A move to Greece isn’t just about sunshine and sea views – it’s about embracing a healthier, more active lifestyle. From hiking dramatic gorges to swimming in turquoise waters, horse riding on beaches or trying calisthenics in outdoor parks, Greece offers countless ways to stay fit while enjoying life outdoors.
When Your Overseas Home asked our readers why they wanted to move to Greece, the top answer was for a healthy lifestyle. Part of that is being able to get out in the sunshine and do some exercise, without it costing a fortune. Even a morning’s sightseeing can add 10,000 steps to your count, so exploring a new country is definitely an adventure worth pursuing.
Low cost exercise
Greece is an excellent choice for those who want to keep fit and healthy. Leave behind expensive gyms and sports club memberships. In Greece, you can achieve a healthy lifestyle by doing sports outside in the fresh air at a very low cost. Beach volleyball, hiking, swimming, running and calisthenics can all be done without spending a fortune.
Sunny healthy lifestyle
As Greece is blessed with superb weather, you will feel more enthused to go outside and enjoy getting some exercise. No more running in the rain, walking in full waterproofs or the disappointment of a match being called off due to rain. OK, Greece does get some rain, but most days you can make plans and rely on the weather being nice.
Greece has it all
When you combine exercising in the fresh air with incredible scenery, the wonders of nature, fresh local produce and being so chilled out, you don’t wear a watch or constantly look at your phone anymore. Then, you will realise that buying a place in Greece was the best move towards a healthier lifestyle.
So, while you decide where in Greece to buy a property, let’s consider some of the sports you could take up and the best places to enjoy them in this beautiful country.
1. Hiking
Hiking in Greece is a great way to keep fit and achieve a healthier lifestyle, as there are so many amazing landscapes to explore. The coastal paths offer some outstanding panoramic views and the mountains and gorges surround you with nature.
You’ll discover places where it’s just you and the birds, standing in complete silence, appreciating how beautiful our planet is away from human noise. The best time of year is April to May, when the countryside is green and there are wildflowers.
Where can I go hiking in Greece?
There are numerous places to walk in Greece – just ask a local where they like to go. The most popular routes might not offer total tranquillity during the tourist season, but if you buy a home a short drive away, you’ll be able visit early in the morning and in the quieter months. Here are a few suggestions for hiking trails in spectacular scenery:
Mountain to sea – The Samaria Gorge on Crete is a popular route (but can get busy). From Xyloskao it starts fairly steep down into the canyon, but ends in the lovely coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The nearest big town is Chania.
Ancient monuments – The hike from Delphi to the ancient port of Kirra in Central Greece starts in an area famous for its monuments.
Forest Walks – The forested Pelion Peninsula has many great trails. A particular favourite runs from Tsagarada to Damouhari.
Scenic views – The island of Lesvos has numerous trails with panoramic views from the Olympos summit, Molyvos, Skala Eressou and more.
Sea views – Enjoy sunset views across the bay towards the Acropolis on a hike from Lindos (Rhodes) to the second century tomb on the promontory.
Lunar-landscape – The small island of Nisyros in the Dodecanese attracts hikers who want to experience a unique landscape. In shades of yellow, beige and white The Stefanos Crater is an incredible sight.
2. Horse riding
Horse riding isn’t an activity that immediately comes to mind when considering how to keep fit and live a healthy lifestyle in Greece. But it does offer a full-body workout that uses your core and leg muscles. You also need good balance and coordination, and the ability to climb up onto the horse in the first place.
Horse riding offers a feeling of escape and adventure. Just interacting with the horse and riding through beautiful countryside has a calming effect that makes the worries of the world seem a thousand miles away.
Where can I go horse riding in Greece?
Several islands offer incredible horse-riding trips. On the mainland, stables are mostly found in the northwest, around Athens and across the Peloponnese. It’s particularly enjoyable to go horse riding along the beach or through the mountain gorges.
