Cycling in the Peloponnese
We wonder how many places there are in the world where a perfect equilibrium among the
beauty of a landscape
number of cultural elements and
grade of authenticity
can be achieved in such harmonious and natural way. We welcome you to a cycling trip in the Peloponnese.
The Landscape
Spectacular Sea views and Steep Mountain Passes
Olive Tree Farms, Pine and Spruce Trees
Rugged Terrains and Long Plains
All intermingled in harmony
What strikes us every time we cycle on those roads, is the how rapidly the landscape changes. It is quite often for a coastal road to instantly is turn into a mountain pass, and the sea views in the first to be followed by second’s spruce tree forest. Descenting that, might mean traversing a olive tree farm until something happens again and the scenery is completely changed once more. Many of our vexed talks we share while riding comrise the level of differentiation on amount and the type of vegetation as we move forward.
Road Quality
The current status of the roads is reviewed as exceptional. However, that wasn’t always the case. Every 15 to 20 years each road network is subjected under major reform or maintainance so to comply with the latest safety standards. Over the years, and having repeatedly cycled in the region of the Peloponnese, we have noticed a significant upgrade to the overall road network, with the cheerful effects to be found on the main roads all the way to the most remote ones. It is quite frequent now, we to cycle on roads which are perfect, satisfying the most demanding cyclist out there, while they are not even mapped by Google.
At this point, we kindly ask you not to forget the particular morphology of Greece. Some roads can still be rough, steep and with the tarmac conditions to demand your attention. But it isn’t that what makes make beautiful, empty and with great views?
Note: the roads on this trip are of very good to excellent tarmac conditions
Cycling Press & Media
love this part of Greece
Numerous articles related to the cycling in the Peloponnese can be found online. We can still, although not clear, remember the very first ones, where Germans and Dutch Cyclists were discovering for the first time the scenic roads of the Peloponnese, “intruding” the villagers peace with their colorful lycra cycling gear. A lot of things has changed since then, but, thankfully, not all.
How safe is it?
Cycling in the Peloponnese is extremely safe. The roads selected for this trip are generally quiet, with no dense traffic. Shall you require more information of how safe is cycling Greece please read our study found here
Costs
1090 euros / cyclist for a group of 6-12 cyclists
End of September / October
Included
Accommodation: 2-3 star accommodation
Bikes: No bikes (+€150 for the ones who want)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Airport Shuttles: All
Services: Bike Boxes Storage
Tour Ιtinerary
Upon guests flight’s arrival: we shuttle all riders to Kalamata city. Along the way, we make a stop at the Corinth Canal where the guests can gaze this spectacular achievement.
Shuttle to Kalamata: 2.5 hours (with two short breaks)
Accommodation: Pharae Palace Hotel (4 star)
120 km / 2500 m
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel and we ride directly from there.
Cycling: Today is a beautiful route, which will get you all the way up to the mt. Taygetus. Breathtaking views while climbing up and completely empty roads.
Finish: The ending point at the scenic little town of Kardamili.
Accommodation: Hotel Esperides in Vardia
Tip: Very close to the hotel there are many nice restaurants. One of that is going to be our meeting point for our dinner.
130 km / 1600 m
Morning: We arrange for you a wonderful breakfast and then the ride begins.
Cycling: This is one on the must-to-ride routes in the Peloponnese. The endless coast roads and wide open sea views, will get you thrilled. What fascinates us every time is the fact that as we move further to the south, the landscape changes dramatically. It becomes more wild, rocky, with less trees. That is the authentic landscape of Mani. Later on the ride passes by the scenic port of Gytheio.
Finish: The ride ends either at Elea, and the dinner is arranged at the hotel’s stunning restaurant.
Accommodation: Alas Resort Premium Lodging
47 km / 600 m
recovery ride
Rest day! After the breakfast we ride to the small port of Pounta where with a small ferry we get you across the stunning island of Elafonisos.
The Island of Elafonisos: is a small island. However the raw beauty someone can find here is superb. The world famous golden beach of Simos with its crystal, turquoise waters, is a spectacle which captivates all visitors. At the same time, the traditional restaurants, with a great number of options on fresh fish, guarantee a gastronomic experience like no other.
!!! Important !!! Eventhough we can visit the island, there is a high probability that we might spend the night in a town which is located on the mainland, 20 km away from the port of Pounda. It is called Neapoli (map)
Accommodation: Berdousis Hotel or GEA ELAIA
60 km / 1000 m
Morning: Early departure, so that we take the first ferry and start cycling as early as possible.
Must See
- Monemvasia, the first stop is made at 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. Our Support vehicle will make sure you to have access to your belongings (shoes)
- Limni Ierakas to enjoy a coffee break away from the tourism radars. A blissful, calm place.
Accommodation: Limni Gerakas at Porto Cadena or Similar
85 km / 2100 m
AWESOME ROAD AHEAD!
The very best Greece can offer. From Pistamata to Fokiano. It is a brand new road not yet mapped by google, with exceptional sea views Everyone enjoy!
Accommodation: Romanza Rooms in Poulithra or Similar
Morning: Early wake up and begin cycling asap. After a 8 km climb, and a gain of 650m, we descend to Leonidio, a small town with tasteful agricultural products, produced by the local farmers. We can either stop here for a coffee or move further north, to Paralio Astros.
Cycling: Apart from the initial climb, which we can skip shall the group decides to do so, the rest of the route until Nafplio, is mix of flat parts and short hills (max elevation 180 m each)
Finish: The scenic town of Nafplio is the end destination of this trip. Nafplion offers a number of dining options which are famous about their quality and taste, while at the same time, wandering around its picturesque alleys will get you by a couple of bars to enjoy a drink in here.
Accommodation: Pension Dafne or Similar
95 km / 1600 m
Morning: Early wake up and on the saddle the soonest possible
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus: This this the very place where the theater as we know it today, begun. There, it will be our personnel to help the riders who want to visit the archeological place to change into normal shoes.
Accommodation:Hotel Olympic
25 – 90 km
or part of the route as shown at the map
Early in the morning we ride around Loutraki area. Here are found some of the best training routes which are located close to Athens.
Beach time: Our recommendation, and based on the flight’s time, is the riders to cover the minimum on the distance and enjoy a nice time at the beach.
Shuttle to the Athens Centre
Extra Information
All riders should bring their own gear. Indivately we recommend:
4 x cycling kits
we are going to get back to the hotel relatively late, leaving not enough time for the washed items to dry. Also we would like to see you in your various outfit 🙂 It is good for the pictures
Helmet
We prompt all of our customers to bring their own helmet, to ensure maximum level of comfort. Shall you need to use our own you are free to do that at no extra surcharge. Kindly let us know in advance.
Sunglasses
Greece is country of light, why not protecting your eyes with some shades Sunglasses make you look cool as well.
Water Bottles
You may bring you own. Each bike will have two holders for you to carry plenty of water or any of juice that keeps you going. In case you need to purchase our Camelback Podium Chill 21oz (web) for 13 € / bottle
Photo Gallery
