Off road biking in Greece

Greece Coast to Coast Explorer

Tour Description: Guided

This is a rugged, place to place mountain bike adventure, through a lesser known Greece, well away from the beaten tourist tracks and amenities.

The tour involves some superb mountain biking crossing two mountain ranges, three coastlines and biking through some stunning coastal tracks and thickly forested mountain terrain. We begin the journey in the mountains north of Athens, where we stay at Villa 'Patricia' set in lash landscape gardens with seasonal swimming pool where the air is cool, fresh and deliciously scented with pine. for the first part of our trip we explore the trails of Mt. Parnitha and there would be an opportunity to visit the world famous Acropolis and archaeological sites of Athens and bustling markets of Athens.

We continue our journey, crossing to the island of Evia, and stay at the fishing village of Karystos staying in a hotel right on the beach, great for that evening or early morning swim. Crossing to Kalianous, we spend an evening at a spartan mountain lodge, at the base of the stunning and unknown Dimosari gorge. This is a real favourite, peaceful and quiet, with a sandy beach and the Aegean sea, a minutes bike ride away. During the trip, we experience the best that Greek cuisine has to offer, with fresh fish, a variety of tasty vegetable dishes, fruit, salads, olives and feta cheese, yoghurt, honey, mountain tea, local wines and ouzo! Transfers are kept to a minimum and a support vehicle in attendance to transport luggage (and occasionally tired bikers!)  

Learn more about guided trips. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

This is a rugged, place to place mountain bike adventure, through a lesser known Greece, well away from the beaten tourist tracks and amenities.

The tour involves some superb mountain biking crossing two mountain ranges, three coastlines and biking through some stunning coastal tracks and thickly forested mountain terrain. We begin the journey in the mountains north of Athens, where we stay at Villa 'Patricia' set in lash landscape gardens with seasonal swimming pool where the air is cool, fresh and deliciously scented with pine. for the first part of our trip we explore the trails of Mt. Parnitha and there would be an opportunity to visit the world famous Acropolis and archaeological sites of Athens and bustling markets of Athens.

We continue our journey, crossing to the island of Evia, and stay at the fishing village of Karystos staying in a hotel right on the beach, great for that evening or early morning swim. Crossing to Kalianous, we spend an evening at a spartan mountain lodge, at the base of the stunning and unknown Dimosari gorge. This is a real favourite, peaceful and quiet, with a sandy beach and the Aegean sea, a minutes bike ride away. During the trip, we experience the best that Greek cuisine has to offer, with fresh fish, a variety of tasty vegetable dishes, fruit, salads, olives and feta cheese, yoghurt, honey, mountain tea, local wines and ouzo! Transfers are kept to a minimum and a support vehicle in attendance to transport luggage (and occasionally tired bikers!)  

Learn more about guided trips. 

Highlights: Guided

• West to East, coast to coast across Greece untouched by tourism
• Friendly local people
• Delicious mediterannean cuisine
• Experience history, culture and tradition
• Opportunity to visit the wonders of Athens 

Highlights: Self-guided

• West to East, coast to coast across Greece untouched by tourism
• Friendly local people
• Delicious mediterannean cuisine
• Experience history, culture and tradition
• Opportunity to visit the wonders of Athens 

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Athens
Meet and greet at Athens airport and transfer 30 minutes to the Northern Suburbs of Athens and to Villa Patricia. Sort bikes and depending on arrival times we are off on our first adventure exploring our first single tracks on Mt Parnitha's foothills!  Dinner at the Villa in the evening. 
Overnight Villa Patricia, Athens.

Day 2: Athens Loop (28 miles/45km)
Explore the grounds of the former Greek Royal family, now a national park and set in beautiful landscape with newly created bike ways. We visit the isolated 5 century BC fortress of Dekelia and more sizzling singletack for those who dare. Light snack lunch is provided during the day and upon return to the villa a home cooked meal or bbq for dinner. Wine and soft drinks included.
Overnight Villa Patricia, Athens.

