15 Staggering & Mythological National Parks in Greece
Level up your European trip with the top 15 national parks in Greece. From Mt. Olympus to the Ionian Sea, you’ll have it planned in minutes.
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Seeing the national parks in Greece will change your life.
From glimpsing Mt. Olympus in person to exploring the Temple of Poseidon, the natural landscapes in this country are dotted with history and beauty. We’ve created a complete list of parks you should visit to ensure you don’t miss out on any spectacular views.
Plan the vacation of a lifetime now.
Best 15 national parks in Greece
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Pack your bags and put your best foot forward. Here are the top national parks in Greece you need to visit.
Mt. Olympus National Park
Best for Greek mythology geeks.
![Mt. Olympus National Park in Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mt.-Olympus-National-Park.jpg)
You may have heard the myths and legends, but seeing Mt. Olympus in person takes them to another level. This iconic spot became the country’s first national park in 1938 and is the perfect place to search for the Greek gods.
Alongside living out your Greek mythology dreams, you can admire over 1,700 plant species, spot over 100 bird species, and go hiking. Experienced hikers can summit Mt. Olympus’ peak or stay overnight in one of the park’s 15 forest refuges.
This is a trip you’ll want to tell your future grandkids about.
Mt. Parnitha National Park
Best for those only visiting Athens.
![Mt. Parnitha National Park in Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mt.-Parnitha-National-Park.jpg)
Are you only seeing Greece’s capital? Or do you only have a few days before you jet off to the islands? Mt. Parnitha National Park could be the day trip for you. Located an hour’s drive north of the capital, this park allows you to escape the bustling city for greener pastures.
Popular activities at Mt. Parnitha National Park include trekking, biking, canyoning, and climbing. But don’t worry if you’re not an adrenaline-seeker! A quick cable car can take you to one of the main hilltops. You can snap unforgettable pictures without breaking a sweat.
Parnassos National Park
Best for adventure seekers.
![Parnassos National Park, Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Parnassos-National-Park.jpg)
Parnassos should be on your list if you enjoy climbing, hiking, and taking on the great outdoors.
This national park is home to three peaks over 2,300m (7,545 ft) high, and thrillseekers can explore the mountainous landscape without limits. The fun doesn’t stop in the winter, either. You can ski and snowboard down the rocky slopes when the temperature drops.
Pro tip: Rock climbers should head to Kouvelos Peak, which has the best rock face for climbing.
Prespa National Park (Prespes)
Best for wildlife spotters.
![girl in Prespa National Park, Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/girl-in-Prespa-National-Park.jpg)
Situated on the Greece-Albania border in northern Greece, the Prespa National Park is a stunning spot all tourists should visit. It’s home to the twin Prespa lakes (Megali Prespa and Mikri Prespa), each one million years old.
Wildlife fans will love this park due to its endless nature. From wolves and brown bears to the world’s largest colony of Dalmatian pelicans, all guests are guaranteed a show. Additionally, the park is home to 40 unique mammal species and over 260 bird species. Magnificent.
National Marine Park of Alonissos
Best for water babies.
![National Marine Park of Alonissos in Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/National-Marine-Park-of-Alonissos.jpg)
The National Marine Park of Alonissos is the largest national park in Greece and one of Europe’s largest protected marine areas. If that doesn’t make you want to visit, the turquoise waters, Mediterranean monk seals, and wild goats of Gioura will!
The flora and fauna here are abundant, so you must bring your camera.
You can see the park by boat or underwater. That’s right! Scuba and snorkeling tours are available in this pristine environment. If you don’t fancy getting in the water, boat tours from Skopelos and Alonissos (two of the Sporades islands) run daily.
Iti National Park
Best for raw, untouched nature.
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Iti National Park is one of the most untouched national parks in Greece. So, if you’re looking for wild nature, beautiful views, and verdant forests, this could be your stop.
This national park is also a hiker’s dream.
Trails weave throughout the wilderness, allowing you to explore vast expanses of nature without disturbance. The most popular day hike is the 8 km/4.9-mile route from Ipati to the Trapeza refuge by the Pyrgos summit. This takes around four hours.
