Rivers in Greece

Rivers in Greece are an important natural feature. In ancient Greece they were worshiped as individual deities. The ancient Greeks believed that river landscapes were beautiful beyond human standards and belonged to the world of the gods.

river pineios in greece — Pineios River (Thessaly). Photo by Filos96 / flickr

Here’s a brief overview of the best-known Greek rivers:

Evros (Maritsa): Forming part of the border between Greece and Turkey, it’s one of the major rivers in the Balkans.
Haliacmon: The longest river entirely within Greece, it flows through northern Greece.
Acheloos: One of Greece’s longest rivers, it flows from the Pindus mountains to the Ionian Sea. It’s historically significant for its role in ancient Greek mythology and agriculture.
Pineios (Thessaly): Flowing through the Thessaly plain, this river is known for its role in Greek mythology and the picturesque Vale of Tempe.
Aoos: Originating in the Pindus mountains, the Aoos flows through northwestern Greece and Albania. It’s known for its biodiversity and stunning gorges.
Voidomatis: A tributary of the Aoos, the Voidomatis is famous for its crystal-clear waters and is popular for rafting.
Acheron: Known in Greek mythology as the “river of woe,” it’s located in the Epirus region and is associated with the underworld.
Louros: Originating near Ioannina, the Louros is known for its rich flora and fauna.
Mornos: Providing water to Athens, it originates from the Giona mountains and is a crucial water source.
Vouraikos: Famous for the Vouraikos Gorge and the scenic Diakopto-Kalavryta Railway that runs alongside it.
Alfeios: The longest river in the Peloponnese, it’s known for its historical significance in ancient Olympia.
Lousios: Known as the river where Zeus was bathed as an infant in mythology, it’s a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Eurotas: Flowing in the Laconia region, it’s closely associated with the ancient city of Sparta.
Ilisos: A historically significant river in Athens, now mostly covered and urbanized.
Spercheios: Flowing mainly through Central Greece, it’s known for its diverse ecosystem.
Gorgopotamos: A tributary of the Spercheios, it gained fame during World War II for the Gorgopotamos Bridge sabotage by Greek partisans and British SOE agents.
Pineios (Peloponnese): Located in the Peloponnese, different from the Thessalian Pineios, it flows through Arcadia and Achaea.
Enipeas: Flowing through Thessaly, it’s noted for its scenic beauty, particularly in the Mount Olympus region.
Axios (Vardar): Originating in North Macedonia and flowing into Greece, it’s one of the major rivers in the Balkans.
Gallikos: A short river in Central Macedonia, it’s known for its rich birdlife.
Strymonas (Struma): Flowing from Bulgaria into Greece, it’s significant for its ecological and historical importance.
Nestos: Flowing from Bulgaria into Greece, it’s known for its unique ecosystems and the Nestos Gorge.
Anapodaris: Located in Crete, it’s known for its scenic beauty and is the longest river on the island.