Ultimate Pelion mountain bike tour 9 days

For mountain bikers, we have planned the best bike tour someone can do on Mount Pilio. It is a seven-day cycling holiday from one end of Pilio to the other. Starting at Portaria, passing through many of the villages of western, central, and southern Pelion we reach the island of Trikeri at the far southern tip of the peninsula.

This is the ultimate Pelion bike tour that includes many pleasant surprises, such as the Pagasitikos cruise (returning from Trikeri island by boat), participation in local events, wine tastings, and much, much more! Degree of difficulty ** (moderate)

First day

Arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel in MAKRINITSA(MELANTHI). Late afternoon introductory meeting and general presentation of the tour. Delivery of bikes and equipment to participants and answer any questions. A quick analysis of the first route: Portaria-Agios Laurentios. Participants will have the opportunity in their free time to walk around and get to know two of the most beautiful villages of Pelion, Portaria, and Makrinitsa.

Second day

After breakfast, start for the first leg of the trip from Portaria (alt. 650 m) to Agios Lavrentios (alt 600 m). The trail is 18 km of moderate difficulty. Overall it will take approximately 3 hours with stops. One stop will be at the village square of Drakeia, which has a spring and traditional serving coffee under the huge plane tree. The day’s trail ends in Agios Lavrentios, where you will be taken to the hotel and where the car will be waiting for the luggage to be picked up. The rest of the day is free for everyone to enjoy the area, spectacular views, and a beer, or ouzo. Late in the afternoon, there will be a meeting to update you the next day.

Third day

Breakfast until 9:30 and start for the next route from Agios Lavrentios (alt. 600 m) to Milies (alt. 400 m). Overall, the route will be 21 km. This section is one of the finest passing through streams, wild vegetation, and passing by picturesque chapels. The lowest point on the route has an altitude of 300 m, and at a few points, it will be necessary to dismount and walk a short distance. It is a uniquely beautiful route with stops for picnics in the woods, a visit to a monastery in the area, and time to enjoy nature with a huge variety of flora. Arriving in the village, the luggage is collected and you are taken to the hotel. Walks along the cobbled streets of the village, visits to the library, the old train station, and local shops will fill our day. Briefing for the next day’s route in the evening between beers and appetizers in the village square.

Forth day

A good breakfast until 9.30 and start for the next route from Milies (alt. 400 m) to Argalasti (alt. 260 m). Total distance 25 km, lasting about 3,5 hours on a route that is mainly on dirt roads. Beautiful picturesque scenery all the way to Argalasti. Traditional squares with various shops under the trees, cobblestone streets, and friendly people make this scene our attitude. We can relax, swim in the hotel pool, and enjoy the nightlife of the village.

Fifth day

After a good breakfast, the next section is from Argalasti (alt. 260 m) to Lafkos (alt. 330 m). The duration is approximately 2,5 hours and the degree of difficulty is low. Lafkos is a beautiful mountain village with lots to see and do: Visits to museums, walks, and visits to nearby beautiful places. The location, the view, and the atmosphere are unique. In the picturesque square of Lafkos, we will spend the evening eating traditional food and drinking local wine!

Sixth day

This day’s cycling is the easiest of the route. We start from Lafkos and we finish our trip to Milina after cycling in the hill’s around (alt. 0 m) on the coast of the Pagasitikos Gulf. It is a ride of about 1,5 hours. Milina is a beautiful seaside village and popular resort. We will be able to enjoy the nightlife, rest, have fun, and swim in the sea. One of the nicest places to relax watching one of the best sunsets in Greece.

Seventh day

Breakfast until 10.00 prior to departure. The route is from Milina to Alogoporos (Trikeri) and is along a quiet and safe minor asphalt road following the coastline. The distance is 32 km, taking about 2.5 hours. In Alogoporos the bike tour ends, but not our trip. We leave the bikes and travel by boat across to the island of Trikeri – a small island in the Pagasitikos Gulf where there are no cars. Accommodation will be in an old monastery, and from there we will walk the trails of this unique island where the words noise and pollution are unknown. In seaside tavernas, we will eat fresh fish and swim on the beautiful deserted beaches.

Eighth day

At around 16:00 we board a tour cruise boat to cross the Pagasitikos Gulf with crystal-clear waters and deserted islands, stopping off to dive in and enjoy a dip in the sea. The journey ends at the port of Kala Nera, where we can have dinner and enjoy the nightlife. Stay overnight Kala Nera.

Ninth day

Breakfast and enjoy the sea and the area around Kala Nera. END OF TOUR – Transfer to the airport.

TOUR INFORMATION

• A car will carry the baggage of participants from station to station.
• Anyone who wishes not to participate in any of the above routes can be transported by car at no extra cost.
• At the end of each section of the route, the bikes will be maintained and washed by us to provide you with the best possible cycling experience.
• After each arrival at the hotel, a relaxing massage can be offered for a small extra charge. This needs to be requested on the previous day for a minimum of three members of the group.
• Participants are to pay the cost of the tour to the organizer on the first day during the information meeting.
• The organizer of the tour may partially modify the program if it considers that there are reasonable grounds (e.g. bad weather, the safety of participants, technical problems, etc.).
• During the course of each day, participants can spend their time as they wish. The program is relaxed and aims to offer a unique holiday experience.
• For each leg of the cycling trip participants will be provided with organic fruit and a small snack.
• The organizers will arrange various activities for the participants during the tour. Depending on the dates, these might include, for instance, participation in local festivals, wine tastings, and olive oil tasting.
• Pilio (also known as Pelion) is a beautiful mountain in central Greece that combines tradition with high-quality holiday conditions. The area offers a beautiful combination of mountains and sea. It is no coincidence that the gods of Olympus chose Pilio as a place of rest and vacation.
• Finally, this program is for those who love cycling and nature and want to explore one of the most beautiful places in Greece that still resists the ravages of mass tourism and the aim of the tours.