For example, on Crete you can ride into the mountains, where the air is fresh and the scenery is simply breathtaking. And at the Laganas horse riding centre on Zakynthos, you can canter across the sand dunes and swim with the horses in the sea. Trotting along a beach as the sun sets over the sea is a special memory you will always cherish.
If you would like to buy a property in an area that offers horse riding, here are some suggested locations.
- Riding on the beach: Santorini, Kos, Rhodes, Zakynthos, Paros, Naxos, Kefalonia, Thasos and the Peloponnese (Kalamata)
- Riding through Forests and countryside: Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and the Peloponnese (Elea)
- Riding in the Mountains: Crete, Hydra and the Peloponnese
3. Calisthenics
Calisthenics can be traced back to the healthy lifestyle of ancient Greece. The Spartans called it “kallos sthenos” (beautiful strength). Calisthenics today uses bodyweight exercises for strength, flexibility and coordination.
By using powerful movements, you can develop a strong physique. Doing push-ups, lunges, pull-ups and planks needs very little equipment. There are several parks in Greece with monkey bars, pull-up bars and parallel bars you can use.
Where can I find a Calisthenics Park in Greece?
There are several Calisthenic parks around Athens. You can also find Calisthenics parks in Heraklion and Chania (Crete), Thessaloniki, Kefalonia, Siros, Kalamata, Elia and Patras (Peloponnese) and Glyfada.
Many are right next to a beach, so you can combine your healthy lifestyle in Greece with calisthenics, swimming in the sea and getting a tan. Buy a home close enough and you could even cycle or run there. Examples of beachside calisthenics parks are Gavrio on Andros Island and Chaniotis in the region of Halkidiki.
4. Beach volleyball
When you play beach volleyball, you are constantly moving and jumping, which is great exercise for the legs and feet. Playing on sand makes it even harder, and taking shots exercises the muscles in the back, hands and shoulders.
If you don’t want to play an organised game, just knocking a beach ball around between friends on the beach can also be good exercise. Even bat-and-ball and badminton can be fun additions to a healthy lifestyle. Just check the area is clear of sharp stones or shells when playing barefoot.
Where can I play beach volleyball in Greece?
There are several beach volleyball clubs along the coast below Athens. And for serious players, there is the Olympiacos club in Piraeus. In Kalamata you’ll find a nice court with a beach bar. Plus, along the north coast of Crete, there are beach volleyball courts near Chania, Gouves, Agios Nicolaos and Sitia.
5. Mountain biking
Beyond the sea and beaches of Greece are hills and mountains, lakes and forests and superb national parks. Even around the city of Athens there are some big hills you can climb. Getting a mountain bike can be an excellent way to see the sights, get around and enjoy a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Where can I go mountain biking in Greece?
- Near Athens – The Forest Trail on Mount Parnitha and the Loop Trail on Mount Hymettus are popular.
- Peloponnese – Arcadia’s mountainous 60km trail starting at Vytina village, where you can find plots of land for sale. See Arcadia land and property for sale.
- Crete – Mountain and coastal routes with views of the sea, Lake Kournas and the Knossos palace. See property for sale on Crete.
- Naxos – Taking dirt tracks around the island through small villages and ruins. See property for sale on Naxos.
6. Swimming
In a country blessed with clear blue seas, swimming can play a big part of a healthy lifestyle in Greece. It’s one type of exercise you can enjoy on a hot day and feel totally refreshed afterwards. As well as the famous beaches, there are some lovely bays and rocks to swim off. If you are lucky, you will also have your own pool, which can easily play a daily part of your exercise routine.
The water is so clear in Greece, you may also want to see all the amazing sea life. Keep a good snorkel, mask and flippers at your Greek home, so you can turn your morning swim into an underwater adventure. Once you realise how amazing life is down there, you could also try scuba diving. You might see star fish, urchins, mullets, rays and even turtles!
Where can I go swimming in Greece?
It’s so easy to enjoy a healthy lifestyle in Greece when your home is near the sea. There are thousands of great places to swim.
- The Ionion Islands are particularly praised for their blue waters, with the sea around Corfu, Kefalonia and Lefkada getting rave reviews.