Day 3: Athens-Karistos (43 miles/70 km)
Get ready for departure from Athens. Morning transfer to Rafina and the ferry to Evia and check into our hotel by the beach at Karistos. Perhaps the most scenic coastal track in Europe? Judge for yourself. Isolated beaches and rugged mountains, pack your swimming costume for this super day of seaside biking. Evening Celebrations in one of many bars and tavernas along the water front!
Overnight in Hotel Galaxy, Karistos

Day 4: Free day in Karistos
Free day and a chance for you to do your own thing! Options include scuba diving, a self guided bike ride to Castello Rosso castle, or just lie on the beach with a glass of wine or 2. For those still craving more action, embark on an evening trek up to massive 2,000 year Roman columns, lying where they were quarried and mysteriousy abandoned over 2,000 years ago.
Overnight in Hotel Galaxy, Karistos

Day 5: Karistos-Kalianou (28 miles/45km)
Check out and away from Karistos. Friendly villages and stone hamlets. Climb and descend to Antia, the famous "whistling village" , enjoy a taverna lunch  with curious villagers! We climb to 1,000 metres on Mount Ochi and enjoy some superb mountain biking descending down a 15 km valley, rich in chestnut, walnut and plane trees, to the Aegean sea, our most easterly point at the foot of the Dimosari Gorge. Spend time at our remote mountain lodge at Kalianou, listen to the birds. Swim. Evening meal of fresh fish. Fruit and vegetables from the garden. After dinner, yogurt and honey, bonfire and wine on the beach. 
Overnight in Mountain Lodge, Kalianou.

Day 6: Kalianou to Athens (22 miles/35 km)
Check out. Stretch those legs and  embark on a 3 hour hike along one of the most beautiful gorge walks in Europe, remote and lush! (Yes, there is a biking option for those looking for a real challenge!) At 1,100 metres your bikes will be waiting for you courtesy of our Land Rover. On our roller coaster decent we pass by Roman cipollino marble quarries, old water mills, a ruined Crusader castle, and vineyards where we may be able to taste some local wine. Completing our day we roll onto the sandy beach below Mili , where we can enjoy a swim and a beer ! As they say "It aint over till the fat lady sings" and we drag ourselves once more onto our bikes and race to catch the ferry to the mainland, as the sun sets, along more beautiful coastal tracks. Late in the afternoon we take the ferry boat back to Rafina harbour and return to Villa Patricia for our last overnight.
Overnight Villa Patricia, Athens.

Day 7: Departure
Wake up late! If time permits a visit to Athens downtown, Athens airport and home!

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Mar 25; Apr 20; May 11; Jun 1, 22; Jul 6; Sep 7, 28; Oct 12, 26, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €635 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €200 Bike rentals Mountain bike €125 Child's bike €65 Equipment included free with all rentals €0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Airport pick up and drop off
• Accommodation in twin rooms (Villa, Hotel, and Mountain lodge)
• Breakfast and snack during the day (except for free day)
• Lunch and Dinner daily (except for free day)
• Wine is included with dinners 
• Use of swimming pool at Villa Patrica 
• Ferry, bus, rail, metro, and cable car tickets
• All transfers during the trip
• 4X4 vehicle support
• 1 or 2 guides, depends on group size
• Bike rental for entire tour

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Days 1 and 2: Villa Patricia, Athens
A privately owned villa in the foothills of Mt. Parnitha where participants of the trip stay in a guest house with 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, a sauna, kitchen, patio and balcony. You will have access to the swimming pool and the gardens of the villa. 

Days 3 and 4: Hotel Galaxy, Karistos
This 3-star hotel is family owned and operated. It is located in the waterfront in Karistos and they provide healthy breakfasts. 

Day 5: Mountain Lodge, Kalianou
The mountain lodege is located in Kalianou near the Dimosari gorge.

Day 6: Villa Patricia, Athens
A privately owned villa in the foothills of Mt. Parnitha where participants of the trip stay in a guest house with 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, a sauna, kitchen, patio and balcony. You will have access to the swimming pool and the gardens of the villa.  

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Days 1 and 2: Villa Patricia, Athens
A privately owned villa in the foothills of Mt. Parnitha where participants of the trip stay in a guest house with 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, a sauna, kitchen, patio and balcony. You will have access to the swimming pool and the gardens of the villa. 

Days 3 and 4: Hotel Galaxy, Karistos
This 3-star hotel is family owned and operated. It is located in the waterfront in Karistos and they provide healthy breakfasts. 

Day 5: Mountain Lodge, Kalianou
The mountain lodege is located in Kalianou near the Dimosari gorge.

Day 6: Villa Patricia, Athens
A privately owned villa in the foothills of Mt. Parnitha where participants of the trip stay in a guest house with 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, a sauna, kitchen, patio and balcony. You will have access to the swimming pool and the gardens of the villa.  

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes available are Corratec or Diamondback brand mountain bikes. All the mountain bikes are front suspension and are 28-speed.

