An article for cycling-loving families who wish to go on a family adventure in Greece while enjoying the sport they treasure. In this article, we present four regions in Greece where we suggest the best bicycle routes. But first, let’s talk a bit about the sport itself and the benefits it has as well as the necessary equipment you should never leave without.
Cycling indeed is one of the most enjoyable and at the same time most effective forms of aerobic exercise, as it effectively trains a large part of the muscles of the human body, while benefiting the cardio-circulatory and respiratory systems. Especially now after so many months of confinement, there is no better idea for exercise and recreation than a relaxed bike ride in nature.
Cycling with the Family in Greece
A Sport for Everyone who Respects the Environment
Everyone can ride a bike, as long as they are in relatively good physical condition, do not suffer from chronic diseases that afflict the spine, waist, or knees. For more extreme situations such as downhill or long mountain crossings, you should have a special bike (mountain bike), excellent physical condition, and a similar experience.
We should even emphasize that the bike has benefits not only to our body but also to the natural environment. It is an excellent ecological means of sports, but also of transportation, which does not produce noise, does not pollute, and does not disturb the ecosystem in its passage.
Everyday Habit
For many, cycling has become part of their daily routine, as they use the bicycle for their travels even in the city or in the village where they live. Others have it stored in the storeroom or garage of their home, looking forward to the weekend to plan a near or distant outing with their friends or family. However, some have forgotten to pedal, as they have years to get in the saddle. But the saying “if you learn to ride a bike, you will remember it for the rest of your life” is true!
Whichever category you belong to, the four areas in Greece we suggest are easily accessible and close to organized resorts. Therefore, do not hesitate for a moment to choose the one that suits you and your family for truly unforgettable alternative experiences.
The Choice of Equipment
Buying a good bike is a relatively expensive affair, as prices start at 200 euros and reach quite high. It would be wise to visit one of the many specialty stores that now exist in physical and online stores. Talk to the responsible sellers, tell them what use you want it for, how much money you intend to spend, to make the right purchase. After all, the bicycle is a means of transportation that with proper maintenance you will have for many years.
Furthermore, to carry out this activity safely, except of course a reliable vehicle, you must have with you:
- Special helmet
- Traffic lights on the bike – front and rear – even if you do not plan to ride at night
- A bottle of water
- Avoid light-colored clothes for others to see you, or even better a special vest that glows at night
- The pants should fit your feet well (ideally a pair of tights or special cycling pants)
- Suitable sports shoes
- The appropriate rack is necessary where you will safely transport the bicycles to your car
Let’s get into our suggestions for the best bicycle routes in Greece for the whole family.
Cycling in Meteora with family
Prefecture of Trikala, Meteora
The village of Kastraki, as it is only 4 km from Kalambaka and is built literally in the embrace of stone rocks, is an ideal starting point to get to know the monasteries and the wonderful nature that surrounds them. An asphalt road that starts from the village square meanders between cliffs and rocks and brings visitors within walking distance of the monasteries.
So, in most of them, you will go in your vehicle, while in some others you will need to walk a little. In total, to make the round of the rocks and reach the monasteries, you will need to travel about twenty kilometers starting and ending Kalambaka.
Suggested bicycle routes
The walking and cycling routes around the rocks of Meteora are many and extremely interesting, as they will reveal to you a lesser-known view of the wonderful and unique landscape. The cycling route we suggest ends at the Ypapanti old monastery.
Although it takes a lot of climbing, we believe that a well-trained team will easily complete it. Moreover, a great idea is to explore the riparian forest of the river Pinios.
Monastery of St. Nicholas in Porto Lagos Photo Credit: Dimitris Siskopoulos
Prefecture of Xanthi, Lake Vistonida
Lake Vistonida is located in the prefecture of Xanthi and near the port of Porto Lagos. It is only a few meters from the shores of the Thracian Sea, as a strip of land separates the shores of the lake from the open sea. The lake of Vistonida with an area of 45 sq.m. together with the smaller lakes Ismarida, Mitriko forms one of the most important coastal wetlands of the eastern Mediterranean, as more than 265 species of birds have been found here, among them quite rare and endangered.
The starting point for your excursions will be the port of Porto Lagos. It is just 25 km south of the city of Xanthi. The wider area, which occupies an area of 93,000 acres, has been included since 2008 in the enlarged National Park of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace.
Suggested bicycle routes
The village of Nea Kessani is just 4 km from the port of Porto Lagos and is located on the road to Xanthi. From this point start passable dirt roads that approach the shores of Vistonida. Furthermore, from Porto Lagos you can explore the beaches of the Thracian Sea. Enjoy the magnificent sunset while observing the thousands of birds looking for their food on the walls of the area.
The fishing village Kottes, Pagasetic Gulf Photo Credit: Fotis Diogenis
Pagasetic Gulf
From Agria onwards, the urban landscape is more disperse, and the views that combine the two elements of earth and water are unforgettable.
A combination of all kinds of vegetation falls from the slopes of Pelion and reaches the shore “painting” idyllic Mediterranean images. The place is gentle, passable, and inviting.
The first part of the route from Agria to Lechonia, Kala Nera is one of the busiest. Then the road goes up to Argalasti to mix again with the blue of the bay at the height of Hortos. From here you easily continue to Milina, Kottes, and end up in Trikeri.
Suggested bicycle routes
The coastal route Kala Nera – Afyssos, although it is very picturesque, has many vehicles and we would not recommend it for carefree cyclists. The mountain route Agios Georgios Nilias to Pinakates – Vizitsa is extremely pleasant. The road, asphalt with small slopes, runs through a beautiful forest while offering wonderful views of the coast.
Extremely pleasant and quite easy, as it unfolds by the sea, is the coastal section of the provincial asphalt road from Afyssos to Lefokastro. The whole route from Milina to Tzasteni is in the same pattern. Seeking more adrenaline on dusty dirt roads? Drive up to Pinakates and descend to Kala Nera. First, you will run through an oak forest and then a dense olive grove.
Kos Island – Daily life at Harbor Photo Credit: Güldem Üstün
Dodecanese – Kos Island
It is considered the island of cyclists. On the island, there are the most kilometers of organized bike paths in the Aegean. In no other place in Greece – except the cities of the Thessalian Plain of Karditsa and Trikala – you will not see so many residents using the bike for their travels. It seems like an ideal choice for the visitor to get to know the countless attractions.
Suggested bicycle routes
In Kos, you can take a short relaxing bike ride in the urban environment or a long bike ride in the countryside to Cape Psalidi, or even further to the beach of Agios Foka or the beautiful landscape of Piso Therma beach (15 km), always of course on a landscaped bike path. Finally, the cyclist can cool off by diving in one of the beaches that unfold along the course.
Inside the city, the most popular route takes place on the coastal road of G. Papandreou, where some of the most beautiful buildings of Italian architecture are located. Then you pass under the arches of the castle and follow Kanari Street. That will take you to the medieval port.
Are you interested in a little Greek family adventure? Contact one of our professional travel designers and they will help plan the perfect two-wheeled itinerary in Greece!
Feature Image Fully Credited to eBike Shed Ltd