- The Cyclades have popular swimming spots with excellent water quality. You can even discover sea caves and unspoilt islets. Naxos, Ios, Milos, Schinoussa and Serifos are among the most popular places to swim.
- The Aegean Islands, particularly Crete, are very good for swimming and scuba diving. As Crete lies on the Aegean and Libyan seas, divers can experience two very different underwater worlds.
- Natural pools also offer unique swimming spots. The natural rock pool on Koufonisia, boasts pristine waters with emerald hues and is connected to the sea via a narrow underwater passage. Another unique place to swim is on the island of Samothrace in the northern Aegean Sea. Here the water comes from the mountains, down waterfalls and into natural pools.
7. Kayaking and paddleboarding
When you have your own place in Greece, you could keep a kayak or paddleboard there to take out whenever you like. Imagine carrying it down the beach past the sunbathers and being able to go off round the coast to a secluded bay. Kayaking is great for exploring the parts of the coastline that are difficult to reach by car, including hidden coves and sea caves.
However, you should be experienced at navigating around the coast, be aware of unpredictable winds and waves and have safety gear. It’s a good idea to initially rent a kayak and go with a local guide to gain knowledge of the area.
Where in Greece is great for kayaking?
Whether you live on the mainland or an island you’ll find beautiful sections of coastline to explore by Kayak. The Ionian islands and parts of the Cyclades have some of the best conditions and sheltered waters. Here are some of the most amazing spots to Kayak:
- Milos – The gentle shore of Papikinou beach, protected coves of Firiplaka and the rock formation of the Sarakiniko coast.
- Lefkada – The small bay of Mikros Gialos and the hidden blue cave are lovely for kayaking and snorkelling with red starfish.
- Rhodes – Incredible rock formations, caves and pretty bays, such as Anthony Quinn Bay.
- Kefalonia – Sea arches, marine life and the dramatic cliffs of Myrtos Beach.
- Peloponnese – The beach at Navarino bay, Kardamyli’s sea caves, underwater ruins at Epidavros and the fortresses of Nafplio from the sea.
- Crete – Reach the car-free village of Loutro by Kayak. See rocks, coves and sea turtles at Bali, on the central north coast. You can even go kayaking on the beautiful Lake Kournos, where you might spot turtles and eels.
8. Windsurfing
Greece has excellent wind conditions, partnered with high temperatures and clear waters. From May to October there are frequent strong winds, creating opportunities for exciting windsurfing or kite surfing. You can find locations suitable for every ability from shallow lagoons to wavey seas. The northern wind called “meltemi” is perfect for windsurfing in Greece’s many coves and bays.
Where can I go windsurfing in Greece?
- The Cyclades and Dodecanese islands – Good conditions for windsurfing. The islands of Crete, Rhodes, Paros, Lefkada, Naxos and Karpathos are particularly popular.
- Lefkada – Windsurfers love the wind and large windsurfing area at Vassiliki on Lefkada. For a quieter location you could also look at the coves around nearby Meganisi island. See property for sale on Lefkada and Meganisi.
- Crete – The prime location is Kouremenos beach near Palekastro in eastern Crete. But also, Kolymbari, Tenta beach, west of Sitia and Mirabello bay near Agios Nikolaos.
- Naxos – At the windsurfing club on Naxos you can rent equipment and also try foil, wing and SUP. Beginners like the shallow waters at Laguna beach park and experienced windsurfers also go to St. George beach.
- Rhodes – The best windsurfing is at Prassonisi in the south. But also, Theologos, Ialyssos, Ixia and Paradisi.
Summary
Keeping fit is an important part of a healthy lifestyle in Greece. With so many warm sunny days there really is no excuse not to get out and walk, cycle or go for a swim.
More examples of activities on land and sea can be found on the Visit Greece website. These include, rock climbing, skiing, mountaineering, rafting and hang gliding. You could even join a local club and make new friends to invite for dinner at your home in Greece. See How to cook like a local in Greece here on Your Overseas Home.
