View Gallery » Contact this supplier

The Best of Halkidiki On A Bike (Greece) offered by supplier M05768 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 7 - 8 day(s) Group Size: 4 - 8 people Destination(s): Greece   Specialty Categories: Bicycle Touring   Season: April - October Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: No Minimum Per Person Price: 650 Euro (EUR) Maximum Per Person Price: 740 Euro (EUR)

You will have the chance to explore the nature, culture and history of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki– Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The Ancients knew the region as Flegra - the Place of Fire - because it was believed to be the place where an epic battle ground for the fire took place between the Olympian Gods and the Giants, the sons of Gaia (Earth). The routes include biking on isolated asphalt and gravel roads along the coastline offering great views to secluded beaches, cliffs and the crystal blue waters of the Augean sea. You will also bike on challenging routes in the inland mountains with their coniferous forests, beehives, herds of goats and panoramic mountain views. Along with that you will experience local life, culture and architecture in the small mountain and fisherman villages, flavor your senses with delicious sea food and enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

Tour Highlights:
- Kassandra - it is the most popular and touristic prong of Halkidiki. It is famous for its lively nightlife, golden sand beaches and lush coniferous forests. According to the myth, Kassandra got its name when one of the Giants, named Egelados, was crushed by Kassandra promontory, thrown by goddess Athena and was buried underneath. It is considered that Egelados did not die at that time and every so often he tries to struggle out from under the weight of rocks causing earthquakes (the Greek word for earthquake is egelados).
- Sithonia - it is the middle part of Halkidiki peninsula known for its pristine nature and beautiful sandy beaches - a symphony in blue and green. It is for those who seek adventure and relaxation in isolated beaches. It was named after Sithonas, son of Poseidon (god of the sea in the Greek mythology).
- Athos – It is the most eastern and most mountainous peninsula of all. Its highest peak Mt. Athos reaches an altitude of 2000 m. It is famous for the Athos monasteries - set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and being the centre of Eastern Christian Orthodox Monasticism with more then 20 monasteries. It is also an Unesco World heritage site. The Athos peninsula was named after the giant Athos, who during the famous battle, threw a mountain at the gods, but failed to find his target.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Thessaloniki - Kassandra peninsula. Arrival in Thessaloniki. Transfer (100 km) to Pefkochori situated on the Northern coast of Kasandra peninsula. Overnight.

Day 2:. St. Nicholaos chapel - Loutra spa village. Today’s route starts on a coastal asphalt road, soon turning on a village dirt road leading to the picturesque chapel St. Nicholas. The ride continues with few km back and then uphill ride on asphalt road in the hinterland of the peninsula. Then you hit the gravel road towards the Southern coast of the peninsula admiring stunning views of overgrown gorges and small coves. You finish biking in Loutra village famous for its healing thermal waters. Biking distance: 45 км. Uphill/downhill: 600/600 м

Day 3: Agia Paraskevi - Sithonia - Neos Marmaras. After breakfast you start with an ascend on an asphalt road towards the hinterland. And reach the remote mountain village Ag. Paraskevi, famous for its sulphur springs. Then you hit a panoramic macadam route following the mountain ridge turning into asphalt and descending to the Northern coast and the resort village of Hanoiti. From here you follow a secondary coastal road near the sea leading you to Kryopigi where the biking for today finishes. Transfer to the lively harbor Neos Marmaras in Sithonia peninsula. Option for honey tasting in Nikiti area on the way. Biking distance: 35 км. Uphill/downhill: 400/400 м.

Day 4: Partenonas architectural reserve - Coastal roads - Porto Kofou. Today is dedicated to biking along the Western coast of Sithonia. We start with a short transfer to the mountain village Parthenonas and its stone houses - an architectural reserve. The biking starts with a downhill ride on a panoramic mountain road. Then the route follows isolated coastal roads with many beautiful small bays that are usually empty during low season and tempting with its sand beaches and crystal blue waters. You end up cycling in the stunning rocky bay of Porto Kofou fisherman village. Biking distance: 35 км. Uphill/downhill: 400/400 м.

Day 5: Kalamitsi - Sarti - Olympiada. Today you continue exploring Sithonia and after a morning ascend on a nice mountain road with spectacular views you descend to the Eastern coast and the beautiful village of Kalamitsi. The route follows the main coastal road that goes up and down through forests of Mediteranean pine, passes by the lively resort town of Santi and finishes in Vorvorou region with nice views to Diasporos island. Transfer to Olympiada for overnight. Biking distance: 60 км. Uphill/downhill: 800/900 м.

Day 6: Strataniko mountains - Athos peninsula - Ouranoupoli. Today we explore Startoniko mountainous area. The region is famous for its ancient ruins and fascinating forests. The route starts with climb on an asphalt road to the mountains reaching an altitude of 500m. Then you hit the gravel mountain road going up and down in nice forests and meadows with grazing goats. After an amazing descend you reach the main road and keep cycling (or take the supporting vehicle) on a flat coastal road to the charming tourist town of Ouranopoli in Athos peninsula. Overnight. Biking distance: 70 км. Uphill/downhill: 1000/1200 м.

Day 7: Ierissos - Tripiti/boat to Athos monasteries. The last biking day is dedicated to an easy coastal route with lots of secluded beaches ideal for swim and the shades of olive trees. The route follows gravel roads with great views to Amouliani island in the distance and then goes on the other side of the peninsula and the lively town Ierissos famous for its boatyards. People here construct their boats the traditional handmade way. Bike back to Ouranoupoli. Overnight. Those who wish to take it easy today can do a boat trip to the amazing Athos holy land and monasteries perched high on the cliffs or just relax at the nice beach in Ouranoupoli and enjoy the sun and sea. Biking distance: 20 км. Uphill/downhill: 260/260 м

Day 8: Departure. Transfer to Thessaloniki airport for departure.

Good to know:
- Bikes: hardtail mountain bike or hybrid bike (for details see OUR BIKES)
- Road conditions: We use good coastal asphalt roads, garvel and macadam mountain and coastal roads with good coverage (some bumpy sections are possible). Some of the routes include short but steep ascends/descend on off road. All roads and quiet and calm with low traffic in the tour’s active season. The tour is doable with hybrid/trekking bikes or mountain bikes.
- Guide/driver: All bikers receive detailed map and route description. The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route.

We recommend trip in the period: April - June; September - November.

Necessary equipment: All riders must wear a helmet at all times riding. We encourage riders to bring their own helmets or use one of ours. Cycling gloves, breathable clothes, waterproof gear, cycling shoes/trainers, swimming suit sunscreen lotion; sunglasses with UV protection, (For the full list with recommended items see “General” in the trip dossier).

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Price Includes:
- All ground transportation including airport transfers and luggage transportation
- 7 nights in double room in family hotels/pensions on HB (breakfast and packed lunch included)
- English-speaking guide
- Map and detailed route description
- Hybrid/mountain bike and helmet.

Price Excludes:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Dinners
- Entrance fees
- Tips
- Personal expenses.

Other expenses: single room supplement: 90 euro.

---

Also see tour packages in:
Europe   Greece   Outdoor: Land Rambler   Bicycle Touring  

---

Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend