About GrEco Hiking
Υou cannot feel the majesty of the mountains
if you do not have majesty within you
Have you always dreamed of traveling to Greece? Captivated by its majestic mountains, idyllic islands, charming traditional villages, rich culture, delectable gastronomy, fascinating history, timeless mythology, and iconic archaeological sites? Look no further! Explore our customized hiking plans in Greece and get inspired to create your perfect adventure.
GrEco Hiking specializes in private, customized hiking experiences, offering expert-guided services across Greece's mountains, islands, and short trips around Athens, as well as select global hiking destinations. We focus on small-group, private walking holidays tailored to your preferences.
Our Mission
To create unforgettable hiking experiences where safety, authenticity, personal connection, and respect for nature always come first.
Our mission is to provide unforgettable experiences, connecting people with the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture not only of Greece but also of other global magical destinations. With a focus on personalized service and expert guidance, we strive to exceed your expectations at every turn. We strongly believe that our mountain experiences contribute to personal growth, improve our well-being, and encourage us to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
Our goal is not only to offer you an incredible time and amazing photos. Our goal is to protect the mountains and islands from destructive human exploitation. Our final goal is to spread conscious awareness into the hearts and minds of more nature-lovers in order to collectively protect and preserve our only real home, our unspoiled nature!
What we offer
We organize hiking experiences that create genuine, unforgettable holidays. In order to transform our vision to your itinerary we carefully design every detail of our hiking routes, taking into consideration your special needs and preferences. By maintaining these principles for each of our tailor-made private trips we have earned a reputation as a reliable partner for your hiking vacations.
With more than 30 years of experience, GrEco Hiking is your partner in exploring the best mountains, alpine lakes, crystal clear rivers, traditional villages, tasty taverns, mountain huts, holiday cottages, and the most picturesque Greek islands. Our passion for adventure and our dedication to safety make us the ideal choice for your next outdoor experience.
We offer a large variety of hiking trips. These could be multi-day hikes with overnight stays in traditional villages or mountain huts that feature comfortable amenities. For people who prefer softer itineraries we organize 1–2 day individually planned tailor-made hikes based on their specific preferences. These trips include the best possible dining and services as well as reliable transportation.
Let us lead you on a journey of discovery and exploration!
Let's plan your dream vacation together!
Company history
GrEco Hiking was founded by Yannis Athanasiou, a Greek-American International Mountain Leader driven by a lifelong passion for mountains, nature, and authentic outdoor experiences.
Before founding GrEco Hiking, Yannis enjoyed a successful international career in the financial services industry, holding management positions in leading corporations across the United States, Canada, and Greece. While his professional background provided extensive experience in leadership, organization, and customer service, his true calling was always in the mountains.
Over the past 30+ years, Yannis has explored, hiked, and organized adventures across some of the world's most spectacular mountain regions. From the Rocky Mountains and Patagonia to the European Alps, Dolomites, Atlas Mountains, Caucasus, and the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, each journey has enriched his knowledge, broadened his experience, and strengthened his commitment to delivering exceptional hiking experiences in Greece.
International Mountain Leadership
Yannis is a certified International Mountain Leader (IML) under UIMLA (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations), one of the world's most respected professional mountain leadership qualifications.
The IML certification represents years of advanced training in mountain leadership, navigation, risk assessment, route planning, environmental awareness, and emergency management. It reflects internationally recognized standards of professionalism and safety, ensuring that every GrEco Hiking adventure is carefully planned and responsibly led.
Whether guiding guests through the legendary trails of Mount Olympus, the dramatic landscapes of Zagori, or the hidden paths of the Greek islands, safety, professionalism, and respect for nature remain the highest priorities.
Advanced Technical & Safety Training
Continuous education is an essential part of professional mountain leadership.
In addition to his International Mountain Leader qualification, Yannis has successfully completed IRATA Level 1 Rope Access Technician training, the internationally recognized standard for safe rope work and movement in challenging terrain. This advanced technical training further strengthens his rope management skills, movement techniques, risk assessment, and decision-making in demanding mountain environments.
Yannis has also successfully completed professional Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) training in accordance with the latest international CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) guidelines.
This additional medical training enhances his ability to respond effectively to emergencies in remote outdoor environments until professional rescue services become available.
Although GrEco Hiking specializes in hiking and mountain adventures—not industrial rope access—these additional qualifications further reinforce the company's commitment to maintaining the highest possible safety standards for every guest.
A Network of Trusted Mountain Professionals
Throughout his professional training and mountain career, Yannis has built lasting friendships and professional relationships with highly respected International Mountain Leaders and IFMGA Mountain Guides across Europe.
Depending on the requirements of each adventure, GrEco Hiking collaborates with carefully selected professionals who share the same values of safety, professionalism, environmental responsibility, and authentic hospitality. This trusted network enables GrEco Hiking to provide exceptional hiking experiences while maintaining consistently high standards across every destination.
Trusted Tourism Partners and Local Accommodation
GrEco Hiking also works closely with experienced tourism agencies that coordinate any necessary transfers and accommodation arrangements. These partners have in-depth knowledge of the regions where our activities take place and help us select suitable, trusted local accommodation providers. Through these collaborations, we can offer well-coordinated hiking experiences while allowing our team to focus on what we do best: guiding people safely through Greece’s mountains, trails, and natural landscapes.
Our Philosophy
At GrEco Hiking, we believe that a truly memorable hiking experience is built on far more than reaching a summit.
Every adventure is designed to combine professional mountain leadership, personalized service, local knowledge, flexibility, and genuine Greek hospitality. Whether you are an experienced hiker seeking a demanding alpine challenge or a traveler discovering Greece on foot for the first time, every itinerary is tailored to your abilities, interests, and expectations.