Samaria National Park
Best for jaw-dropping cliff-top views.
![Samaria National Park Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samaria-National-Park-Greece.jpg)
If you’re traveling to Crete, stop by the Samaria National Park, known for the Samaria Gorge, a 16 km (9.9 mile) canyon and one of the longest in Europe. Hikes here pass soaring cliffs, hidden passageways, and sparkling springs.
Getting from Athens to Chania (Crete) is easy. Flights take 1 hour, or you can take a 9-hour ferry. The choice is yours.
National Marine Park of Zakynthos
Best for turtle sightings.
![National Marine Park of Zakynthos Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/National-Marine-Park-of-Zakynthos-Greece.jpg)
Zakynthos is an island with non-stop parties, a killer music scene and stunning beaches. But these aren’t the only reasons to visit.
It’s also home to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, established to protect the loggerhead turtle, Europe’s most endangered marine species.
Within the marine park, there are thousands of loggerhead nests, and you can book snorkeling trips to see the turtles up close. Of course, tours always respect conservation guidelines, as protecting the turtles is a top priority.
Book your visit from May to October for a chance to see the turtles in nesting season.
Fun fact: In some years, the Bay of Laganas has had up to 1,300 turtle nests.
You can travel from Zakynthos town to Laganas in 35 minutes via bus. Easy peasy.
Cape Sounion National Park
Best for history buffs.
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Don’t forget Cape Sounion National Park (also known as Sounio National Park). Though one of the smallest in Greece, it offers sandy beaches, traditional villages, short trails, and the immense Temple of Poseidon. Built in 444 BC (the same year as the Parthenon), this exceptional structure still takes visitors’ breaths away today.
Athens to Sounion is only a 1.5-hour drive, so it’s quickly done in a day trip from the capital. Just remember to bring your walking shoes!
Northern Pindos National Park & Vikos-Aoös National Park
Best for river and lake views.
![Pindos National Park Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Pindos-National-Park-Greece.jpg)
Based in the northwest of Greece near Ioannina, the Northern Pindos National Park and the Vikos-Aoös National Park are sights to see. These national parks are grouped together as the large Northern Pindos National Park, which includes the Vikos-Aoös region. Though Vikos-Aoös is technically its own national park, the area is usually called the Northern Pindos National Park.
The 200,000 hectares of pristine parkland include flowing rivers, relaxing lakes, and flowering meadows. You’ll also find Greece’s second-highest mountain (Mt. Smolikas), which is an excellent place for experienced hikers to explore.
Fun fact: ⅓ of Greece’s flora diversity is in this park.
Ainos National Park
Best for mountain lovers.
![Ainos national park Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ainos-national-park-greece.jpg)
Making a trip to Kefalonia soon? This Ionian island boasts Mt. Ainos (1,628m/5,341 ft) and the surrounding Ainos National Park, where you can adventure through black pines, Greek fir, and the constant, swirling afternoon mists.
The national park facilities are relatively basic, so ensure you travel with food and water. There are five hiking trails, and two go all the way to the mountain summit. You might even spot some wild horses on your journey.
Travel from Kefalonia Airport to Skala to get closer to the national park on the island’s southeast side.
Parnitha National Park
Best for cave explorers.
![Parnitha National Park in Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Parnitha-National-Park-Greece.jpg)
The Parnitha National Park is another mainland attraction relatively close to Athens. Great for a day trip and swapping the city for luscious views.
The main appeal to this national park is Mt. Parnitha (1,413m/4,653 ft), as you can climb this staggering mountain in one day.
Don’t fret if you’re not a mountain climber. There are 3,800 hectares of fir forest around the mountain, and you can even explore caves within the mountains. The best way to see the caves is via a guided tour. Most professional tours include Panas Cave and the nearby aqueduct.
Oeti National Park
Best for animal lovers.
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The Oeti National Park was established in 1966 in central Greece thanks to Mount Oeta (2,151m / 7,060ft). This mountain is an offshoot of the Pindus range.