Equipment provided for free with all rentals are spare inner tubes and a pump. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes available are Corratec or Diamondback brand mountain bikes. All the mountain bikes are front suspension and are 28-speed.

Equipment provided for free with all rentals are spare inner tubes and a pump. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

Undulating terrain, with an average of 500 metres of climbing and over 328 feet/1000 metres of descent per day in spectacular surroundings (often a support vehicle will transport bikers to altitude). 12 miles/20km plus of single track in the first three days alone, coastal rides and thickly forested mountain terrain. Maximum altitude 4,757 feet/1,450 metres. 95% off road for the more experienced rides and 70% off road for the beginners with 30% in quiet tarmac road. 

The tour is 95% off-road and would appeal most to those that have some mountain biking experience. Suitable for any reasonably fit person,with optional trails incorporating challenging singletrack, for those individuals that wish for a taste of tougher terrain. The tour is rated challenging and is for experienced cyclists in above average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

Undulating terrain, with an average of 500 metres of climbing and over 328 feet/1000 metres of descent per day in spectacular surroundings (often a support vehicle will transport bikers to altitude). 12 miles/20km plus of single track in the first three days alone, coastal rides and thickly forested mountain terrain. Maximum altitude 4,757 feet/1,450 metres. 95% off road for the more experienced rides and 70% off road for the beginners with 30% in quiet tarmac road. 

The tour is 95% off-road and would appeal most to those that have some mountain biking experience. Suitable for any reasonably fit person,with optional trails incorporating challenging singletrack, for those individuals that wish for a taste of tougher terrain. The tour is rated challenging and is for experienced cyclists in above average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport
Athens (ATH)

Please note:
The tour package includes transfer to and from the airport 

Tips on getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport
Athens (ATH)

Please note:
The tour package includes transfer to and from the airport 

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Videos: Guided

Video provided by Bike Greece

Videos: Self-guided

Video provided by Bike Greece

Tour Company Background: Bike Greece: Guided

We have been mountain biking in the mountains of Greece for over 20 years. Our cycling and mountain bike holidays combine all that's good about Greece. Friendly villagers, great food, dramatic mountain ranges, ancient history, remote coves and mountain trails to suit beginners to extreme. All at prices people can afford. Our tours are informal and designed to cover areas that we as cyclists enjoy

We specialize in flexibility in adjusting to requirements outside the itinerary/scheduleExcellent knowledge of mountain biking territories in GreeceExcellent knowledge of local history/culture English speaking, friendly and knowledgable guides Our location in Athens is ideal for mountain bikingWide range of abilities and experience catered for. Our company has been in business for 8 years.

"Dip your wheels in the Mediterranean Sea to begin your journey to unspoiled trails and ancient culture."  



 

Tour Company Background: Bike Greece: Self-guided

We have been mountain biking in the mountains of Greece for over 20 years. Our cycling and mountain bike holidays combine all that's good about Greece. Friendly villagers, great food, dramatic mountain ranges, ancient history, remote coves and mountain trails to suit beginners to extreme. All at prices people can afford. Our tours are informal and designed to cover areas that we as cyclists enjoy

We specialize in flexibility in adjusting to requirements outside the itinerary/scheduleExcellent knowledge of mountain biking territories in GreeceExcellent knowledge of local history/culture English speaking, friendly and knowledgable guides Our location in Athens is ideal for mountain bikingWide range of abilities and experience catered for. Our company has been in business for 8 years.

"Dip your wheels in the Mediterranean Sea to begin your journey to unspoiled trails and ancient culture."  



 

Terms and Conditions: Bike Greece: Guided

The contract

This contract is effective on our written confirmation to you and is governed by English law. Both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts. The contract does not include any travel arrangements, e.g. flights, made on your behalf through us with a third party.

if you cancel your booking after you have paid in full the following cancellation charges will be made:

• Between 60 and 100 days before departure-50% of the holiday cost
• 60 days or less before departure (or fail to join the holiday): 100% of the holiday cost

These dates refer to our receiving written notification of your cancellation. We strongly advise you to take out insurance against irrecoverable cancellation costs. 11. If you are prevented from traveling on the holiday you booked by genuine circumstances (e.g. insurable risks or other circumstances beyond you control), you may transfer your booking to another person provided they meet all the requirements relating to that holiday. You must provide proof of why you are unable to travel at the time you transfer your booking. A transfer fee of £70 will be payable, or £120 if the transfer is less than four weeks departure. Booking may not be transferred to another person in any other circumstances. Travel insurance is not transferable.

