Slow Travel in Greece

Paths of Peace

four hiking and a cycling route

HIKING & cycling IN GREECE

Paths of Peace

Paths of Peace is a 40 km trail in Western Macedonia, Greece, offering four walking routes and a cycling path. The trails provide nature enthusiasts the chance to discover the region’s diverse wildlife, including birds, mammals, and the wolf, bear, and lynx sanctuary. Along the way, hikers and cyclists can explore charming settlements, rich cultural heritage, and pristine landscapes, making it an ideal journey for those seeking adventure in unspoiled nature.

Hiking trails

Easy to moderate hiking trails

Wild life sanctuary

Arcturos environmental centre along the way

Cycling route

Explore Greece while cycling!

FOUR HIKING ROUTES & A CYCLING PATH
The four routes pass through the villages and settlements of Agrapidia, Aetos, Asprogeia, Limnochori, Lehovo, Nymfaio and Sklithro, taking walkers through a landscape rich in cultural monuments, chapels, dense and oak forests, as well as lakes Zazari and Cheimaditida with their surrounding reed beds. Along the way you will also encounter the Skithros River, offering a varied and immersive natural experience.
The region’s rich cultural tapestry is shaped by its diverse communities, including Arvanites, Vlachs and people from Asia Minor, Pontus, Eastern Thrace and the local area. Their unique traditions, customs and heritage combine to create the vibrant cultural identity that defines these villages.
The first trail links Lechovo with Asprogeia and Nymfaio, taking you through dense forests and rural landscapes, once the site of historic battles. From Lechovo to Asprogeia, the path is peaceful and scenic, leading to a charming village with small local shops for refreshments. The next section ascends an ancient path, climbing from 600 to 1200 meters with gentle zigzags through shaded terrain, and the final stretch to Nymfaio reveals an open hillside offering stunning views of nearby lakes, mountains, and villages.
This section links Nymfaio with Agrapidia, the Arcturos wolf sanctuary, and Sklithro. It begins with a descent along an ancient cobbled path that leads to Agrapidia, with a short detour to visit the wolf sanctuary. The route then continues along country roads and narrow paths, finishing at the village of Sklithro.

This route, the shortest of the Paths of Peace, connects Sklithro to Limnochori, featuring a climb along a picturesque old path leading to the Mavri Petra viewpoint. From there, the trail descends through a lush forest with stunning views of Lake Zazari. At the bottom of the descent, the path reaches the lake’s shores before continuing to Limnochori.

This trail connects Limnochori to Lechovo, passing through three abandoned lakeside settlements. It begins with a climb and descent in Intsko, then follows the shores of Lake Cheimaditida through Chrysovitsa. The route continues to Cheimadi, where the final ascent to Lechovo begins. The path ends with a descent offering panoramic views of Lechovo and its surroundings, leading into the village through narrow streets.

This cycling route traverses the region’s diverse landscapes, including forests, ridges, farmlands, and settlements, along with numerous points of interest. The route primarily follows rural roads, with only a few sections of asphalt, and does not include any trails.

elati forest village
The Cheimaditida and Zazari lakes, situated at an altitude of over 500 metres, are home to 81 important nesting birds. They also serve as a home or feeding area for 5 species of mammals, 3 species of reptiles, 3 species of invertebrates, 1 species of fish, living in 5 important types of ecosystems, and as a whole are part of the “Natura 2000” network as a Special Protection Area for Birdlife and constitute an important wildlife refuge.
logo slow travel greece
The Paths of Peace offer a truly slow holiday experience, inviting walkers to connect with
local communities, experience traditional flavours and support small villages in Western Macedonia.
Along the way, travellers can immerse themselves in unique cultural festivals – such as the Potato
Festival in Sklithro every July, where local potato varieties take centre stage alongside music
and dance, or the Pepper Festival in Aetos every August, where Florina’s famous red peppers
are celebrated with a variety of local dishes, while every December, Aetos lights bonfires in an
ancient Greek ritual. Through these experiences, visitors don’t just pass through – they
become part of the region’s living traditions.
Rediscover Greece. Support small rural communities and be part of their revival.
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