Sun, sand, and sultry Mediterranean days, Greece is an idyllic holiday spot in Europe that entices travelers with its rustic charm, fascinating history, delicious cuisine, and laidback attitude. However, unknown to the casual tourist, who might initially plan to spend their entire holiday on the beach, Greece also offers plenty of adventure activities, on land and in water, that will leave you in a state of stimulating euphoria.
Wreck Diving
You are likely to come across vibrant marine flora and fauna when scuba diving in Greece. However, the wrecks and artifacts you see underwater make this outdoor activity all the more captivating in this region. While you can experience excellent open water and cave dives in many parts, there is no place better for wreck diving than the Cyclades.
When planning your diving excursion in Greece, check out the absolutely theatrical Arado AR196 plane wreck in Naxos and the Patris shipwreck in Kea, where the steamer lies in two parts. Then there are the remains of Anna II, a cargo ship that went down close to Mykonos in 1995, and a chance to see an almost intact submarine, Perseus, that now calls the bottom of the Ionian Sea near Kefalonia home.
Sailing
The ideal way to explore the Greek archipelago’s many attractions is by going island hopping. Using Ferryscanner to plan your inter-island transportation is undoubtedly the most convenient and leisurely method to do the same. But, if you are in search of an immersive, action-packed vacation, why not learn how to captain your own boat?
Many sailing schools operate throughout the Greek Isles, training students of different ages using the liveaboard method. As a result, you get to learn the intricacies of the sport and then get practical experience by sailing the boat. The schools are ASA accredited with excellent English-speaking teachers, who guide you through a comprehensive course that is educational and fun. The region around the Cyclades is particularly favorable for learning sailing, but you will find schools all around the country, including in Athens.
Rafting
Want to do a water-based adventure activity in Greece that is away from the beach? Well, you’re in luck, because the country’s mainland has beautiful rivers with perfect conditions for rafting. A refreshingly exciting offbeat adventure option to enjoy with friends and family, rafting in Greece is an unforgettable way to explore the region’s nature and its many unseen sights.
Konitsa in Epirus offers the best of both worlds. The Aoös has a 15 km long route with grade 3 to 5 rapids, appropriate for experienced rafters. The trip can take 6 to 8 hours and ends at the picturesque stone-arch Konista Bridge. If new to the sport, opt to raft on the Voidomatis, one of the clearest rivers in Europe. The route is gentle, without any rapids, allowing first-timers to get an idea of rafting while appreciating the surroundings at a lazy pace.
Surfing
Typically, when lounging on the beaches of Greece, you will come across people kitesurfing. Traditional surfing with a board, or windsurfing, is still limited, even though the country has ample opportunities to partake in this outdoor activity. The best part, though, is that the waves at most places are suitable for learners and amateurs, making Greece an excellent place to take your first surf lesson.
There are plenty of surf centers across the islands, which means you can rent a board locally. Amongst the top places to surf in Greece are the Agios Theologos Beach in Kos, Arkassa Beach in Karpathos, Messakti in Ikaria, and Kolymbithra in Tinos.
Rock Climbing
Greece provides rock climbing prospects to adventure enthusiasts all year round, with possibilities to conquer mountains, rock formations, and marble quarries through single and multi-pitch routes. If rock climbing is your only goal, there is no need to go any further than Athens, with Hymettus and Mt. Penteli being two famous local climbing sectors.
However, Kalymnos in the South Aegean is the most compelling destination for a diverse set of rock-climbing excursions. Not only are the panoramic views during the ascents here spectacular, but there are over 60 sport crags and thousands of routes for beginners and professionals to test their skills. Masouri, Armeos, Skalia, and Emporios villages are the hub of rock-climbing activity, or you can take a quick 10-minute boat to the nearby island of Telendos to climb caves and even discover a few new crags.
Skiing
It’s true! Thanks to its varied topography, which includes high mountains, you can ski in Greece. Now, one of the advantages of visiting Greece during the off-season, in the winter, is that you get fantastic hotel deals. The other is the chance to indulge in skiing and snowboarding while appreciating the islands without the tourist rush.
About two hours from Athens, Parnassos is a favorite with its 19 ski runs, including smaller trails for beginners, multiple lifts, and sheer size. It’s the biggest ski resort in Greece. The closest town near the ski center is Arachova, which fills up quickly, so book a hotel in advance. Another option is Kalavryta on Mt. Helmós, which has 12 ski runs. The best part about Kalavryta is that if you visit it on a weekday, you might just find the entire mountain to yourself.