek Islands Trails – Cyclades»is to connect the best trails of each island of the Cyclades in a single hiking route from island to island. It is hoped that this route will be the main entrance and introduction to global hiking tourism in our country.
The «Greek Islands Trails – Cyclades» program is implemented with the funding of the initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, Cycladic Identity, with the support of the South Aegean Region and local bodies.
Interviewing the member of Paths of Greece, Antonis Panou, about the maintainance of hiking paths Antonis Panou is a member of Paths of Greece and specializes in waymarking and maintaining hiking paths. He has been part of our team for about 5 years and has traveled all over Greece in order to implement hiking trail networks, always with the highest standards. Antonis took part in the Paths of Greece trip to Central Europe! How do you describe paths maintainance? What exactly do we mean when we say we clear paths? Today people don’t use the hiking trails for their transportation, so nobody is caring for them. Thus, the old paths were abandoned and lost, and after years became one with nature. However, in recent years many people have the need to get in touch with nature. To do this, the best way is to hike a trail. Trail clearing is necessary for this to happen. When we clear paths we mean the following: trees and big bushes with thorns that nothing can get through. Rotten fallen trees and stones. Even in cases where we encounter low dense vegetation, getting through will most likely cause wounds. The cleaning of stones and some small technical works such as building steps are part of the cleaning. There are also the maintenance works which are mainly the cleaning of the seasonal vegetation. It is tedious work and requires patience but the result is of great importance. Once the cleanings are done it’s like you’ve opened up a new world. Which routes do we maintain and why? Initially, the clearing is done with the aim of creating a new hiking trail network. The trail networks consist of old trails, recently surveyed and mapped, that have not been walked for many years. These are usually lost
Interviewing the member of Paths of Greece, Antonis Panou, about the maintainance of hiking paths
Antonis Panou is a member of Paths of Greece and specializes in waymarking and maintaining hiking paths. He has been part of our team for about 5 years and has traveled all over Greece in order to implement hiking trail networks, always with the highest standards. Antonis took part in the Paths of Greece trip to Central Europe!
How do you describe paths maintainance? What exactly do we mean when we say we clear paths?
Today people don’t use the hiking trails for their transportation, so nobody is caring for them. Thus, the old paths were abandoned and lost, and after years became one with nature.
However, in recent years many people have the need to get in touch with nature. To do this, the best way is to hike a trail. Trail clearing is necessary for this to happen.
When we clear paths we mean the following: trees and big bushes with thorns that nothing can get through. Rotten fallen trees and stones. Even in cases where we encounter low dense vegetation, getting through will most likely cause wounds.
The cleaning of stones and some small technical works such as building steps are part of the cleaning. There are also the maintenance works which are mainly the cleaning of the seasonal vegetation.
It is tedious work and requires patience but the result is of great importance. Once the cleanings are done it’s like you’ve opened up a new world.
Which routes do we maintain and why?
Initially, the clearing is done with the aim of creating a new hiking trail network. The trail networks consist of old trails, recently surveyed and mapped, that have not been walked for many years. These are usually lost in the vegetation. So, to make them accessible again, we clean them of grasses, blackberry bushes, fallen trees, bushes, thorns, tree branches and generally dense vegetation and stones. Then, as I mentioned, maintenance cleanings are also done on some paths annually.
When is the best time to do maintainance?
The best time for maintainance is Spring, since that’s when the vegetation blooms and grows. For example, if the clearing is done in February, then it is very likely that in April many places will have become a “jungle” again from the seasonal vegetation.
What is the best method of maintainance?
The best method is the classic method that has always been used, that is, with manual work and a lot of patience. The only difference today is that we have better tools with more options. An example of reliable tools is that of the Fiskars company.
The best recipe is a strong team, good communication, teamwork, timing, good tools and good organization in general is what is needed to make cleaning easy.
What is tiring you the most during maintainance?
As I mentioned earlier, the best time for maintainance is Spring, because of the flowering of plants and the growth of vegetation. Unfortunately, we don’t always have that option. In short, what is most tiring is the heat and the sun. Not all paths pass through shaded forests. There are many places in Greece that are rocky, without tall vegetation. In such places we try to avoid the summer season. If we are there in the summer months, then we start as early as possible, even before dawn.