The 7,000-hectare park includes roe deer, rabbits, wild hogs, wolves, wildcats, and brown bears. It’s simply magnificent, even if you’re not gushy about furry creatures.
Pro tip: Bring binoculars if you’re bird or animal spotting.
This park is often confused with the Iti National Park. Though the two parks blend into one, Oeti is further northwest than Iti.
Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park
Best for seeing pristine wetlands.
![Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Amvrakikos-Wetlands-National-Park-Greece.jpg)
The Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park comprises over 20 large lagoons from the Louros and Arachthos rivers. The area is home to a diverse ecosystem of 295 bird species, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles.
If you’ve never seen wetlands, treat yourself to the views here.
This park is off-the-beaten-track in Greece’s northwestern corner. Arta is one of the nearest cities, and it is also not on the tourist route. However, this is a positive! It means you won’t have to deal with the crowds or the tourist rush you’ll find in Athens! Just you and the great outdoors. Lovely.
Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park
Best for wildlife photographers.
![Vouraikos National Park Greece](https://blog.bookaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vouraikos-National-Park-Greece.jpg)
The Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park is tucked away in the northern Peloponnese region. This is another lesser-known national park, which is excellent if you want to see unspoiled mountains, meadows, and gorges.
It’s a surprise that this park is still unknown, as it’s a UNESCO Global Geopark and a member of the European Geoparks Network.
You’ll find the Chelmos mountain range, the Vouraikos Gorge, quaint villages, animals, wildflowers, hiking routes, and a complete train network within the park. If you’re an avid nature lover or hiker, consider staying within the area for a few days to see the sights.
It’s safe to say you should go now before the masses find out!
What’s the weather like in the national parks in Greece?
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Greece experiences different weather throughout the year, and various parts of the country have different climates. For example, the southern islands are sunny all year round, whereas the northern mountains see snow!
Here’s how you should estimate the temperature for your trip.
If you’re visiting the southern area of Greece or any of the island regions, expect hot and dry summers (28°C/85°F) or mild and wet winters (10°C/50°F). Bring thin clothes in the summer and waterproof jackets in the winter.
However, the winters are much colder if you’re exploring the northern or central regions. The national parks here usually experience snowfall, meaning you’ll need layers, winter coats, and appropriate footwear.
But don’t bring your fleece in summer. The northern and central regions still experience highs of 30°C/86°F from June to August! Light clothing and SPF are crucial.
Packing list for all national parks in Greece
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No matter the weather, there are certain things you should pack to ensure a comfortable national park visit.
- UVA and UVB protective sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Clothing you can move in (e.g., activewear or hiking gear)
- Comfortable shoes
- Portable charger for phones
- Your camera to catch the memories!
How to get to the national parks in Greece
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If you’re traveling to Greece from another country, you’ll likely land at Athens Airport (ATH). We’ll look at routes from this travel hub to help you find your way around.
You might have to leave the mainland for some national parks. For example, the Samaria National Park is in Crete, so Athens to Chania is a handy route.
Many ferries to the islands leave from Athens’ Piraeus port. You can get from Athens to Piraeus via a 45-minute car journey. From here, you can visit various beautiful Greek islands, such as Piraeus to Naxos, Piraeus to Heraklion, and Piraeus to Rhodes.
Finally, traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki is a great idea if you want to see the northeastern corner of Greece. Spend a day or two exploring Thessaloniki; it’s a lovely, vibrant port city.
Map of the national parks in Greece
Too much information in one go? Here’s a map of the national parks in Greece to clear things up.
Final thoughts
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The national parks in Greece are totally awe-inspiring. Whether you want to clamber up an ancient rock face or step foot into Greek mythology, there’s a park with your name on it.
Hopefully, this list has inspired you to book that once-in-a-lifetime trip. Traveling through Greece is always worth it.
FAQ
Greece has ten woodland national parks, two national marine parks, and 15 general national parks.
Mount Olympus National Park sits between the provinces of Pieria and Larissa. Litochoro is the closest town on the eastern gate of the park.
The largest national park in Europe is Vatnajökull, Iceland. This park is 7,900 sq km (79,000 hectares).
Greece’s two national marine parks are the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.