FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mobile network coverage is common but not always stable The coverage is weaker in remote regions like Agrafa. We recommend that at least one member of your group has an international plan activated for their mobile phone. If you're traveling solo, we strongly suggest it. Please ensure that you provide us with the correct mobile phone numbers of all members of your group. We may need to contact you during your trip due to unfavorable weather conditions or unanticipated changes in transfer timetables that may affect your travel. There is at least an emergency communication radio line at most mountain huts. However, internet connection with WiFi is available only at some huts and is provided "as is" which means it is not guaranteed.

The ideal time for hiking in the Greek Islands is from April to June and September to November due to favorable weather conditions. Mainland Greek mountains up to 1.500 m high could offer amazing experiences all year around. Higher mountains like Mt. Olympus, Tymfi, Smolikas etc may be climbed from May to October. The best time for hiking in Greece depends on several factors, including weather, trail conditions, and availability of accommodations. ​ May to October is best for island-hopping (avoid extensive hikes during July and August that are better for beach activities See the ancient sites in spring or fall. Fall and winter are the best times to experience hiking around Athens. June to October is the best time to climb Mt Olympus, N. Greece mountains like Tymfi, Smolikas ,Grammos, Central Greece mountains like Parnassos, Giona, Vardousia, Agrafa Mainalon trails could be crossed from March to November

You need euros in cash to pay for optional services at most huts. 25-35 euros per person per day is sufficient for most hikers. Typical costs at huts: lunch (consider 10 euros for a pasta), drinks at dinner (2 euros for a cup of tea or coffee, 5 euros for a beer or a glass of wine, 20 euros for a bottle of wine). In addition, you may be buying take away snacks and water at huts along your route.

Private hiking trips usually offer a guide who is with the trail and can provide valuable information about the region. Some private tours are partially guided, allowing you to have some free time to explore on your own. In cases where guide is not provided, such as on an independent adventure, you will be given a map of your route and a 24-hour emergency contact to ensure a smooth tour experience.

Having a suitable travel/health insurance that covers hiking in the mountains and the islands is essential. Your insurance provider may require you to specify maximum altitude of your itinerary, which can be found in your trip documents. Additionally, there are formal requirements that your insurance must meet, as defined in Schengen visa policy, available at: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa_en.

The Schengen Area comprises several European countries with a unified regulation on entry and movement, including Greece. If you are a citizen of certain countries, you must hold a short stay Schengen visa. Your trip package includes a booking confirmation for all days of your trip, which you can enclose with your visa application if needed. Additionally, your passport must meet certain requirements, such being issued within the last 10 years and being valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen territory. For more information on passport and entry requirements, please contact a Greek consulate in your country or visit the website provided.

​During your hiking trip, you can safely store your non-hiking luggage in most of the base camp hotels. We have informal agreements with most of our base camp hotels to ensure the safety of your belongings. If your hiking itinerary ends in a different location, we will transport your non-hiking luggage to your base camp hotel in the destination at no extra cost.

