Greece Bicycle Tours & Vacations

We have compiled a list of bicycle tours in Greece. If you are interested in any of these bicycle tours or cycling vacations, please contact the operator directly with any questions for ordering free brochures or booking.

Olympic Gods

Tour Duration: 8 - 12 day(s)
Group Size: 10 - 16 people

If you are an ambitious biker aiming for the stratospheres where Greek gods and goddesses roam you will drool over this tour. Get ready for lots of climbing in alpine altitudes on secluded back roads. We scale a different mountain range practically every day. The hardcore biking is tempered by R&R in bewitching little mountain towns with exceedingly hospitable villagers and delicious homemade cooking. Our layover in medieval-ish Meteora where monks reside atop mystical rock pinnacles will astound you forever.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Thessaloniki.

You’ve arrived to Greece! Thessaloniki is an inviting city with a sprawling harbor ideal for evening strolls and where we’ll have our welcome dinner. Perhaps there’ll be time to visit the White Tower, a former prison during Ottoman rule, but now refurbished into a tasteful Byzantine Museum with icons and frescoes.

Day 2: Litohoro.

We transfer to Katerini to bike in the environs around the lower slopes of Mt. Olympus. The vegetation is heavily forested with oaks, cedars and conifers. The air is pristine and refreshing. Our first day of biking is rigorous. You’ll sleep well after a glass or two of tsipouro, the locally made clear-as-water spirits. We overnight in Litohoro, a cozy little town situated 980 feet high (300 meters) high. Litohoro is rooted in the past with traditional Macedonian red-tiled roofs and stone architecture. 51 km, 31miles.

Day 3: Litohoro.

We ascend 2600 feet (792 meters) in the space of about 8½ km to the springs of Prionia (3600 feet, 1100 meters). The awesome Olympic Mountain range is constantly in sight, along with woodland birds overhead and two thousand plus species of flora to admire. During lunch at the Prionia refuge, we eye trekkers on their way to Mitikas, Greece’s highest peak at 9570 feet (2917 meters). Take a short walk to Agio Dionisios monastery on the old footpath before descending back to Litohoro. 17.3 km, 10.5 miles.

Day 4: Elassona.

We cycle in the southern shadow of Mt. Olympus today as we head westward on dirt roads embedded in green forests, crystal clear rivers and a variety of colorful flora. The terrain is alpine meadows of altitudes around 2700 feet (900 meters). One of the few villages en route, Karya is known for its handmade lace and embroidery and old arched stone bridges. Our evening destination, Elassona, is a culturally rich city in the agricultural Thessaly plains. The town is admired for its local folklore and folk music, and a monastery that now houses a natural history museum. The city is popular in winter as a ski center. 46 km, 28.5 miles.

Day 5: Meteora.

Our cycling route is a nature lover’s haven with forests, crisp clean streams, lakes and at least one cave at Kefalovrisi. The rolling terrain includes crossing the Antichasia Mountains which is abundant with birds of prey like buzzards and eagles. At a vulture preserve in Vlachava, we might have the possibility of seeing mothers feed their babies. 50 km 23 miles.

Day 6: Meteora free day.

Meteora is an extraordinary complex of 24 rock pinnacles with monasteries from the 9th to 14th centuries inexplicably perched atop the rocks. It is no wonder Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and not surprising that it is also a rock climbing mecca. We hike back paths to these truly sacred marvels. If we’re lucky we can hear the monks chanting Greek Orthodox prayers, a sensory experience which enhances the mystery of this unique community. Guaranteed: Meteora will be one of the most captivating sites you will visit in your lifetime.

Day 7: Mestovo.

After yesterday’s rest, be prepared for strenuous climbs and the longest distance covered in one day on our tour. We are headed up into the Pindus Mountain area, a green paradise of aromatic beech, pine and fir trees, abundant wild flowers and crystal clear streams. Our goal is Metsovo, a lively city sitting 3600 feet (1100 meters) in the heart of the Pindus Mountains which clings proudly to its culture. The town is known for fine woodcarving, weavings and traditionally clothed locals, as well as delectable local foods—all of which makes it a popular getaway among Greeks. 80 km, 50 miles

Day 8: Vovousa.

