Although Greece is a famous relaxed beach holiday destination, there is far more to the country to explore. With a varied and rugged topography, Greece is a great destination for outdoor adventure sports. Whether you’re looking for rugged hiking trails, challenging rock climbing, or peaceful kayaking, Greece has something for everyone. Here are some of the outdoor adventure sports opportunities in Greece:

Hiking

Greece is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and is mountainous for over 80%. Hiking is a great way to explore the untouched nature, hidden in the rough landscape. From the mountains of Crete to, the rugged coastline of the Peloponnese, there are countless hiking trails to choose from. Some popular trails include the Samaria Gorge, the Meteora Monasteries, and, of course, Mount Olympus.

Rock Climbing 

With its rugged coastline and towering cliffs, Greece is a popular destination for rock climbing. Some popular climbing spots include Kalymnos, Meteora, and Elafonissi.

Scuba Diving

Greece is home to some of the most beautiful waters in the Mediterranean, and scuba diving is a great way to explore them. The waters around the Greek islands are home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses, and sea turtles. 

A great diving location is Alonissos National Marine Park, a protected marine area, where you can spot endangered species like turtles, dolphins, and even seals. Besides, there are many shipwrecks around Greece which make for a perfect underwater scenery to explore!

Surfing

Greece is not the most trustworthy country when it comes to waves. Therefore it is a popular wind- and kitesurfing destination. However, Greece does have some spots with waves. Surfers can find good breaks along the western coast of the mainland and on the island of Crete. Popular spots include the beaches of Chania and Vassiliki. 

Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular water sports in Greece, thanks to its strong Meltemi winds and beautiful beaches. Both Windsurfing and kitesurfing are challenging sports. Therefore in many Greek areas, lessons and even summer camps are available. Great surfing spots include Pounda on Paros, Psalidi on Kos, and Keros on Lemnos.

Mountain biking

Greece offers a great variety of options for mountain biking, from rocky trails to smooth dirt roads. Some popular spots for mountain biking include Parnitha, Pilio, and Pelion.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Greece has a diverse coastline with plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Some popular spots include the rivers of Epirus, the Gulf of Corinth, and the beaches of Chania and Vassiliki.

Parasailing

Parasailing is a great way to get an aerial view of the Greek islands and coastline. Some popular spots for parasailing include the beaches of Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore the Greek coastline and islands. Some popular spots include the beaches of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.

Canyoning

Greece has some great canyons, with crystal-clear waters and impressive rock formations. Some popular canyoning spots include the Vermion Mountains, the Pindus Mountains, and the Vikos-Aoos National Park.

Skiing

Greece has several ski resorts, mostly located in the mountains of northern Greece. Some popular ski resorts include 3-5 Pigadia, Elatochori, and Seli.