There is something magical about the Greek Aegean coast. Rugged shore lines, steep slopes plunging into the turquoise waters. Rough dirt roads or trails leading to quiet coves. Electric green pine forests, or vast stretches of fragrant shrubs growing out of barren land.
I am a keen visitor of Greece for over 20 years now, constantly looking for the uncrowded destinations. Staying away from the blue flag beaches, or noisy tavernas. Happily carrying a back pack under the blazing sun to reach that small paradise where only a handful of people have set foot. And even fewer on a mountain bike.
I am not sure if the true Greece is the one you find by taking a turn out of the main road. But it is definitely the one I’ve fallen in love with, and one I invite you to discover. A destination for advanced/expert riders, the island of Andros, and a destination for easy/medium mountain biking, the Pelion peninsula.
Andros
The northernmost island of the Greek Cyclades archipelago is the home of a vast network of hiking trails that connected the old villages of the island before the dawn of industrialized agriculture. A local organization is maintaining these trails mainly for hiking purposes, as mountain biking is far from being popular. Not at all surprising, as the trails are steep, narrow, with plenty of rocks and steps. Not a destination for e-bikers, or bike park afficionados. But if you like slow speed tech sections, and if you don’t mind hoping the bike on your back here and there, there’s plenty of reward waiting for you. Impressive vistas, historical sight seeing, flow sections, and yes, superb swimming spots.
Andros is easily reachable by a 2h regular ferry service from Rafina, the second port of Athena, which is 20 minutes drive from Athena’s international airport.
Pelion
This peninsula is where greeks go for their holidays, when they want to get to the seaside while staying away from the international tourism mayhem. Relative easy access, 40 minutes away from the city of Volos. A vast network of dirt roads, and hiking trails connecting small villages offer good opportunities for easy, medium or advanced mountain biking and access to a myriad of small beaches.
The ideal time for mountain biking in Greece is May, or October.
In May the daylight is longer, winds are calmer, the sea is a bit colder (19-20C), the landscape is green with myriads wild flowers. In October the sea is a bit warmer (21-22C), the vegetation is much drier, the winds are stronger.
Does this sound interesting for you and your group of mountain biking friends? Click the button below and choose custom tour in the form options.