Pindos National Park, also known as Valia Caldo, is a wilderness area of untold beauty. Cycling through this remote ecological wonderland brings us in contact with eagles, woodpeckers, small lakes and wildlife. This is bear territory, and it is possible we will get a glimpse of a bear while cycling. About half of Europe's brown bear population reside in Greece and the Pindos Range is one of its only two remaining habitats. We finish the day in a quaint mountain hamlet known as Vavousa. 48 km, 30 miles.

Day 9: Tsepelovo.

More breathtaking scenery and climbs today in the Tymfi Mountains of the Zagoria region, the land of the Vlachs and Sarakastani tribes. The Vlach language is of Latin origin, resembling Romanian and Italian. The Sarakatsani are said to have descended from the original pastoral tribes of Homeric Greece. There’ll be many fascinating stone bridges to photograph before we finish in Tsepelovo. This splendid mountain town has an old church with preserved frescos, a stone bridge and lavish stone mansions. 38.5 km, 24 miles.

Day 10: Monodendri.

We’ll savor our last day of cycling by lingering along the route, with a pit stop in Vradeto. Until recently this secluded village was reachable only by meticulously laid stone steps, approximately 1100 of them. The locally made cheeses, wines and meats of this region are reknown. At Kapesovo there’s a little shop with homemade sweets and jams that you dare not pass up, and a folklore museum, too. Stone houses tumble down the mountainside of handsome Vitsa village. We finish our last cycling day in Monodendri. 32.6 km, 20 miles

Day 11: Ioannina (Vikos Gorge).

We abandon our bikes and turn to hiking for our last day of outdoor activity. The stupendous Vikos Gorge (“Loud Voice”) is one of the longest gorges in Europe at 12 km long, 700m deep and 200m wide. The Voidmatis River is crystal clear and made picturesque by double and even triple stone arched bridges. The beauty you behold tolday will cast a spell on you lasting for decades. At the end of the gorge, we transfer to Ioannina, the largest town of the Pindos region. Here we’ll have our farewell dinner in a traditional taverna and drink a glass or two of local tsipouro in commemoration of our group’s colossal accomplishments.

Day 12: Departure.

Athens - Self Guided Tours

Tour Duration: 4 day(s)
Group Size: 10 - 16 people

Visitors to Greece’s capital city, Athens, rarely include cycling in a sightseeing agenda geared towards legendary ruins, including the Acropolis, Roman Agora or Temple of Poseidon. But guess what --- there are local Athenian cyclists who pedal certain fond routes, two of which we will introduce to visiting bikers.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Athens.

Visit the Acropolis and surrounding sites, including Philopappou Hill, Roman Agora, plus Plaka and Melina Mercouri Museum.

Day 2: Athens.

Take your bike on the tram to where the coastal road starts to cycle the glorious route to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Attiki. 62 miles roundtrip (100km), mostly flat, highest ascent 250ft.

Day 3: Athens.

Day 4: Departure.

National Archaeology Museum, 1896 Olympic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, changing of the Parliament guards. Ascend Mt. Imitos, 20 miles roundtrip (34 km), 10 mile climb up 3200ft, about a 3 hour spin.

Birdwatch by Bike

Key Information
Tour Duration: 8 day(s)
Group Size: 10 - 16 people

Birdwatch By Bike in northwestern Greece is designed for the avid birdwatcher who also appreciates a healthy bout of physical activity. This easygoing bicycle ride passes through tranquil lagoons, intoxicating stretches of beach front and unspoilt mountain and countryside villages. Riders choose this tour for its spectacular birdwatching accompanied by leisurely pedaling amidst ravishing scenery.

The total number of bird species recorded in the region is over 300, an astounding concentration for such a small area in the Western Palaearctic region. We expect to see the following birds, among others: Flamingo, Herons (Grey h., squacco h., night h., purple h.), Egrets (great white and little), Pelicans (Dalmatian and white), storks (blacks and whites), Cormorants and shags, Spoonbill, Little Stint, Avocet, Glossy Ibis (quite rare), Golden Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle (rare), Egyptian vulture, Griffon vulture, Spotted eagle, lesser kestrel.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Ioannina.