Prepare for your adventure with Greco Hiking! Visit our 'Clothing and Gear' section for expert advice on the essential clothing, gear, and equipment needed for safe and comfortable hiking trips. A hiking tour requires proper gear and clothing, but you should aim at packing only the essentials as you will not have a possibility to send excessive load down to the valley in the middle of the hike. Our packing lists include gear and clothing for hiking from June to mid-October at altitudes primarily between 1000 and 2918 meters (i.e. highest point of Myticas peak in Greece) with overnight stays at manned mountain huts, guest-houses and small hotels in villages. ​ Please, review carefully the packing list we provided upon confirmation of your hiking tour. Lack of any of the required items will most likely result in at least a lack of comfort on the trail or in the huts, and may even compromise your safety. The packing list should be your main reference, while this article provides additional information and explanations of why we recommend bringing certain items with you. ​ HIKING BOOTS When hiking Greek mountains, it is crucial to have appropriate and reliable hiking boots that fit well, provide good traction, protect your feet, and are durable. Hiking footwear comes in high, mid, and low-cut designs, but we strongly recommend mid-high hiking boots for ankle stability and support. The high ankle collar and stiffness of the sole work together to protect your ankle joints from dislocation and painful impacts. Additionally, high-cut hiking boots are practical for a wider range of terrains. When choosing hiking boots, pay extra attention to the outsole for durability. Water proof breathable membranes in your boots, such as Gore-Tex, are important when hiking in rainy conditions, crossing moisted grass or crossing muddy areas, creeks and rivers. ​ CLOTHING During a trek, you can enjoy the comfort of huts and sleep in warm rooms or dormitories at night. At most huts, you cannot wash and dry your smaller clothes, like T-shirts and socks. Like in most backpacking trips, you need to pack some warm clothes, jacket, or extra t-shirts and socks. ​ WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF JACKET When embarking on a hike in the summer, it's important to pack a waterproof and windproof jacket, even if the weather seems mild. The temperature fluctuations in higher altitudes can be significant, and a jacket will help protect you from the elements. While a down jacket may not be necessary at altitudes up to 2000 meters during the summer, a waterproof jacket with a breathable membrane and a removable inner layer, like a fleece jacket, is a practical and versatile choice. At higher mountains a down jacket is recommended. ​ FLEECE JACKET When the temperatures drop in the evening and you want to spend some time on the hut's terrace or enjoy the sunset, a fleece jacket can be very useful. Fleece fabric has properties similar to wool, trapping air to keep the body warm and dry. A warm sweater made of synthetic materials is also a functional alternative to a fleece jacket, depending on individual preference. Fleece jackets with full and half zips allow for temperature regulation, but full-zips are more practical when significant temperature changes occur, as they provide better ventilation when fully unzipped, ​ T-SHIRTS OR SHIRTS For a multi-day trek, it's essential have a few T-shirts. We suggest having at least three: one to wear during the hike, a clean one for the night, and a backup in case you can't wash or dry your used T-shirt. Whether you prefer long or short sleeves is up to you, but long sleeves can protect you from UV rays. We recommend synthetic fabrics as they are lightweight and dry quickly. ​ HIKING PANTS When choosing hiking pants, it's important to prioritize comfort and functionality, as well as quick-drying and abrasion-resistant materials. Additional features like zip-off or roll-up legs, reinforced knees and seat, articulated knees, and waist adjusters can also be helpful. Typically made of polyester with elastane softshell pants are not necessary for our hikes in the summer, as they are designed for cooler weather conditions. Instead, it's more practical