The Greek countryside is once again taking centre stage through the 9th Panhellenic Trails Meeting 2026, a meeting place for everyone who loves hiking, alternative tourism and the authentic experience of the Greek countryside!
From 9–11 October 2026, Polykastro in the Municipality of Paionia, Kilkis, will host the largest annual event dedicated to trails, hiking and sustainable tourism in Greece. The 9th Panhellenic Trails Meeting is being held for the first time in the Region of Central Macedonia, highlighting the area’s natural and cultural riches whilst confirming the dynamic potential of the Greek countryside.
The event is organised by Trace Your Eco, co-organised with the Hellenic Hiking Federation, the Municipality of Paionia and the Regional Unit of Kilkis (Department of Tourism), with the aim of becoming a national hub for everyone involved in hiking and trail development.
An organisation that connects Greece through trails
The Panhellenic Trails Meeting has become a well-established event which, since 2017, has been held in various regions of Greece, promoting collaboration, the exchange of knowledge and the sustainable development of rural areas.
The event’s journey began in Vytina in 2017 and continued in Andros in 2018, Metsovo in 2019, Xanthi in 2021, Kaisariani in 2022, Pelion in 2023, Chania in 2024, and Kastoria in 2025. This year, the Municipality of Paionia is taking over, aiming to organise yet another dynamic and meaningful event.
Promoting Trails and Sustainable Tourism
The main aim of the meeting is to highlight the diversity of Greece’s network of trails and its links to culture, history and the sustainable development of local communities.
Through talks, discussions and activities, the event will highlight the opportunities that hiking tourism offers as a means of promoting local development, protecting the environment and strengthening social cohesion.
Who Can Take Part?
The 9th Panhellenic Trails Meeting is aimed at a wide audience active in the fields of nature, tourism, and civil society. Participants expected to attend include:
- Organisations & Collectives: Associations, NGOs and social cooperative enterprises active in hiking and trail development across Greece
- Mountain & Tourism Professionals: Mountain leaders, mountain guides, and professionals involved in outdoor activities and alternative tourism
- Representatives of Hiking, Mountaineering and Nature Clubs
- Institutional Bodies (Local Authorities, Regions, Ministries)
- Tourism and outdoor activity professionals
- Civil society organisations
- Academics and Researchers
- Publishing and Media Representatives and Professionals
Under the auspices of and in close partnership with
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), whilst the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) is the main sponsor.
The contribution of the Kilkis Ephorate of Antiquities, cultural associations of the Municipality of Paionia, as well as local nature and mountaineering clubs, will also play a significant role, actively supporting the organisation and its activities.
Among those supporting the meeting will also be the Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+, in support of an initiative that promotes sustainable tourism and the enhancement of the Greek countryside.
Programme and Registration
The full programme of events, thematic sections, speakers, as well as all information regarding registration and accommodation options in the Paionia area, will be announced shortly.
For further information, interested parties may contact: info@traceyoureco.gr
The project entitled “Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+” is being implemented as part of the “Research – Innovate” Action of the “Competitiveness” Operational Programme of the NSRF 2021–2027 and is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and national resources.
Trace Your Eco is a member of the epaithros+ Rural Tourism Cluster.