At 'Walking the Islands...' we are concerned to ensure that our walks are accurate, practical and safe. However, please be aware that you undertake the walks at your own risk, and that landscape and landmarks sometimes change. We are always pleased to hear from you if you wish to suggest an update to one of our walks.
We never knowingly lead you across private land, including military areas, but it is your own responsibility to be aware of your surroundings and avoid trespassing when you are following our walks.
You will already know that Greek Islands can be hot in summer, but that needn't stop you enjoying the walks, even in mid August, when we often walk them ourselves. Try a short walk any time of day. Cover up against the sun, wear strong shoes, take plenty of water and be ready to defend your legs against scratchy thorn bushes.
For the day-hikes, it's good to start really early, before sunrise even. Climb up away from the sea in that delicious pre-dawn cool, as the native life starts to stir. Watch the sunrise on your way up to the hills, and then as it warms up, you benefit from having the main climb behind you and you'll catch the sea breezes that are often missing on the beach. Now you're up in the hills, it's perfectly possible to walk all day, or come down at any time to a well-earned taverna and a sleep on the beach. A 300m descent in the midday sun is nothing, whereas a 300m climb is madness!
With adequate protection, the walks should be manageable and we'll always give a warning of anything tricky. Many are great as evening strolls,
The connoisseur could try an evening climb, bivvy out for the night, and watch the sunrise from a summit far from town. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see islands in all directions. For example, I've seen Mount Athos from Alonnisos, and Patmos from Amorgos, 100 Km and 80 Km views respectively.