to pack thermal underwear in addition to lightweight summer hiking pants in September and October. ​ THERMAL UNDERWEAR For those planning to visit in September or October, we suggest packing lightweight thermal underwear just in case. Although it rarely gets cold enough to require them in the hiking routes, it's always better to be prepared. The Greek mountains typically experience their first snowfall in December, and you can find more information about seasonal factors online. Keep in mind that even in mid-summer, thunderstorms can cause hailfalls and significant thunderstorms on higher routes like on Mount Olympus. ​ SOCKS To ensure a comfortable and blister-free hiking experience, investing in high-quality socks is crucial. Opt for hiking-specific socks that offer quick drying and extra cushioning, even if they come at a higher cost. We suggest packing at least three pairs of socks for your treks, so you can always have a fresh pair on hand. ​ GLOVES, CAP AND BANDANA You may need gloves and a cap especially if you go hiking early in April or in October. We recommend a bandana in any period for UV protection. ​ RAINWARE When going on treks in the Greek mountains during the warmest months of July and August, it's important to have rainwear on hand due to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings. Even if the weather forecast shows blue skies for the week ahead, it's best to be prepared. A poncho shaped to cover the backpack with a hood and full-length zipper or buttons is a practical solution, and can be combined with rain pants for extra protection during heavy rain. In June and September-October, prolonged rains are more probable, making rainwear even more essential. ​ BACKPACK To fully enjoy a multi-day hike, it's important to have a high-quality backpack. Depending on the length and difficulty of the trek, a 35 to 50 liter backpack is recommended. When doing a hut-to-hut trek, you won't need to carry excessive amounts of food or clothing as huts provide accommodation and meals. It's important to avoid overloading your backpack with unnecessary items and to keep it within 15% to 25% of your body weight, depending on your fitness level. ​ TREKKING POLES We highly recommend bringing trekking poles on all of our itineraries, even if you are accustomed to hiking without them. Trekking poles, when used correctly, can help redistribute some of the weight from your knees to your hands and improve your balance on the trail. For moist treks trekking poles are a must-have. They may protect you from the attack of a dog or stabilize your body during a river crossing. ​ SLEEPING BAG LINER When staying at mountain huts, it is mandatory to use a sleeping bag liner unless a sleeping bag is available. Regardless of whether you stay in a shared dormitory or a private room, mattresses, blankets, and pillows are provided. The temperature at the huts is not cold, so a proper sleeping bag is not necessary. However, a liner is required in dormitories where bed linen is almost never provided. To find out if huts provide bed linen or if you need to bring a liner, please refer to the Reservation document you received upon confirmation of your hiking route. ​ LIGHT SHOES It is necessary to wear clean shoes while using huts. The most suitable option for this purpose is slides with a toe strap made of synthetic material. We advise against using slides with textile parts and flip-flops with a Y-shaped strap as they are not as practical for wearing in huts. ​ ​HYGIENE ITEMS Most huts provide basic hygiene items. However, is recommended that you bring your personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wet, and toilet paper. Wet wipes can come in handy when there is a shortage of water or no shower available at the hut. It is also advisable to bring a towel, preferably a microfiber, which is lightweight, compact, and dries quickly. OTHER ACCESORIES Power bank and charger Headlamp (absolutely necessary) Small knife Bottles for water (we recommend 2x 750 ml bottles) Sunglasses Sunscreen Lip balm with UV protection First aid kit including any maedication you need. Whistle for emergency Snacks You can buy snacks in huts, but they have a limited variety. Thermos Camera