I will also mention a combination of vegetation, which, if we encounter it, is sure to make our work very difficult. There are sometimes bushes, big, dense, with rich foliage and many branches, which block the path. These branches are often connected to a central trunk. If you find the trunk and cut it, then the whole bush goes away, without much effort and a lot of time. However, there are similar bushes with the difference that the branches are not connected. This makes it very difficult to clean them, especially when there are tangled blackberry bushes inside them.
Finally, I personally get tired of rocky places, which are full of stones, low vegetation, bushes, thorns and no trees anywhere. Such vegetation, in such places, modern tools cannot help. Therefore, cleaning is traditionally done with hoes and pickaxes, i.e. by digging. No shade anywhere and digging all day, I get tired just thinking about it. Of course, we’ve done those too. We cleaned the paths of Kasos with hoes and hand tools during July!
What kind of tools do you use to clear paths?
Agricultural tools. Very basic are the chainsaw and brush cutter. From there, hand tools such as hoes, pruners, pickaxes, saws, scissors, machetes and rakes. Finally a branch shredder.
In regard to mechanical tools there are some companies that have very good products and you can easily buy good tools that get the job done. But there is an issue with hand tools, as there are many companies in the trade that do not have quality tools, that is, they are garden level, for personal use. For the last year we have been using tools from the Finnish company Fiskars, which so far have proven themselves very well, tested in the most difficult conditions, such as in Kasos.
Finally, I want to say that in Greece there are many difficult and wild places. I believe that the big agricultural tool companies should test their products in the Greek nature. If their tools can withstand this test, then they will know they are the best. In general, the enemy of tools is stone, and Greece is full of stone.
If someone wants to maintain a trail in their area, where would you suggest they start?
If someone wants to clear a path, there is no easy solution. He has to go and clear it with his tools and his hands. First you start with the difficult obstacles, such as fallen trees, thick branches, large bushes, thorns and large stones. Then, if necessary, you go through with the lawn mower and rake, and clean.
In other cases, you may have to do all the work with the lawnmower alone. Always depending on the vegetation of each place.
If the path has various elevations, it is best to start from the top to the bottom. Depending on the landscape and vegetation you get the appropriate tools.
Depending on the type of work and the place, there is the possibility that a permit from the local forestry is also needed. Therefore, it would be good to consult with the relevant services before starting work.
Trail Waymarking by Paths of Greece As mentioned in the previous posts, the trail waymarking we use in our hiking networks can be divided into the following categories. Direction waymarking by color Direction waymarking with color, is done by applying color to suitable surfaces within the route and follows a specific typology. Its purpose is to clearly guide the hiker, and to create a feeling of security during his hike. Trail directional signs Trail directional signs are placed at major intersections and contain destination, time, and distance information. Trail entry signs Trail signage with entry signs is very important for all trails. It clearly defines the starting points of the route. These signs contain the title of the route, its map, its features, and other useful information. Central trail signs Trail signage with central signs consists of large-sized maps, depicting the entire area and hiking routes. They list all the useful information of the routes and their descriptions, so that everyone can choose the route that suits them best. They are placed in the most central parts of the area.
Trail Waymarking by Paths of Greece
As mentioned in the previous posts, the trail waymarking we use in our hiking networks can be divided into the following categories.
Direction waymarking by color
Direction waymarking with color, is done by applying color to suitable surfaces within the route and follows a specific typology. Its purpose is to clearly guide the hiker, and to create a feeling of security during his hike.
Trail directional signs
Trail directional signs are placed at major intersections and contain destination, time, and distance information.
Trail entry signs
Trail signage with entry signs is very important for all trails. It clearly defines the starting points of the route. These signs contain the title of the route, its map, its features, and other useful information.
Central trail signs
Trail signage with central signs consists of large-sized maps, depicting the entire area and hiking routes. They list all the useful information of the routes and their descriptions, so that everyone can choose the route that suits them best. They are placed in the most central parts of the area.
