Cycling

Greece  has 11 million residents, over a third of whom reside in Athens or Thessaloniki. This leaves a vast countryside with sparse traffic. As Europe’s most southern country, Greece starts getting warmer and stays warmer longer than any other European territory. This means an extended cycling season, particularly in Crete where Africa is just 200 miles away.

A typical day’s excursion affords thrilling encounters with one or more of Greece’s many countryside treasures, such as, centuries-old olive groves, orange orchards, vineyards, windmills, hot springs in the sea, gorges, kri-kri (wild goats), old stone bridges, caves, Ottoman era mosques, Venetian castles or 3,000 year-old ruins.You also get to eat at the best traditional taverns, and meet the locals .Bust way to see Greece by far.

Greek driving

Well, no more so than those crazy Italian drivers, but that hasn’t stopped a generation of two-wheeled travelers from making Italy a biking mecca. Second, most big cities are risky which is why on multi-day tours you should avoid them, especially Athens. In our Travel Guide we have a section entirely about Athenian driving.In the rural areas the situation is entirely different cars are minimal and drivers are accustomed to slow moving four-legged traffic like goats and sheep.

That said, at all times you the cyclist must exercise caution and safety measures where ever you ride. Helmets are required.

Terrain

Greece actually has a variety of terrain. Yes, mountains are plentiful in Greece– and alluring for that breed of cyclists who find climbing rewarding for the pay-off descents.For leisure cyclists they are some beautiful routes with more minimal elevations. Many of the islands offer flat coastal roads for leisure cyclists. Tours with support vehicles permit  “mixed company” — short routes for moderate bikers with van transfers and long routes for those seeking a Herculean workout.

Weather conditions-all year round

Greece is a country you can cycle year round.Best months are April, May, early June, September, October when days are warm but not too hot.You might even need arm warmers in the mornings up in the mountains. July and August are the hottest months in Greece with temperatures at 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t rule out summer cycling because on the islands there are refreshing breezes and a dry heat so you’re not sweating profusedly.You can always cool off with a swim in the sea. Early morning rides that end before noon are not taxing. November through March are great months for cycling in cool weather. If the sun is out you can swim any day of the year in Greece,throughout winter. Although this period is more prone to rain but showers usually don’t last .

Are you interested in this tour?