At GrEco Hiking, your safety and well-being are our highest priorities. Explore our “Safety Matters” section under the INFO menu tab to discover essential tips, guidelines, and measures designed to ensure your hiking adventure is safe, enjoyable, and worry-free.

Mountain huts offer similar quality services to those of a simple hostel, with shared dormitories and private rooms for up to 8 guests. Bedrooms are equipped with normal or bunk beds, mattresses, pillows and blankets. A hygiene sleeping bag liner is required in bedrooms. A sleeping bag is not required in the huts if you have a hygienic liner. Hot water is often available only in certain huts like Spilios Agapitos, Mt Olympus. Mountain huts serve a simple breakfast and a hearty dinner. For more information, please visit the relative hut web page or ask us.

Opting for a private tour usually means you have greater control over the itinerary. You can choose to upgrade your lodging, set the pace of your hike, select routes that align with your preferences, and in some, even pick your own dates. If you can't find a private trek that meets your needs, our Travel Experts are available to work with our hiking tour operators and design a tailor-made tour just for you.

Categorizing hiking difficulty is inherently subjective, as no universal system exists. However, after reviewing scales used in Europe and the USA (e.g., Swiss Alpine Club, Yosemite Decimal System, Appalachian Trail classifications),we have outlined the following levels, ranging from class 1 to class 5, to help you choose a tour suited to your abilities. These ratings do not absolutely describe the amount of effort required; Level 1 can be long and strenuous and class 5 can be quick and easy. They mainly describe the technical difficulty of the most difficult part. "Technical difficulty" refers to specific terrain challenges (e.g. exposure, steepness, scrambling) rather than just endurance. ​ Please read these carefully before booking to ensure you can fully enjoy the experience. Less experienced hikers may need to prepare with pre-tour training for more challenging hikes. Note that the hiking times provided are estimates; slower hikers or those taking extended breaks should plan for up to 50% additional time. ​ Level 1 - Walk in the Park Short walks in low-altitude hills, requiring minimal gear.. Clearly marked paths with limited navigation challenges. Families with small children can join Level 1 hikes. Low-risk hiking, but may be challenging from a cardiovascular perspective. Daily walking: Up to 4 hrs and/or up to 15 km / 9,5 miles. Climbing/descending: Up to 400 m / 1300 ft per day. Level 2 - Easy Hikes Moderate fitness required. Hikes primarily through maintained trails and gentle slopes with possible brief steep ascents. May include uneven paths or rocky sections. Daily walking: Up to 6 hrs and/or. 20 km / 12,5 miles. Climbing/descending: Up to 800 m / 2600 ft per day. Level 3 – Moderate Hikes Suitable for fit hikers. Paths near steep drops but with minimal risk if caution is exercised. Hikes over varied terrain, including alpine landscapes and uneven trails. Steep stages, talus and scree may require hands for balance and trekking poles. Exposed trails, if any, are usually maintained and secured for safety. Daily walking: Up to 7 hrs and/or potentially exceeding 20 km / 12,5 miles. Climbing/descending: Up to 1200 m / 3940 ft per day. Level 4 - Challenging Alpine Treks Suitable for really fit hikers. Non-technical hikes along trails in the high alpine zones (above the tree-line). Significant elevation gain on a daily basis. May include longer and strenuous steep stages, exposed passages, gravel or pathless rock slopes, ridges, scrambling sections (i,e, using hands for support) pose danger of falling. Daily walking: Up to 8 hrs and/or up to 25 km /15,5 miles. Climbing/descending: Up to 1600 m / 5250 ft per day. Level 5 - Expert-Level Hikes Suitable for experienced and/or very fit hikers. Tracing high alpine terrains, cirques, high mountain passes. Covering rather strenuous routes. Sure-footedness is required as trekking on exposed slopes is common. May include sections requiring basic mountaineering skills, scrambling or easy rock climbing (class 3). A rope may be used at an exposed spot to protect against falls but is not strictly required – Daily walking: Up to 10 hrs and/or up to 25 km / 15,5 miles. Climbing/descending: Up to 2000 m / 6560 ft per day.

In most regions, reliable water springs are safe and abudant. it's possible to find good potable natural water from higher streams. We strongly advise to ask your guides. Where water is scarce. mountain huts sell water in plastic bottles, typically costing 1 euro for a 0.5-liter bottle. While tap water at huts is usually not certified, it's safe for washing hands and face. We recommend checking with the personnel first before drinking tap water in the hut The amount of water you need for a day of walking depends on individual needs and weather conditions. We suggest carrying at least the volume corresponding to your minimal daily consumption to avoid relying on any dubious water sources along the route.

In general, cash is the preferred method of payment at most huts. However, on more popular itineraries llike Mt Olympus, a higher percentage of huts accept cards. It's important to note that the availability of card payments depends on the internet connectivity at the huts, which may not always be reliable.

By participating in any activity, hike, or event organized by GrEco Hiking, participants expressly acknowledge and agree to the following legally binding terms and conditions. Participation constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of this agreement. Please read carefully the "Safety Matters" section under the INFO menu tab.

When you join a group hiking tour, you'll be traveling with strangers who share similar interests. The group size vary, and there will be a tour leader and a fixed itinerary that cannot be altered. You'll hike at the pace of the group, and the difficulty level of the tour cannot be adjusted. On the other hand, private tours offer more freedom and flexibility in terms of travel companions, accommodation, activities, and hiking comfort.

The cost of a private hiking tour depends on the type of tour you book and the services provided such as room prices, dining cost etc, . We only offer private tours in order to maximize your experience with nature and the communication with your guide. Our Travel Experts can assist you choose the destination and accommodation upgrades you choose.

We understand that weather conditions can impact your hiking experience. If the weather is deemed unsafe by our guides, we will offer you the option to reschedule your trip or receive a full refund. Please note that this policy applies only to weather conditions that are considered dangerous, such as severe storms or extreme temperatures.

If you need to cancel your hiking trip, our refund policy is as follows: - Cancellations made more than 30 days before the trip start date will receive a full refund. - Cancellations made between 15-30 days before the trip start date will receive a 50% refund. - Cancellations made less than 15 days before the trip start date are non-refundable. Please contact our customer service team to initiate a cancellation and refund process.

Once your refund request is approved, it typically takes 5-7 business days for the refund to be processed and credited back to your original method of payment. You will receive a confirmation email once the refund has been processed.