Marking of footpaths with central signs Central trail signs are large in size and act as a summary, presentation and promotion of an area’s hiking and cycling network. They are placed in central, high-traffic areas and are intended to make the hiking experience more accessible for visitors. Contents of central signs The main theme of the central trail signs is an overall map of the area, presenting in an easy and comprehensible way the topography, settlements, roads and, of course, the designated hiking and cycling routes. The maps we use have been created by the specialized cartographic company Staridas Geography. Central signs provide basic information for each route, including: completion time, length, altitude differences, degree of difficulty and, title. In addition, the central sign can show directions for the routes that pass through that specific point. The partners, contributors and supporters of the program are listed at the bottom of the sign. Also, important contact numbers, the address of the hiking network’s website and a QR code are provided for easy download of route files to users’ mobile phones. Hikers can use the central signs to plan their holidays and explore the area on foot, while non-hikers can learn about new trails nearby. Product quality With durability and aesthetics in mind, we use signs made from durable stratimage material, which guarantees unaltered quality for a decade. Alternatively, 1 mm thick aluminum sheet can be used, which is screwed to a wooden backing made of marine plywood. The signs are usually supported on stakes made of recycled plastic. We avoid canopies and heavy constructions because they do not offer any additional protection and have a large volume that causes visual nuisance. At Paths of Greece we work exclusively with Staridas Geography and the internationally recognized cartographer Spyros Staridas. We think his maps
Marking of footpaths with central signs
Central trail signs are large in size and act as a summary, presentation and promotion of an area’s hiking and cycling network.
They are placed in central, high-traffic areas and are intended to make the hiking experience more accessible for visitors.
Contents of central signs
The main theme of the central trail signs is an overall map of the area, presenting in an easy and comprehensible way the topography, settlements, roads and, of course, the designated hiking and cycling routes. The maps we use have been created by the specialized cartographic company Staridas Geography.
Central signs provide basic information for each route, including:
completion time,
length,
altitude differences,
degree of difficulty and,
title.
In addition, the central sign can show directions for the routes that pass through that specific point.
The partners, contributors and supporters of the program are listed at the bottom of the sign. Also, important contact numbers, the address of the hiking network’s website and a QR code are provided for easy download of route files to users’ mobile phones.
Hikers can use the central signs to plan their holidays and explore the area on foot, while non-hikers can learn about new trails nearby.
With durability and aesthetics in mind, we use signs made from durable stratimage material, which guarantees unaltered quality for a decade. Alternatively, 1 mm thick aluminum sheet can be used, which is screwed to a wooden backing made of marine plywood. The signs are usually supported on stakes made of recycled plastic.
We avoid canopies and heavy constructions because they do not offer any additional protection and have a large volume that causes visual nuisance.
At Paths of Greece we work exclusively with Staridas Geography and the internationally recognized cartographer Spyros Staridas. We think his maps are perfect both aesthetically and functionally.
Τοποθέτηση κεντρικών πινακίδωνPlacement of central signs
Central trail signs are usually placed on recycled plastic stakes or directly on a surface such as a wall.
Often, plywood is used, on which the aluminum sign is placed, and this in turn is screwed to the stakes. This is applied in many cases where there is a need for greater stability.
If you are interested in the development and marking of paths in your area, you can contact us to discuss the best solutions. We will be happy to help you with the planning and implementation of the paths and the corresponding signage. Let’s promote together the exploration of nature and the enjoyment of the hiking network in your area.
Marking paths with entry signs Marking with entry signs is required for all trails. These signs are used at the entry of each route, in locations such as town squares. They can improve the experience of hikers as well as attract new inexperienced people. Contents of entry signs Trail entry signs must provide all useful trail information, including: length,, time, degree of technical difficulty, effort intensity, sense of risk, max/min altitude, total ascent/descent and more. This allows hikers to fully understand whether the route meets their needs. In addition, trail entry signs act as promotional material for the hiking network. Through these signs, it is likely to attract even people who had no intention of hiking. They provide information and encourage visitors to discover the beauty of the trails. Arrangement of entrance signs Entry signs are mounted on trail directional sign posts and are divided into 4 parts. At the top is the code and name of the route. The central section shows the map of the route, which is the result of specializedcartographic/graphic editing. At the bottom are the basic characteristics of the routes, such as distance and degree of difficulty. In addition, there are QR codes that allow users to download route files to their mobile phones. The partners, contributors and supporters of the program are listed in the lower part. Product quality With durability and aesthetics in mind, we use signs made from durable stratimage material, which guarantees unaltered quality for a decade. Alternatively, solid aluminum, at least 3mm thick, can be used. The signs are usually supported on stakes made of recycled plastic. At Paths of Greece we work exclusively with Staridas Geography and the internationally recognized cartographer Spyros Staridas. We believe that his maps are perfect from both an aesthetic and functional standpoint. Placement of entry signs Trail
Marking paths with entry signs
Marking with entry signs is required for all trails. These signs are used at the entry of each route, in locations such as town squares. They can improve the experience of hikers as well as attract new inexperienced people.
