The Route
the graph below shows the outline of the route that we are going to follow by both vehicle and cycling.
This is not only your cycling route.
Costs
to be advised once we finetune the details
11 full days – Hotel, Luggage transport, Bike, Shuttles
late Sept or early Nov
That includes:
- Bike Hire for 11 days (Fitness, Road or Ebikes) – helmets, water bottles and spares
- Supporting Vehicle in close proximity (carry your personal belonging, transfer you in case of excessive fatigue, avoid the traffic, other)
- The driver would be Alex or Ilias. Therefore, we would be able to provide you with solutions on whatever happens
- Accommodation as per below (premium lodgings in places they are available IMPORTANT: we chose the lodging that maintain their authenticity)
- Breakfasts at every destination (if included by the hotel)
- A follow up the end of each night on what to see and explore around the destination you visit
- Ferry Tickets
Not included: the cost of the coffees or snacks along the way and the cost of your meals (lunch and dinners),
Tour Ιtinerary
Upon Arrival shuttle outside of Athens transfer to the starting point.
Cycling: 40 km / 400 m
Risk Factor 🙂 : on your day of your arrival you might be jet lagged. In that case we just collect you from the airport and you drop off at the starting point of this day. No matter how destroyed you might feel, I strongly recommend that you do not skip this ride. It will definitely help you to sync with the local time faster. Also, the next couple of days are more relaxed.
Tip: Please select a flight that lands in Athens early enough to allow you plenty of time to enjoy the day.
About the route: We have discovered this just 4 years ago. The main towns this road connects are better reachable by ferry, saving the visitors a lot of time from during their transport to there. That leaves this stunning road with absolutely no traffic. The road conditions are excellent, the views are spectacular and apart one 250m climb, there are no major challenges.
Accommodation: Ermioni Town – Stunning Apartment with the best view in town. (Day 1/3)
Note: in cycling is not an option because of the exhaustion, we just get you the Town of Ermioni
Fact: Evan was thrilled with this little town. I am certain that you also going to love the place.
50-60 km / 600 m
After your breakfast, you cover a flat part all the way to the small port of Costa. There, you load the bikes on sea taxi and you cross to the island of Spetses (5 to 10 minutes sail).
On Spetses, a not too long cycling route can make you circle the island, something that is expected to last 1.5 – 2 hours. Of course, you have the whole day ahead of you and you can follow your own pace. You may visit one of Spetses non touristic beaches found on your way, or, after your ride enjoy a nice meal on the island. At this point, I think Ermioni offers a greater level of authenticity and quality on food, with the focus on fresh fish, than Spetses.
Option: Since our vehicle will be in close proximity, after cycling around Spetses, we can pick you up from the port of Costa and transfer you back to Ermioni.
Accommodation: Ermioni Town – Stunning Apartment with the best view in town. (Day 2/3)
30 – 50 km / 300 – 600 m
Today the plan is to take it slow and have ride, but more into exploring the scenery than covering the miles. The route reflects the maximum that you can cover, while maintaining the option you to shorten it.
There is a plethora of small beaches, with no visitors along the way. In Koilada, the food option of Dooglas is something that you shouldn’t miss.
Accommodation: Ermioni Town – Stunning Apartment with the best view in town. (Day 3/3)
70 km / 1000 m
Looking at the route’s graph, this day will require you to cycle up to a small mountain all the way to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a landmark that you should definitely include in your off-the-bike activities.
Tip: Our vehicle, can shuttle you for part of the route. I recommend however, to give it a try.
Leaving the archaeological site, the route becomes mostly downhill and that is the reason for me to increase the total day’s mileage. This part will take you to Vivari, a small village with great food options. There we load the bikes on the vehicle and you enjoy a nice late afternoon meal. Once you are done, we transfer to the City of Naflpio where you can walk around the alleys. In my opinion there is no point for you cover this last part on the bike, since approaching Nafplio is neither nice nor pleasant (a bit of traffic).
Accommodation:
- Grand Sharai – 4 stars (url) – Room Type – Double
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Nafplio
50 km / 600 km
This day you have two options. You can begin your cycling from Nafplio covering a total of 80 km / 900m, or allow us to take you to Paralio Astros and begin from there after having your morning coffee (this is the route displayed here).
On your way, you will cross by three extremely scenic beaches, where you can enjoy a short swim. One of the, and very close to Leonidio (the end destination) is quite remote and most probably you would be on your own.
In Leonidio we have friends, and it would be pleasure sharing with you some of our true and honest hospitality, therefore, make no plans for your dinner. 🙂
Accommodation:
- Hatzipanayiotis (url) – a historical building which has been converted into a quality hotel.
Rest Day
One this day, you should only use the bikes to explore the little town of Leonidio or go through the farms and see how and why the vegetables in this area is so tasteful; all just grow there. Using our vehicle we might transfer you towards the beach side close by, or to a couple of mountainous villages that are worth visiting.
Accommodation:
- Hatzipanayiotis (url) – a historical building which has been converted into a quality hotel.
Leonidio, View from Hatzipanayotis breakfast area
50 km / 1100 m
Barbara and Brian, this is best route me and a dozen other cyclists from all over the world ever had ridden in our lives. I am up for the challenge of guaranteeing you that you will agree with me. Please raise your expectations as high as possible.
Empty , beautiful roads on this day!
The end destination in a place called Kiparissi, a small village, completely away from the radars of tourism industry. Only a few tavernas are found here but you will not need more.
Accommodation: Cavo Cortia
65 km / 1100 km
Leaving Kiparissi is coupled with a proper steep surprise. The first 2-3 of kilometres will require some effort, while the rest of the climb, although smoother, will get you up to 600m, leaving the sea views behind. The landscape is now completely changed, you are cycling on a plateau. Colors, trees, air… all are different.
The first stop should be Limni Geraka. A peaceful little place, completely weather protected with only two, but great dinner options.
Right after that you are heading to Monemvasia, a unique landmark in Greece. The beginning of that part comprises rolling hills and it is constantly along the coast line. The ultimate stop is the medieval castle of Monemvasia. Monemvasia took its name from the words mone=single and emvasi=entrance. Indeed! The island’s circumference coast line is comprised by steep rocks, impossible for any kind of ship to approach. During the reign of the Venetian empire, Monemvasia was an exceptional and naturally fortified city. It can get really crowded, however, it worth’s you paying a visit there.
After your visit: we drive you to the little port of Pounta to get the ferry to the island of Elafonisos.
Accommodation: Berdousis Hotel (url) (Day 1/2)
Leisure ride around the island
It has been mentioned that the island is a very small one. Therefore, just take the bikes and explore every part of that. The world famous Simos beach will fascinate you and there you are going to spend the majority of your day.
Accommodation: Berdousis Hotel (url) – Day (2/2)
Elafonissos Island
42 km / 500 km
In the morning you can relax to enjoy the island and its easy rhythms. Once you are ready and then get ready to cycle the last part of the itinerary.
13.00 latest you leave the island and you ride towards Elea. The road is to there is fascinating and passes through numerous small villages. At Elea, there is a stunning hotel with great food and awesome views. The target is us being there before the sunset and enjoy a meal at the magical moment.
Accommodation: Alas Resort (url) Your last night at this spectacular hidden resort
Farewell!
After having an early breakfast, we depart for the Athens International Airport.