We will let you know as soon as we can if, through no fault of your own, we are forced to significantly alter or cancel your holiday. In these circumstances, you can choose one of the following options.

a. Cancel your holiday and receive a full refund. 
b. Accept a substitute holiday. If the substituted holidays is of a lesser value, we shall also refund you the difference in price.

On arrival you will pay to Bikegreece a "local charge". It is understood that this is to cover the cost of accommodation during your trip and that Bikegreece acts on your behalf in booking this accommodation for you. Bikegreece cannot be held responsible for accidents, however caused to you, during your stay in the above mentioned accommodation.

We aim to treat everybody in a fair and equal way. The following conditions, in conjunction with the information in the rest of the brochure, are to give you a clear picture of our and your responsibilities and fulfill the requirements of the Consumer Protection regulations on package tours.

Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be insured against medical and accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out cancellation insurance. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday.

Minimum Numbers
Our tour requires a minimum number of 1 participant, we reserve the right to cancel any tour up to 6 weeks before departure due to unforeseen circumstances. We will not pay any compensation or be liable for any expenses you may have incurred such as travel fares, visas or vaccinations. If we do cancel your tour, you have the option of transferring to similar tour, at no extra cost or a complete refund of all monies paid to us.

Customer Care
We are committed to providing excellent care for our guests. If you should have any problems during your tour, it is essential that you notify us at the time and we will do our best to rectify them on the spot. Any complaint not so rectified should be notified to us in writing as soon as possible or within 28 days of your return.

Transfers
Airport / Hotel transfers are only included if you meet our transport, at the agreed time, as per the suggested flights. It is your responsibility to meet us at the tour start point or other agreed point at the agreed time. If you fail to arrive at the agreed time and place we shall not be responsible for additional costs incurred by you to meet up with the group.

Visits and optional extras
No entrance fees for visits to places of interest are included in the price of your holiday unless otherwise stated in the tour information.

Your responsibilities All our biking / adventure tours involves an element of risk and it is YOUR responsibility to ride with due care at all times. You should WALK where you are not confident to ride. It is a condition of participating in our holidays that you will agree to wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection at all times while riding. If you bring your own bike you are responsible for keeping it in good working order. If you hire a bike from us you must notify us of any defects as soon as possible. On occasions a Bikegreece guide may remove a wheel (Changing a tyre is one example.). Irrespective of whether or not wheel removal has taken place It is YOUR ultimate responsibility to ensure that AT ALL TIMES the wheels are correctly secured tightly into the frame and are regularly checked by you for looseness. We can take no responsibility for any death or injury caused to or by you, or damage to or loss of property. You should keep valuables and your passport safely with you at all times.

It is necessary that you abide by the authority of the leader and during a tour if your behavior is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the group as a whole the tour leader may ask you to leave the tour without the right to a refund.

There is a natural need to be flexible in a tour of this kind. The day to day agenda as advertised may change. It is fundamental condition of joining our tour that you accept this flexibility, and acknowledge that delays and alterations and their subsequent results, such as inconvenience, discomfort, or disappointment, are possible.

BIKE HIRE CONDITIONS

1. Advance booking is necessary to reserve equipment.

2. The equipment including all accessories supplied, is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the Owner and the Renter will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possession thereof.

3. The Renter undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The Owners shall be entitled to charge the renter for any damages causes to the equipment during the period of hire. In the event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Renters misuse, the Owner will use his best endeavours to repair or procure the repair of the equipment.

4. The Owner shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the Owners control. The Renter shall indemnify the Owner with respect of all costs, claims, expenses and demands which he may suffer or incur and which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The Owner reserves the right to charge the Renter for partial or full settlement of any claim.

5. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the Owner reserves the right to call upon the Renter to indemnify the Owner the replacement of the equipment, being not less than £ 250. However should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the Owner hereby undertakes to refund the Renters indemnity within 14 days.

6. The Renter is over 16 and under 70 years of age, and will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the Owner in the event of the breakdown or loss of the equipment.