Contents of entry signs
Trail entry signs must provide all useful trail information, including:
length,,
time,
degree of technical difficulty,
effort intensity,
sense of risk,
max/min altitude,
total ascent/descent and more.
This allows hikers to fully understand whether the route meets their needs.
In addition, trail entry signs act as promotional material for the hiking network. Through these signs, it is likely to attract even people who had no intention of hiking. They provide information and encourage visitors to discover the beauty of the trails.
The central section shows the map of the route, which is the result of specializedcartographic/graphic editing.
At the bottom are the basic characteristics of the routes, such as distance and degree of difficulty. In addition, there are QR codes that allow users to download route files to their mobile phones.
The partners, contributors and supporters of the program are listed in the lower part.
Product quality
With durability and aesthetics in mind, we use signs made from durable stratimage material, which guarantees unaltered quality for a decade. Alternatively, solid aluminum, at least 3mm thick, can be used. The signs are usually supported on stakes made of recycled plastic.
At Paths of Greece we work exclusively with Staridas Geography and the internationally recognized cartographer Spyros Staridas. We believe that his maps are perfect from both an aesthetic and functional standpoint.
Placement of entry signs
Trail entry signs are mounted on stakes or trail directional signs. They are fixed on the stakes by screwing them on with nuts, at the back side of the stake. This process is carried out in such a way that the visibility of the direction sign is not affected.
If you are interested in the development and marking of paths in your area, you can contact us to discuss the best solutions. We will be happy to help you with the planning and implementation of the paths and the corresponding signage. Let’s promote together the exploration of nature and the enjoyment of the hiking network in your area.
Trail directional signs The signage we use at Paths of Greece can be divided into three main parts: marking with colour, which indicates the direction of the route. We have mentioned it in previous blogs. marking with directional stakes and information signs. In this article we will refer to trail directional signs. Contents of directional signs The marking with direction signs is done at the starting points of the route and at the main intersections. It aims to determine the position of the hiker. It includes information such as: the point or settlement to which each leg of the route is directed to (intermediate and final destination), the distance in kilometers, the estimated time required for hikers to reach the destination and finally, the route code. Also, the direction signs can contain the toponym of the specific point, indications of dangers, altitude, etc. Such information is necessary to enable hikers to do their own planning. This of course depends on the strength and appetite of each person. Additionally, this information provides a greater sense of security. Advantages of directional signs At Paths of Greece, with international experience and know-how, we have marked many kilometers of trails. Thus, we have seen and tested many marking systems. We have concluded that the best way to mark Greece’s hiking trails is a marking system with four-sided stakes. Signs with indications of destinations, distances, times and directions are screwed to their sides. We choose this method as opposed to traditional signs that have only one side of a large size, because we believe that with four sides we gain a multitude of advantages: Because of the four sides it can hold more information than on one side. The four sides allow a better indication of the direction of the route. The combination of the side and
Trail directional signs
The signage we use at Paths of Greece can be divided into three main parts:
marking with colour, which indicates the direction of the route. We have mentioned it in previous blogs.
marking with directional stakes and
information signs.
In this article we will refer to trail directional signs.
Contents of directional signs
The marking with direction signs is done at the starting points of the route and at the main intersections. It aims to determine the position of the hiker.
It includes information such as:
the point or settlement to which each leg of the route is directed to (intermediate and final destination),
the distance in kilometers,
the estimated time required for hikers to reach the destination and finally,
the route code.