We arrive in Ioannina, the largest city and capital of Epirus, one of the most handsome cities of Greece. It is built around Pamvotida Lake with fabulous views of the surrounding mountainous terrain. The combination of the city’s proximity to lake, mountains and forests, as well as the many open areas, old houses, tree lines and the castle make Ioannina one of the richest areas for urban birdlife in the country. Our welcome dinner takes place on the small island in the middle of Pamvotida Lake under the mournful calls of the scops owl.

Day 2: Ioannina.

We stay in and around Ioannina today. Apart from the waders, you will be delighted to observe the breeding lesser kestrel population that exists in town. We set out early morning for leisurely cycling and birdwatching around Pamvotida Lake. Our lunch stop at an outdoor lake taverna provides exceptional views of the lake. We continue pedaling to reach the castle top by dusk, a strategic point from which to observe numerous birds, notably lesser kestrels, as they head for their favorite night perches. Total: 24 km, 15 miles

Day 3: Preveza.

Today we have a one hour transfer to the mighty Amvrakikos Gulf, the chief wetland of Western Greece and one of the major wintering grounds of waterfowl in Eastern Mediterranean with concentrations of more than 100,000 birds including large colonies of both Dalmatian and white pelicans. We visit the information center and observation tower while cycling at a moderate pace around Logarou, Tsoukalio and Rodia lagoons and stopping for lunch in the charming village of Koronissia. A local boat ferries us across the Louros River to the picturesque seaside town of Preveza where we spend the night. Total: 51 km, 32 miles

Day 4: Lefkada.

Our day begins with an early crossing of the narrow isthmus, the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf, to the opposite side of Lakes Saltini and Voulkaria. This is an outstanding birdwatching spot for waders, as well as cliff nesting raptors due to the proximity to their favorite mountain haunts. Keep a sharp eye on the nearby Akarnanika Mountains because they are one of the few places in mainland Greece where the rare griffon vulture breeds. We then have lunch in Palairos, a picturesque small town overlooking the Ionian Sea, and a carefree ride to Lefkada before dusk. Total: 50 km, 32 miles

Day 5: Lefkada free day.

Lefkadians believe that Odysseus hailed from their island. Spend your day either birdwatching in the nearby lagoons and salt pans just several kilometers away or there are plenty of fine sandy beaches for swimming in the deep blue sea, especially near Nydri. Although Aristotle Onassis’ erstwhile private island, Skorpios, is inaccessible, swim is allowed from one of its beaches. A 14th century Venetian fortress, initially erected by the Crusaders, and an old monastery with splendid views are worth visiting.

Day 6: Parga.

From Mesopotamos, we cycle to the Aheron River delta near Ammoudia where we tour the intriguing ruins of Nekromanteion, site of the ancient oracle for the dead. Myth has it that here, where the Aheron River squeezes through narrow stone walls, was the sacred entrance for souls passing to heaven or hell. Back on our bikes, we ascend up to the picturesque horseshoe shaped twin mountains of Paramythia and Souli. From these altitudes, we are blessed with incredible views of soaring golden eagles and possibly griffon vultures, and pristine mountain villages. On resplendent backcountry roads we reach tiny Lake Morfi before halting for the night in pretty Parga. Total: 65 km, 40.5 miles

Day 7: Ioannina.

Transfer to Igoumenitsa. We cycle to the second birdwatching hotspot of our trip, the lagoons of the mighty Kalamas Delta. Apart from the plentiful waterfowl and songbirds, the area is considered THE mecca for Eastern Imperial eagles in Greece. The Kalamas Delta has by far the most recorded sightings in all of Greece of this extremely rare and magnificent raptor. We continue cycling to the most northwestern point in Greece, the seashore village of Sagiada, a breath away from Albania. The route follows peaceful beaches, hills, plains and lagoons. At Mavroudi, our vehicle awaits us for the one hour transfer to Ioannina. At our farewell dinner, we merrily drink a glass or two of local tsipouro in commemoration of our success in spotting not only many birds, but so many exquisite and rare ones as well. Total: 50 kilometers, 32 miles

Day 8: Departure from Ioannina airport