Greece to Map Trails for New National Path Network

Photo source: Environment and Energy Ministry

Aiming to highlight Greece’s hidden natural beauty, the Environment and Energy Ministry will develop a network of trails and hiking paths spanning routes across the country.

Under the “Creation of a National Network of Paths and Hiking Routes” project, Greek trails will be mapped into a cohesive network, supporting the preservation and protection of the countryside as well as Greece’s natural and cultural heritage. This initiative is led by the Recovery and Resilience Fund in collaboration with the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA).

“The creation of a National Path Network will help showcase Greek nature and support local sustainable development,” the ministry said in an announcement.

Following the decision by Energy Minister Thodoros Skylakakis and Deputy Economy Minister Nikos Papathanasis, 67 out of 175 submitted proposals have been approved, with a total value of 30.2 million euros.

The approved proposals, submitted by municipalities, regional authorities, and monasteries, include trail network projects in locations such as Evia, Soufli, Oinousses, Kalymnos, Tzoumerka, Asterousia Mountain, Folegandros, Naxos, Donoussa, Heraklia, Ano Koufonissi, Schinoussa, Drama, and the Geraneia Mountains.

Additional networks will also be developed in the regions of Western Macedonia, Epirus, and the Peloponnese.

The ministry noted that other candidate organizations submitting the required supporting documents for the call for expressions of interest may qualify for review by the ministry and the OFYPEKA Committee in the second evaluation round.