4 Best Greek Island Hiking Destinations for Autumn 2026

Autumn is arguably the best season for hiking in Greece. As the summer heat fades and the crowds disappear, the islands transform into a hiker’s paradise with mild temperatures and clear Aegean horizons. Whether you are looking for well-marked networks or rugged, untamed paths, the Greek landscape in October and November offers a serenity that is hard to find during the peak season.

While islands like Crete, Sifnos, and Amorgos have gained international fame for their structured hiking networks, there is one destination that remains the ultimate “insider” secret for 2026. Ikaria stands apart not just for its trails, but for the way it integrates nature with the island’s legendary slow pace of life.

Beyond language learning: Explore Ikaria’s paths and nature, or enjoy a peaceful community stay at Ikarian Centre.

In Crete, the Samaria Gorge is a bucket-list experience, but it can often feel like a highway of tourists. In Sifnos, the “Sifnos Trails” are impeccably maintained and elegant, perfect for those who enjoy a more “polished” outdoor experience. Amorgos offers dramatic cliffs and the famous Hozoviotissa Monastery, providing some of the most photogenic ridges in the Cyclades. n Andros, the ‘Andros Routes’ network offers a lush experience filled with running waters and ancient stone bridges, feeling more like mainland Greece than the Cyclades. It is an excellent destination for those who love water and shade, though the experience often remains strictly sightseeing-oriented

However, hiking in Ikaria—especially around the Arethousa region—is a completely different experience. Here, you aren’t just a tourist on a trail; you are part of an ancient landscape where the paths (monopatia) still serve as the veins of the local community. The lack of commercialization means you can walk for hours through oak forests and granite ridges without meeting a single soul, except perhaps a local shepherd.

See our Greek language lessons and the Immersion homestay structured Greek lessons we offer on the Greek island of Ikaria!

Choosing Ikaria for your autumn 2026 hiking trip means choosing authenticity over “instagrammable” spots. It’s about the reward at the end of the trail: a coffee at a local kafeneio where time has literally stopped. If you want to combine physical activity with a deep dive into Greek culture, the ridges of Ikaria are waiting for you.