Island hopping and cycling holidays near Athens
SAR 1 CyclingIsland hoppingSelf guidedSmall GroupsFamily adventures AeginaPorosMethanaAgistriThis is an 8-days cycling experience in a friendly archipelago very close to the Greek capital. You explore at your pace the island of Aegina, the neighbor island of Agistri, the island of Poros and the volcanic peninsula of Methana. Sanctuaries of ancient gods, christian churches, volcanoes and thermal springs; only 1h15min from Piraeus and you find yourself in another world.
Aegina: Its capital is a neoclassical town with a traditional fishing port. You enjoy its beautiful countryside cycling through olive groves and vineyards; pistachio plantations are everywhere: Aegina is the pistachio island. You pass by the huge pilgrimage church of St. Nektarios, one of the most recent saints of the Orthodox Church (20th century) and the ruins of medieval Paleachora with some churches decorated with frescoes and the castle ruins on the hill. The impressive temple of Aphaia is probably the highlight of Aegina Island.
Agistri: A lovely small green island close to Aegina, which has always been on the sidelines of history. It is calm, picturesque and relaxing.
Poros: A very picturesque wooded island with a traditional main village, located very close to the east coast of the Peloponnese. There, Poseidon, god of the sea, was worshiped; little remains of his sanctuary today.
Methana: It is a volcanic peninsula famous for its thermal baths. It has steep, forested mountains, some beautiful Byzantine chapels and an ancient acropolis. The volcano of Kameni Chora was still active in historical times.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome!
At the port of Piraeus, you pick up your bikes and take the ferry to Aegina (1h30min). 3 nights on AeginaDay 2: Aegina. The sanctuary of an ancient goddess. Zeus and Christ on the island
Cycling to the Sanctuary of Aphaia and, via Agia Marina and Anitseo to the sanctuary of Hellanios Zeus. You can park your bikes and go for a short hike to Mt. Oros, at 531 m, to enjoy magnificent view from the chapel on the peak. You eventually return to the town of Aegina.Cycling: Circular, 44 km, + 1000 m / - 1000m, moderate
Hiking: (Mt. Oros), + 280 m/ - 280m, simple
Day 3: Agistri. A small, quiet and picturesque island
You take the ferry to the neighbor island of Agistri (30 min). Cycling tour from Skala via Metochi and Milos to Limenaria. You return through the pine forest. Ferry to Aegina.Cycling: circular, 22 km, + 410 m / - 410 m, partly to dirt roads, moderate
Day 4: Latest discoveries οn Aegina
(Today's program depends on ferry shedules). In the morning you can visit the Archaeological Museum. During the bike tour of the day you visit the monumental church of St. Nectarius and the remains of Paleochora, the medieval capital of the island. Return to the town of Aegina, passing through Souvala. (In case ferry schedules don't leave you much time, the shorter ride to Kypseli and Souvala, without visiting Paleochora, may be possible). Ferry to Poros (approx. 1h15min). 2 nights in Poros
Day 5: Poros. A pine forest, sanctuaries and a traditional settlement
Poros is a green island, close to the coast of Argolis. By bicycle you round most of the island: you get to Poseidon’s sanctuary and Zoodochos Pigi Monastery. In the afternoon you can visit the picturesque harbor town and go for swimming.Cycling: circular, 24 km, + 410 m / - 410 m, dirt road, moderate
Day 6: From Galatas to Methana
Ferry to Galatas on the mainland coast (10 min). Cycling towards Methana Peninsula and to the village of Methana. On the way, an interesting deviation to the village of Trizina at the place of Ancien Troezen and to the excavation of the sanctuary of Hippolytos is possible. 2 nights in Methana.Cycling: 23 km, + 460 m / - 460 m, moderate
Day 7: Methana: Thermal springs in a volcanic peninsula
From the town of Methana you go cycling via Kameni Chora to the volcano, where you can climb and admire the panoramic view of the Saronic Gulf. You return to the port, partly on an alternative road. It's also possible to continue through the pine wood to the inland of the peninsula and then bike down to the port by the other side.Cycling: 29 km, + 600 m / - 600 m, moderate OR 44 km, + 1400 m / - 1400 m, moderate to demanding
Hiking: + 100 m / - 100 m, 45 min roundtrip, simple
Day 8: Farewell!
Return to Athens. Farewell!
ACTIVITY
- 6 generally moderate cycling tours between 20 and 40 km- 2 beautiful walks
PRICE*
From 818 EUR per person, in double roomSERVICES INCLUDED
- Accommodation: 7 nights in good well located 3-star hotels (3 in Aegina, 2 in Poros, 2 in Methana)- Breakfast in the hotel
- High quality bikes from/to Piraeus Port. E-bikes also available
- Ferry tickets Piraeus – Aegina, Aegina – Poros, Methana - Piraeus
- Roadbook and GPS tracks
- Luggage transportation between where required
- 24/7 emergency contact
- Professional liability insurance
- VAT 24% and all taxes (except overnight green tax)
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Airport transfers- Accommodation in Athens or Piraeus before and/or after the tour
- Transfers between hotel and port in Athens
- Tour Leader for the whole tour
- Additional days in Athens or the islands
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to/from Greece- Poros – Galatas ferry tickets (only possible to buy on the spot)
- Meals (others than breakfast), drinks / beverages
- Overnight green tax (to be paid locally at the hotel reception)
- GPS
- Personal travel insurance
NOTES
- In April, May and October ferry timetable is only published few weeks before the route. In case that ferry timetables from Aegina to Poros and from Methana to Piraeus are not favorable, then a road transfer of about 2h30min-3h, for you and your bikes, will be offered, only with a small supplement.- In self-guided cycling tours, you shall be able to repair a flat tire. We will provide you inner tubes and all necessary tools.
*Rates vary per season, availability and number of travelers
- Aegina
- Poros
- Methana
- Agistri
