On the highest peak of Samos, Mount Kerkis, there are five main rough footpaths through the steep, rocky terrain to reach the top of Vigla at 1,433 meters (4,701 ft). For all of these options, you need to hike almost the same distance of 11 km (both ways) and to cover the same altitude, as all of the trails start approximately at the height of 700 m.

 

📌 The most common route we chose is the trail from southwest Samos. Our goal is to use the easiest possible trail and minimize exposure to the hot sun during the summer. We take advantage of our knowledge of the mountain and start in the afternoon, returning early at night with headlamps and enjoying the special moment of the sunset at the top.

 

📌 The tour starts with a 30-minute off-road drive by 4X4 to the beginning of the trail.

 

📌 On our hike, after passing through a small forest, we will face the rocky terrain of the mountain, which has a unique whitish color due to the limestone . Along the way, we will pass by the small church of Kerkis Mountain. The area is a sanctuary for several endemic plants and some special kind of animals and has become part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of protected sites.

The view is panoramic in most areas; on a clear day, you can see the neighboring islands and even the Turkish coast in the distance.

 

Kerkis hiking terrain is rocky, and the route may be physically demanding, it is not technically challenging. We will make sufficient stops so everyone can keep up.

 

TOTAL ASCENT: 1,030 m

DISTANCE: 11 km

 

Why to choose us?

• You are in safe hands as we have plenty of experience hiking in Samos.

• Avoid the sun-burn and the unfordable hot temperature with the sunset hike.

• We offer the off road drive and you don't face the issue to brake your car in the wild gravel road.

• If you are experienced hikers and looking for the absolute adventurous alternative route . Upon special request, we can also operate the trip from the panoramic view side (the way from Kalithea) or from the airplane crash site (the location of the airplane crash in 1989).

•  Free transfer is available from and to your hotel within a 10 km radius of the meeting point.