Evan White Bike Trip

27th of Sept –  09.20 – Upon Arrival in Athens and transfer to the starting point.

60 km / 550 m

Basis that you would need a short breakfast along the way, we make a short stop. I am not going to disclose where that will be, but I can guarantee that is going to be a truly welcoming landscape.

Later we take you to the “Mythical” Town of Aggelokastro. Well, here there is nothing to see, except the most bizarre cafe we have come across during our trips. You should definitely see that.  From there you begin cycling a mostly downhill route that will get you to the coastroad, all the way to Methana.

Methana is a volcano site, and someone can still smell the sulfur. From the little that I know you, you are going to love the authenticity of this place. For me that’s a truly a jewel, far away from the tourism industry.

Accommodation: Avra Hotel (url) – Very standard room, however, the view this hotel offers it simply the best found on this spot.

Note: in case you feel like relaxing and not having no cycling at all (jet lag), we drive you directly to Methana were you enjoy a slow, recovering pace.

60 / 500 m

We have discovered that route 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.

The ride ends at the small, picturesque fishtown or Ermioni.

Accommodation: Zoe Pension – A small business owned by wonderful people

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 touristy 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: Premium Apartment with best sea view in town

30 – 50 km / 300 – 600 m

Today the plan is to take it slow and have ride, but more into exploring the scenery that covering the miles. The route reflects the maximum that you can cover, with maintaining the option to shorten it.

There is a plethora of small beaches, with no visitors. In Koilada, the food option of Dooglas is something that you shouldn’t miss.

Accommodation: Premium Apartment with best sea view in town

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.

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 (traffic).

Accommodation:

• Grand Sharai –  4 stars (url) – Room Type – Double

Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

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.

Arriving at Leonidio on a bike

50 km / 1100 m

Well Evan, this is best route me and an 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: Standart room or AirBnb – there are no premium options here. I will confirm which one to book a couple of months from now. Currently… it is too early for them 🙂

I admit that, I am in love… but look behind 🙂

40 km / 900 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.

Descenting that one will get you to Limni Geraka. A peaceful little place, completely weather protected with only two, but great dinner options.

Accommodation: Mrs Maria Apartments – there is no other option here, which is good for those who seek some peace and quality time here.

56 km / 600 m

The beginning of the route is quite flat and constantly along the coast line. 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.

The end destination of this day is the tiny port of Pounta. Using the ferry, and for just 10 minutes, you hope on the island of Elafonisos. There you are settled at the hotel, and you are free to explore this treasure. More to come on the next day.

Accommodation: Berdousis Hotel (url) – Type Double Room

Note: Even though there only a couple of better than Berdousis lodgings, I recommend choosing a hotel which is very close to the port. This small port is the area where a number of nice restaurants and bars are found. Therefor, after having a nice meal and a couple of drinks, I suggest walking the distance back to the hotel is more preferable than having to use the bike.

Monemvasia

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.

Please check it out. There would be your last night in Greece

Accommodation: Berdousis Hotel (url) – Type Double Room

Elafonissos Island

42 km / 500 km

In the morning you can relax to enjoy the island with its ice slow pace 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) – Type Junior Suite