Also, the direction signs can contain the toponym of the specific point, indications of dangers, altitude, etc.
Such information is necessary to enable hikers to do their own planning. This of course depends on the strength and appetite of each person. Additionally, this information provides a greater sense of security.
Advantages of directional signs
At Paths of Greece, with international experience and know-how, we have marked many kilometers of trails. Thus, we have seen and tested many marking systems.
We have concluded that the best way to mark Greece’s hiking trails is a marking system with four-sided stakes. Signs with indications of destinations, distances, times and directions are screwed to their sides.
We choose this method as opposed to traditional signs that have only one side of a large size, because we believe that with four sides we gain a multitude of advantages:
Because of the four sides it can hold more information than on one side.
The four sides allow a better indication of the direction of the route. The combination of the side and the arrow can indicate the exact course.
The information is shared on many sides and thus we avoid visual oversaturation. Each side has specific information, making it easy to read.
Less intrusive than the bulky signs commonly used.
Greater resistance to corrosion due to small size. Large protruding signs are more affected by natural phenomena.
They are a combination of functionality, simplicity and aesthetics.
Its small size results in lower costs and greater ease of installation and correction.
Trail directional sign material
Another important aspect of marking stakes is the material used. Now, instead of wood, we use 100% recycled (and recyclable) plastic. These materials are compressed and take a form largely similar to that of wood.
The positives of recycled plastic are many and important. For example, the longevity of the material is longer, as it does not corrode like wood. At the same time, its elasticity allows it to deform and return to its original form under great pressure. Equally important is the greater resistance to fire effects than wood.
Of course, among the positives is the great environmental impact, as well as the awareness of the population regarding new alternative technologies that deal with the modern problem of uncontrolled pollution and reckless consumerism.
Installation of direction signs
The sign posts are installed with the longevity of the sign in mind and the prevention of vandalism. At the same time, an effort is made for as little intervention as possible in the natural environment.
The installation process begins with digging a pit, approximately 0.5m – 1m deep, depending on the height of the stake itself.
Then, an iron rod is wedged vertically at the base of the pile, in order to stabilize it.
The stake is placed in the hole and the space around it is gradually filled with cement and stones.
The cement stops about 5 cm below the soil surface and the filling continues with soil.
Depending on the individual circumstances, a stake may not be driven into the ground, but placed on a surface, such as a wall or a terrace, by using studs.
Of course, no method is absolute and optimal. We believe that improvement comes through dialogue and exchange of views.
So comments and suggestions are welcome!
Interested in trail development and signage in your area?
Partnership with Outdooractive In February 2023, our collaboration with the global platform outdooractive.DACH, which specializes in all types of adventure tourism, officially began. We came into contact during the World Trails Network Conference, which took place in Skiathos in the summer of 2022, with the aim of contributing to the accurate and detailed depiction of Greek regions, hiking routes and any other type of outdoor activity. We hope for a fruitful cooperation, which will upgrade the position of Greece as one of the top hiking destinations around the world. Now, every Greek destination will be able to be seen on the outdooractive platform, which has over 60 million users! For more information please contact us! https://www.outdooractive.com/…/paths-of-greece/802064788/
Partnership with Outdooractive
In February 2023, our collaboration with the global platform outdooractive.DACH, which specializes in all types of adventure tourism, officially began.
We came into contact during the World Trails Network Conference, which took place in Skiathos in the summer of 2022, with the aim of contributing to the accurate and detailed depiction of Greek regions, hiking routes and any other type of outdoor activity.
We hope for a fruitful cooperation, which will upgrade the position of Greece as one of the top hiking destinations around the world.
Now, every Greek destination will be able to be seen on the outdooractive platform, which has over 60 million users!
