Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Avantis
It’s easy to relax at Hotel Avantis, which offers a swimming pool and a view of the beach. The vibe is relaxed and the rooms are well-equipped.
Discover the culture, history, and natural beauty of Evia Island by bike
Evia Island is just a short hop away from Athens and is full of surprises. It is easily accessible by public bus via the bridge that connects the mainland to the island of Evia at Chalkida. This trip starts in the seaside town of Eretria, known for its ancient theatre and temple. You will ride along peaceful backroads to quiet villages and cycle past vineyards and rivers. A coastal ride past tranquil fishing villages and modern shipyards ends at a restored farmhouse run by warmhearted hosts. An island-crossing transfer takes you south to the tiny village of Giannitsa. From there you peddle to Karystos along the river and across a fertile plain with vineyards. The lively town of Karystos is your home for the last days of this trip, where after a day of cycling the warm, azure waters of the Aegean Sea await you for a refreshing swim.
Arrival at Athens Airport and travel by public transport from the airport to Eretria. If you arrive early, you can pick up your bike and take a short ride around Eretria and along the coast.
Depending on your mood and ambition, you can choose from two options for today’s ride. You can take the ferry across the Gulf of Evia from Eretria to Oropos, a crossing of 30 minutes. From Oropos you cycle inland. A short, steep ascent leads you to the ancient Amphiarion, dedicated to the god and hero Amphiaraos, one of the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece. Zigzagging downhill among vineyards, you reach the coast where you pedal back along the seashore to Oropos. You can extend the ride by cycling up to Kalamos and then down to Agioi Apostoloi to return to Oropos along the coast.
For an easier route, you can cycle uphill from Eretria via backroads to the village of Gymno and return, partly via the same route. It’s a pleasant ride past olive groves and open farmland, with views of the sea.
Additionally, you can choose to visit the ancient site of Eretria and the Acropolis of Eretria before starting your ride.
Take a morning ferry with your bike from Eretria to Oropos. From Oropos you ride along the coast around the South Evian Gulf. Seaside fishing villages alternate with rural countryside. Closer to Chalkida you will come upon the impressive industrial mining buildings that once flourished in this area but have plummeted due to the economic crisis.
Via the old Evripou Bridge, you come to Chalkida, the capital of Evia. The route follows the coastline to the large River Lilas. Here you cycle inland to reach your next stop, the village of Fylla.
A long gradual ascent along the wide River Lilas takes you up to the inland village of Pissonas. Though demanding, the great scenery and tremendous views are rewarding! Further east, you come along the village of Pournos, then head south to Theologos. Next, you will take a 6km descent on a good dirt track and past the tiny village of Kamari. The Castle of Fylla, a landmark of this region, comes into view. Soon you reach the Mad Cat Farm and can plunge into the lovely pond.
You and your bike will be taken south to Giannitsi, a nice opportunity to see a large part of the island from a different perspective! From Giannitsi you cycle to Karystos. To reach the village of Chania, you cycle more than 10km along the River Megalo Remma, meaning “big stream” in Greek. The area is very remote and peaceful, with the delightful exception of a famous tavern in Pothi, where you can stop for a coffee.
From Chania, you ascend to Paradeisi with its huge plane trees and psistaries, where Greeks from far and wide come to eat the local grilled lamb. Leaving Paradeisi, you descend toward Karystos with the last 4km on a wide busy road. Your stay is near one of Karystos’ beaches, where you can swim in the warm Aegean waters.
On the last day of this trip, you choose between two options. You can cycle eastward, then ascend to the village of Metochi and further inland before zigzagging downhill to the coast. There is an optional loop to the beach of Bouros (with sunbeds, umbrellas and a bar). Here, the tarmac road ends at a massive hotel, abandoned in the nineties.
Another more challenging option is to discover the villages above Karystos, such as Kalivia, Mekounida and Myli. There are over 30 springs in these villages that were still in use daily until recent years. In Myli there is an excellent tavern where you can enjoy a farewell lunch before pedaling downhill back to Karystos.
After breakfast, your arrangement comes to an end. If you depart on the late afternoon ferry, you can do one of the rides listed under Day 6. You leave your bike at the hotel and take a taxi to the port of Marmari, where you get the ferry to Rafina (ferry ticket not included). Optionally you can book a transfer to the airport or take a local bus from Rafina to the airport.
This self-guided cycling tour in Evia is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the types of rooms that you choose and your preferred departure days.
Prices below are per person.
The Evia Cycling Tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
It’s easy to relax at Hotel Avantis, which offers a swimming pool and a view of the beach. The vibe is relaxed and the rooms are well-equipped.
Mad Cat Farm is a cozy bed and breakfast alongside the river. The hosts are welcoming and friendly and you’ll feel like you’re right at home the moment you arrive.
The Anastasia Hotel is a blissful escape from the bustle of Athens, with a tranquil setting near the sea. The rooms are clean and minimal and the staff are very kind and helpful.
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations for 6 nights on a B & B basis are included.
The transfers on this tour are not included, except for a transfer between Fylla and Giannitsa. Luggage transfers are included, but you will be moving to your next overnight destination by bike. Some optional transfers are available for booking during the booking process.
How hard is the Evia Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You’ll be biking in hilly areas for the fit and frequent cyclist. The daily distance varies between 35 and 65km but you will encounter some steep or extended climbs up to 500m. You will need a bicycle with at least 21 gears.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Evia Cycling Tour?
6 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Athens to start this tour?
Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). From there you can opt to take a train or taxi.
Where does the Evia Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Karystos, from where you will get a ferry, bus, or taxi to Rafina to the Airport.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are Felt VR30 road bikes or electric pedal-assist bikes.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a hybrid bike suitable for the demands of the tour
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Greece?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Greece?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You’ll be biking in hilly areas for the fit and frequent cyclist. The daily distance varies between 35 and 65km but you will encounter some steep or extended climbs up to 500m. You will need a bicycle with at least 21 gears.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Athens, Greece
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