Great Runs in the Greek Islands

Note: For the Full Guide to Running in The Greek Islands, see the GR Website

The Greek Islands are a collection of 6,000 land masses scattered across the European coast of the Aegean and Ionian seas. The 227 populated islands fall into one of several groups: the Ionian Islands, the Northeastern Aegean Islands, The Sporades, Evia, the Islands of Argosaronic, The Cyclades, The Dodecanese, and the large standalone island of Crete. While each island has something unique to offer, most have in common picturesque crescents of beach, storied architectural and cultural heritage, and at least some element of resort leisure. Since we haven’t run all 6,000 islands (yet!) we’ve confined our Greek Islands running guide to the most visited destinations, including Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Paros.

Santorini: Perhaps the most popular island for tourists in Greece, picturesque Santorini has great running along the Kamari and Perissa Beach boardwalks, but the crown jewel is the path between Fira and Oia, which is more of a trail run.

Mykonos: The best running on the lively, well-known island of Mykonos is right along the waterfront of Mykonos town. End at the Windmills of Kato Milli for a scenic treat. Also some good running on some scenic coastal and interior roads.

Crete: Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, has three major cities with shoreline promenades as well as 320 km of the cross-Europe E4 Trail.

Rhodes: In addition to some great waterfront sidewalks, the island of Rhodes has some of the most unique historic running in the Greek Islands, with the trail along the former Old Town moat.

Corfu: The popular Ionian Islands destination of Corfu offers plenty of running along its waterfront as well as a great cross-island path for trail running.

Paros and Antiparos: In Paros, the best place to run in a waterfront tour of Parikia Bay. In Antiparos, there’s some good waterfront running as well, and a run from the Chapel of Saint Marina to Sifneikos Beach.

Original Post By: Kelsey Perrett. For the full running guide to The Greek Islands, see greatruns.com.