10 years Paths of Greece! In 2021 the Social Cooperative Enterprise “Paths of Greece” celebrates its 10th anniversary! We recall the experiences and emotions we experienced in this process: The emotions we felt looking for paths lost in time and the stories of the past, the stories we learned in our encounters with local people, the creative enthusiasm of building paths, but also the genuine joy that we feel when we hear compliments about our work from hikers. All this gives us strength to continue with even greater passion and determination! In the past 10 years, we have studied, restored, sign-posted and promoted paths that we truly love. Below we mention some paths which we consider to be milestones in our journey, not because they are more important than the rest, but because they gave us the impetus to improve what we do. Kythera Trails Our journey with Paths of Greece started on Kythera island, at the end of 2010, where through synergies, research and a lot of volunteer work, a network of hiking trails was created with multiple benefits for the local community that every year expands and operates more efficiently. This was followed by works in Patmos, Mount Paggaio, Ymittos, Fiskardo in Kefalonia and elsewhere. Hikers walking on one of the spectacular hiking Kythera Trails International Trail Consulting Paths of Greece participated in the 3rd World Trails Conference organized in South Korea in 2014 by the World Trails Network (WTN). There, the co-founder of Paths of Greece, Fivos Tsaravopoulos, was elected Treasurer of the International Board of Directors of the organization and the conditions were officially created for the transfer of our know-how outside Greece. In the following years we provided international trail consulting in China, Japan and Albania. Through the World Trails Network we have a strong interaction with the developments in the world
10 years Paths of Greece!
In 2021 the Social Cooperative Enterprise “Paths of Greece” celebrates its 10th anniversary!
We recall the experiences and emotions we experienced in this process: The emotions we felt looking for paths lost in time and the stories of the past, the stories we learned in our encounters with local people, the creative enthusiasm of building paths, but also the genuine joy that we feel when we hear compliments about our work from hikers. All this gives us strength to continue with even greater passion and determination!
In the past 10 years, we have studied, restored, sign-posted and promoted paths that we truly love. Below we mention some paths which we consider to be milestones in our journey, not because they are more important than the rest, but because they gave us the impetus to improve what we do.
Kythera Trails
Our journey with Paths of Greece started on Kythera island, at the end of 2010, where through synergies, research and a lot of volunteer work, a network of hiking trails was created with multiple benefits for the local community that every year expands and operates more efficiently. This was followed by works in Patmos, Mount Paggaio, Ymittos, Fiskardo in Kefalonia and elsewhere.
Hikers walking on one of the spectacular hiking Kythera Trails
International Trail Consulting
Paths of Greece participated in the 3rd World Trails Conference organized in South Korea in 2014 by the World Trails Network (WTN). There, the co-founder of Paths of Greece, Fivos Tsaravopoulos, was elected Treasurer of the International Board of Directors of the organization and the conditions were officially created for the transfer of our know-how outside Greece. In the following years we provided international trail consulting in China, Japan and Albania. Through the World Trails Network we have a strong interaction with the developments in the world of trails, having created international relationships and collaborations of special value.
From the international trail consultation in the region of Kanas, China.
Sifnos Trails
The next big stop for us was the creation of the Sifnos Trails hiking network. Sifnos for years tried – unfortunately in fragments – to become a hiking destination. In collaboration with the island’s municipality, we way-marked the trails, created an identity as well as the appropriate tools for the promotion of the network – website, application for smartphones, QR-codes, recording of routes with Google Trekker, twinning with other hiking networks in the world, dynamic presence in exhibitions and magazines abroad (France, Germany, Sweden, Poland etc.). The result was that Sifnos emerged as one of the top hiking destinations in Greece and the tourist season on the island has been extended with quality tourism.
Transporting sign-posts for the trails of Sifnos, in collaboration with the local society.
Chania Trails
In Sifnos we realized that the good cooperation between the local authorities, the local population and the specialized advisors in the development of paths brings spectacular results. The success in Sifnos was followed by our studies in various parts of Greece, from Alexandroupolis to Prespes and from Karpathos and Kasos to western Crete, where we gradually undertook to study all the paths of the Regional Unit of Chania.
We discovered forgotten mountain passes, trails in fairytale forests, Roman roads, and especially areas of infinite natural beauty and exceptional cultural wealth, to which the average interested walker unfortunately did not have access. The network we are planning in western Crete, with the valuable cooperation of the regional and local authorities as well as the local community, will exceed 600 kilometers in length. Its operation and maintenance will also be based on the tight cooperation of local authorities and the local community.