Terms and Conditions: Bike Greece: Self-guided

The contract

This contract is effective on our written confirmation to you and is governed by English law. Both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts. The contract does not include any travel arrangements, e.g. flights, made on your behalf through us with a third party.

if you cancel your booking after you have paid in full the following cancellation charges will be made:

• Between 60 and 100 days before departure-50% of the holiday cost
• 60 days or less before departure (or fail to join the holiday): 100% of the holiday cost

These dates refer to our receiving written notification of your cancellation. We strongly advise you to take out insurance against irrecoverable cancellation costs. 11. If you are prevented from traveling on the holiday you booked by genuine circumstances (e.g. insurable risks or other circumstances beyond you control), you may transfer your booking to another person provided they meet all the requirements relating to that holiday. You must provide proof of why you are unable to travel at the time you transfer your booking. A transfer fee of £70 will be payable, or £120 if the transfer is less than four weeks departure. Booking may not be transferred to another person in any other circumstances. Travel insurance is not transferable.

We will let you know as soon as we can if, through no fault of your own, we are forced to significantly alter or cancel your holiday. In these circumstances, you can choose one of the following options.

a. Cancel your holiday and receive a full refund. 
b. Accept a substitute holiday. If the substituted holidays is of a lesser value, we shall also refund you the difference in price.

On arrival you will pay to Bikegreece a "local charge". It is understood that this is to cover the cost of accommodation during your trip and that Bikegreece acts on your behalf in booking this accommodation for you. Bikegreece cannot be held responsible for accidents, however caused to you, during your stay in the above mentioned accommodation.

We aim to treat everybody in a fair and equal way. The following conditions, in conjunction with the information in the rest of the brochure, are to give you a clear picture of our and your responsibilities and fulfill the requirements of the Consumer Protection regulations on package tours.

Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be insured against medical and accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out cancellation insurance. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday.

Minimum Numbers
Our tour requires a minimum number of 1 participant, we reserve the right to cancel any tour up to 6 weeks before departure due to unforeseen circumstances. We will not pay any compensation or be liable for any expenses you may have incurred such as travel fares, visas or vaccinations. If we do cancel your tour, you have the option of transferring to similar tour, at no extra cost or a complete refund of all monies paid to us.

Customer Care
We are committed to providing excellent care for our guests. If you should have any problems during your tour, it is essential that you notify us at the time and we will do our best to rectify them on the spot. Any complaint not so rectified should be notified to us in writing as soon as possible or within 28 days of your return.

Transfers
Airport / Hotel transfers are only included if you meet our transport, at the agreed time, as per the suggested flights. It is your responsibility to meet us at the tour start point or other agreed point at the agreed time. If you fail to arrive at the agreed time and place we shall not be responsible for additional costs incurred by you to meet up with the group.

Visits and optional extras
No entrance fees for visits to places of interest are included in the price of your holiday unless otherwise stated in the tour information.

Your responsibilities All our biking / adventure tours involves an element of risk and it is YOUR responsibility to ride with due care at all times. You should WALK where you are not confident to ride. It is a condition of participating in our holidays that you will agree to wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection at all times while riding. If you bring your own bike you are responsible for keeping it in good working order. If you hire a bike from us you must notify us of any defects as soon as possible. On occasions a Bikegreece guide may remove a wheel (Changing a tyre is one example.). Irrespective of whether or not wheel removal has taken place It is YOUR ultimate responsibility to ensure that AT ALL TIMES the wheels are correctly secured tightly into the frame and are regularly checked by you for looseness. We can take no responsibility for any death or injury caused to or by you, or damage to or loss of property. You should keep valuables and your passport safely with you at all times.

It is necessary that you abide by the authority of the leader and during a tour if your behavior is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the group as a whole the tour leader may ask you to leave the tour without the right to a refund.

There is a natural need to be flexible in a tour of this kind. The day to day agenda as advertised may change. It is fundamental condition of joining our tour that you accept this flexibility, and acknowledge that delays and alterations and their subsequent results, such as inconvenience, discomfort, or disappointment, are possible.

BIKE HIRE CONDITIONS

1. Advance booking is necessary to reserve equipment.

2. The equipment including all accessories supplied, is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the Owner and the Renter will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possession thereof.

3. The Renter undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The Owners shall be entitled to charge the renter for any damages causes to the equipment during the period of hire. In the event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Renters misuse, the Owner will use his best endeavours to repair or procure the repair of the equipment.

4. The Owner shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the Owners control. The Renter shall indemnify the Owner with respect of all costs, claims, expenses and demands which he may suffer or incur and which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The Owner reserves the right to charge the Renter for partial or full settlement of any claim.

5. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the Owner reserves the right to call upon the Renter to indemnify the Owner the replacement of the equipment, being not less than £ 250. However should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the Owner hereby undertakes to refund the Renters indemnity within 14 days.

6. The Renter is over 16 and under 70 years of age, and will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the Owner in the event of the breakdown or loss of the equipment.