Greece – walking through history

There’s surely no better place than Greece to feel the history of millennia under your feet as you walk through ancient landscapes. Redolent of myth and legend, it is considered to be the birthplace of Western civilisation, and of course influenced the development of democracy, philosophy, science, art and sport.

On Foot’s four self-guided walking holidays in Greece explore different facets of the country’s landscapes, from islands to mountains. Whether you know this land well or have not yet visited it, there is so much to discover.

Arcadia, in the centre of the Peloponnese region, was home to Pan, the God of the Wild, one of the oldest and most colourful of the Greek Gods. Described by the poet Milton as ‘the bounteous Pan, the god of rural scenery, shepherds, and huntsmen’, he’s a character that is easy to imagine as you walk through woodland glades and mountain pastures along the Menalon Trail.

The peaceful island of Andros was not always so – in fact it has been invaded or pillaged by its Mediterranean neighbours from all directions over the centuries. Modern day visitors can still recognise Venetian and Byzantine architecture in the charming old town of Chora that is the heart of the island.

Beneath the surface of Naxos lies the unblemished white marble that has been beloved by sculptors since Neolithic times, and which adorned Classical Greece’s most holy places. One of the delights of this route is the discovery of ruined temples and half-finished statues along the way. On neighbouring Amorgos a highlight is the remarkable thousand-year-old Chozoviotiza monastery, clinging doggedly to cliffs above the sea.

The mountainous Zagori region is most remarkable for its recent history. The remote, stone-built villages around the Vikos Gorge were wealthy in the 18th and 19th centuries, but suffered from depopulation and poverty in the 20th until a spirited regeneration in recent years. Zagori families hold their heritage close, and are determined to maintain their traditions while quietly and sustainably opening up to visitors. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its unique cultural landscape.

Choose your Greek walking holiday here

Explore more On Foot Holidays around Europe

Following a glorious summer in 2025 with lots of gorgeous walking weather, now is the time to look at a walk in the United Kingdom for 2026! From strolling through fields of gambolling lambs in May, to striding out across the moors in summer or exploring autumnal woodlands, this diverse land has so much to offer.

Our approach to creating walking routes in the UK has been to seek out something truly unique. You won’t find yourself just following the same long-distance trails as everyone else – we’ve found the best local experts to put together imaginative and inspiring holidays that avoid the busier places and take you to lesser-known delights.

We’ve carefully selected the most rewarding walking days and spectacular landscapes, and woven them together with hand-picked hotels, B&Bs and inns to create experiences second to none.

Many of our UK routes make ideal short breaks too, perfect for a quick getaway. Look for our 3-night versions – and on some of them you can even bring your dog to join the fun!

Find your dream walking holiday in England or Wales here

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The spotlight falls on northern Italy this year, as the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics arrive in Milan and the mountain resorts of the Dolomites. The slopes glisten with snow, and the villages buzz with news of sporting endeavours.

Of course the peaks look completely fabulous in their winter clothes, but they’re just as beautiful in their summer attire!  Do you fancy walking through pastures dotted with wildflowers and gentle cattle? How about a night in the cosy camaraderie of a mountain refuge, enjoying dumplings with goulash and swapping tales from the trails with fellow hikers? Here’s some inspiration for your alpine adventure.

Our summer route in the Dolomites could be just the thing – but don’t leave it too late to book, as it will be extra popular this year and the season is short. Hike from San Candido through mountain peaks and alpine meadows to Cortina, which hosts some Olympic events.

Kranjska Gora, at the start of our Slovenian Highlands route, is a popular winter sports venue, but switches to hosting walkers after the snow melts. Our walk is graded Medium, getting you into the heart of the mountains with modest effort!

The mountains of Arcadia in the central Peloponnese are popular for winter breaks, with snow-shoeing, skiing and snowmobiling on the menu. In the warmer months, our walkers on the Menalon Trail enjoy the same great views and stay in some lovely stone-built villages.

The Picos de Europa and Cantabrian hills of northern Spain are busy with sporting activity in winter, but On Foot hikers can use the cable car at Fuente Dé to get up into the peaks with no skis needed! Just relish the gentle walk down from the rocky slopes into a lush green valley.

Skirt round the slopes of Mt Tahtali on your way to the coast in Lycia – this is an unconventional winter sports area, with ‘wild’ skiing and a mountain-top bungee catapult for the brave!  We suggest you keep your feet on the ground…

And for a surprising link to the Olympics – the little town of Much Wenlock, just a few miles from the start of our Welsh Borders walk, was host to a forerunner of the modern Olympics. The first competition in 1850 included athletics and traditional country sports – and a race on penny-farthing bicycles!  Baron Pierre de Coubertin visited the games in 1890, and was inspired to create the International Olympic Committee and the Games as we know them now.

Search here to find the perfect walking holiday for you.