The moment of discovery of an ancient Roman road near Sougia, in Chania, Crete.
Hikers’ Friendly
In 2018 Paths of Greece launched the Hikers’ Friendly Accommodation Certification, a guide, in essence, advising hotels across the country in an effort to upgrade their facilities and services so that they can meet the requirements of the hiking community. Through our contact with local communities all over Greece, we promote the investment in the Hikers’ Friendly model. It is an important step that the hosting sector should take, especially in the post-Covid-19 era, if it aims at becoming a driving force for the lengthening of the tourist season, increase of revenues, and greater awareness of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the country. Hikers Friendly certification is entering a new era in 2021, adapting to the needs of the market.
Trail Certification
The organization in October 2019, in Kythira island, of the first seminar in Europe for the training of auditors of the “Green Flag Trails”, a World Trails Network certification, was another very important station for us. The certification Kythera Trails received during the seminar was a recognition of international prestige for the quality of the work of Paths of Greece on the island.
Collaborations
All these years we have built excellent collaborations on a solid foundation, on the main axis of mutual trust and respect for the experience and skills of each partner. Our goal has always been to provide the most complete, specialized and innovative services. Among the collaborations we honor, we mention Staridas Geography, Instinct Design, Kappagram, Stonewave, ForestPlan, Med-INA, Diadrasis and Green Life and Lysiteleia as our closest partners.
Next steps
Since our establishment in 2010, our vision has been for Greece to become one of the top hiking destinations in the world. We believe that 10 years later, our country is moving in the right direction to achieve this goal. On our tenth birthday, we decided to set as our new vision that hiking becomes part of the daily life of our fellow citizens.
In addition to getting to know our nature, culture and history that they generously offer, trails promote our good physical condition and health, with a positive impact on public health. In the years we leave behind we have experienced intensely the direct dependence of human life on nature through the effects of climate change and the pandemic. Nature sends its own messages urging us to turn toward a sustainable way of life as a necessary condition for the normalization of humanity’s relationship with the natural environment.
Thus, from 2021 we start an ambitious educational program, which aims to bring younger and older people close to the trails, to promote hiking as a way of life, to bring hikers close to the inexhaustible natural and cultural wealth of Greece and to promote sustainable, collective values for a better future.
To achieve this, at Paths of Greece, we will continue our action towards creating the conditions so that every resident of our country, even in urban centers, can easily and quickly have access to walking trails.
Special offers for HIKERS FRIENDLY travellers! We have recently launched a series of special #hikersfriendly offers, in an attempt to propose alternative traveling experiences, with a strong hiking element, for friends that are currently planning their summer – and autumn – excursions around Greece, and want to get to know some of the most well known, but also less famous, rising, hiking destinations of this beautiful country! 15 #hikersfriendly Hotels invite us to hike around the natural and cultural beauty that surrounds them offering us special benefits. Zakynthos (Zante) island, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades islands of Amorgos, Naxos, Serifos, Sifnos and Tinos, Skiathos and Leros islands, as well as the wider region of Metsovo & Zagori in Epirus, you choose your preferred hiking destination, which you can enjoy exploring, starting from your certified #hikersfriendly Hotel! Because every unforgettable hiking experience starts with great hospitality Click on the link below to make your special #hikersfriendly booking, and…off you go: https://hikersfriendly.com/special-offers/
Special offers for HIKERS FRIENDLY travellers!
We have recently launched a series of special #hikersfriendly offers, in an attempt to propose alternative traveling experiences, with a strong hiking element, for friends that are currently planning their summer – and autumn – excursions around Greece, and want to get to know some of the most well known, but also less famous, rising, hiking destinations of this beautiful country!
15 #hikersfriendly Hotels invite us to hike around the natural and cultural beauty that surrounds them offering us special benefits. Zakynthos (Zante) island, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades islands of Amorgos, Naxos, Serifos, Sifnos and Tinos, Skiathos and Leros islands, as well as the wider region of Metsovo & Zagori in Epirus, you choose your preferred hiking destination, which you can enjoy exploring, starting from your certified #hikersfriendly Hotel! Because every unforgettable hiking experience starts with great hospitality
