The Greek countryside is once again taking center stage through the 9th Panhellenic Trails Meeting 2026, a meeting point for everyone who loves hiking, alternative tourism, and the authentic experience of the Greek outdoors!
From October 9 to 11, 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 natural and cultural wealth of the area while confirming the dynamic potential of the Greek countryside.
The event is organized by Trace Your Eco, co-organized with the Hellenic Hiking Federation, the Municipalty of Paionia and the Regional Unit of Kilkis (Department of Tourism), aiming to become a nationwide meeting point for everyone active in the field of hiking and trail development.
An Institution that Connects Greece Through Trails
The Panhellenic Trails Meeting has become a well-established institution that, since 2017, has traveled across different regions of Greece, promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange, 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 takes the baton, aspiring to deliver yet another dynamic and meaningful event.
Promoting Trails and Sustainable Tourism
The main objective of the meeting is to showcase the richness of Greece’s trail network and its connection 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 tool for local development, environmental protection, and strengthening social cohesion.
Who Can Participate?
The 9th Panhellenic Trails Meeting is addressed to a wide audience active in the fields of nature, tourism, and civil society. Participants expected to attend include:
- Organizations & Collectives: Associations, NGOs, and Social Cooperative Enterprises active in hiking and trail creation across Greece
- Mountain & Tourism Professionals: Mountain leaders, mountain guides, and professionals involved in outdoor activities and alternative tourism
- Representatives of Hiking, Mountaineering & Nature Clubs
- Institutional Bodies (Municipalities, Regions, Ministries)
- Tourism and outdoor activity professionals
- Civil society organizations
- Academics & Researchers
- Publishing and Media Representatives & Professionals
Under the Auspices and with Strong Partnerships
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), while the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) is the main sponsor.
The contribution of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kilkis, cultural associations of the Municipality of Paionia, as well as local nature and mountaineering clubs, will also be significant, actively supporting the organization and its activities.
Among the supporters of the meeting will also be the Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+, supporting an initiative that promotes sustainable tourism and the enhancement of the Greek countryside.
Program and Registrations
The full event program, thematic sections, speakers, as well as all information regarding registrations and accommodation proposals in the Paionia area, will be announced soon.
For more information, interested parties may contact: info@traceyoureco.gr
The project entitled “Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+” is implemented within the framework 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 Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+.