Best Mediterranean Island Hikes and Walks
By Ryan Brown published on 15 August 2024
While the Mediterranean holds some of the most breathtaking destinations to experience by sea, they are also the perfect places to stretch your legs and explore on foot. With every sailing holiday destination MedSailors has, there are a plethora of places to wander and hidden gems to discover on land. Here are our Top 6 Mediterranean island hikes and walks that await!
1. Tripitos Arch, Greece Ionian
Located on the myth and legend-filled island of Paxos is a must-see sight of pure natural awesomeness -- Tripitos Arch. While there are no recorded stories of ancient Greek Gods stubbing their toe in a sea cave to form it, Tripitos Arch on its own will have your imagination running wild. On a short hike from the port of Gaios you'll meander through groves of 500 year-old olive trees to a viewpoint overlooking the arch and the windswept western coastline where you can rest on the rocks and take in the wild views.
2. Temple of Aphaia, Greece Saronic
The Temple of Aphaia, located on Aegina Islands just a short distance from Athens, is an incredible sunset spot for the history buff or active traveller. On our MedSailors Greece Saronic route, you can hike up to the hilltop overlooking the quaint seaside town of Agia. Here you'll have panoramic views of the sea-beaten coastline of Aegina island as you stroll amongst the ancient ruins of this awe-inspiring temple dating back to 480 BC. This hike is short but steep, though extremely worth it, and best done for sunset or early morning.
3. Saklikent Gorge, Turkey
To continue the list is a deserved pun -- because nothing sums up Sakilikent Gorge better than the word GORGEOUS! Sorry, not sorry. A wonder of nature, Saklikent Gorge is a short trip from the vibrant town of Fethiye and a must-do for outdoors lovers and adventure seekers.
Strap on a helmet and pick your jaw up off the ground as you enter the colossal canyon with sheer rock walls towering 300 meters above you, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Don’t hesitate to get down and dirty – cover yourself in the soothing mud from the cold mountain spring snaking through the canyon while winding your way deeper, then finish with a chilled-out session of tubing down the river.
4. Parga Fortress Sunset Walk, Greece
Parga fortress, on our route, sits atop a formidable rocky crag and is flanked by two sides of stunning views. On one side you have the long crescent-shaped sand beach with the backdrop of high mountains, and on the other you have Jenga-like pastel villas stacked one atop the other popping against the surrounding hills with seaside views.
A short (but steep) walk through the labyrinth of laneways takes you up to the impressive ancient fortifications dating back to the Venetian and Ottoman empires. Walk higher and higher through stone defensive walls and towers to a lookout that will literally take your breath away with views of the bay at sunset turning crimson and gold and silhouetted boats anchored in the molten sea. Pack a picnic and some drinks and soak in that fiery spectacle!
5. Mljet National Park, Croatia
The sapphire saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park are an outdoor lovers' dream, and equally a dream to hike around and swim in. Located on the island of Mljet, this national park and marine reserve is one of the best Mediterranean island hikes with two massive lakes fed by the sea through a small inlet giving them their distinctive deep blue and turquoise vibrancy.
Hop on a mountain bike or take the local shuttle into the national park to walk the pine tree-lined pathway that encircles these stunning lakes, and make sure to stop off whenever you need to cool off and relax. A walk to the opposite end of the lakes gives you an opportunity to take a short boat ride to the ancient Benedictine monastery on a small island in the centre of the lake to relive the fascinating history of the island.
6. Hvar Coastline Walk, Croatia
One of the easier walks on our Croatia sailing holidays still holds some of the best views in the Med – a stroll along Hvar Town’s rugged coastline just outside the historic centre is a definite must-do item.
This popular Croatian island has a lot to offer besides the food and nightlife scene it’s known for, so strap on your shoes and follow your feet off the beaten path for unmatched coastline views. We recommend heading out for a stroll just before sundown so you can pick the perfect spot overlooking the Pakleni islands and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Croatia.
BONUS: Lokrum Island, Croatia
A little-known island for most visiting Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is one of the best Mediterranean Island hikes you can do. Just a short sail from Dubrovnik Old Town sits this protected natural reserve that has emerald saltwater ponds, stunning sea caves or dramatic seascapes, ancient Roman palaces surrounded by olive groves, and plenty of history from the old republic of Ragusa. This island was the summer getaway for wealthy Ragusans and Venetians once upon a time, for good reason, and a must-see on your .
Tick off some of the best Mediterranean walks and hikes and to lock in your MedSailors sailing adventure!
