Mushroom outings in Greece: how a guided foraging walk works

The Pezoparea team · Updated 12 November 2026 · 5 min read

A mushroom outing is an easy walk in the forest to find and learn about wild mushrooms, with a guide who can identify them. Most happen in autumn, after the first rains, and fewer in spring. Bring a basket and a small knife, and never eat a mushroom that an expert hasn't identified with certainty.

Every autumn, when the first rains arrive, Greek forests fill with mushrooms. Many clubs and companies then run mushroom outings: slow-paced walks where the goal isn't the summit but what grows on the forest floor. They are among the easiest outings to start with, and among the most interesting for people who already hike.

What is a mushroom outing?

It's an organized walk in the forest, usually 2 to 4 hours, with little climbing and many stops. The group walks slowly, searches under the trees and in clearings, and the guide explains what each person found: its name, where it grows, which trees it lives with and why some mushrooms are dangerous. Often the outing ends with the expert sorting through everything that was found.

Some outings are run by mycological societies and are more of a lesson, with a talk before or after the walk. Others are regular club or company hikes with mushrooms on the programme. Each outing's page says what's included and who does the identification.

When do mushroom outings happen?

The main season is autumn, from October to December, depending on rain and altitude. A second, smaller season is spring. Because mushrooms depend on the weather, organizers often set the date a few days ahead or move it if it hasn't rained.

Where do they take place?

In forests of beech, oak, chestnut and conifers. Well-known areas are Grevena and the Pindus, Vermio, Cholomontas in Halkidiki and the forests of Epirus and the Peloponnese, but you also find mushrooms on mountains near the cities, such as Parnitha and Chortiatis.

What should I bring?

• A basket, not a plastic bag: mushrooms stay fresh and don't turn to mush
• A small knife, to take them out the way the guide shows you
• Shoes with good grip, because the forest floor is wet and slippery
• A rain jacket and a warm layer: after rain the forest is cold
• A charged phone, for photos and to keep in touch with the group

Safety: the rule you never break

Never eat a wild mushroom that an experienced mycologist hasn't identified with certainty. Some of the most toxic mushrooms look very much like edible ones, and folk “tests” (silver turning black, animals eating it, a nice smell) don't work. Identification apps make mistakes and don't replace an expert.

If someone feels unwell after eating wild mushrooms, call the Greek Poison Centre on 210 77 93 777 or 112 straight away, and keep a sample of the mushrooms.

Are there rules for picking?

Yes. Picking for personal use is allowed, but there are limits on quantity and, in some areas (such as protected ones), special rules. The organizer or the local forestry office knows what applies. Good practice is to pick only what you'll use, leave very small and very old ones, and not disturb the soil.

How do I find an organized mushroom outing?

On Pezoparea, mushroom outings have their own category, “Mushrooms”. You'll find them all on the mushroom outings page or with the category filter in search. You sign up with the organizer, as with any outing.