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.
Highlights of the Evia Cycling Tour
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Evia Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Athens and Eretria
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Eretria
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Round Trip Bike of Eretria
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Eretria
Distance: 2-5 hrs, 18-36.5km, up to 175m of ascent, 350m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Ferry to Oropos and Ride Oropos – Fylla
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.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Fylla
Distance: 5 hrs, 58km, 270m of ascent, 240m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Roundtrip Fylla Ride
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.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Fylla
Distance: 4 hrs, 38km, 400m of ascent, 400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Transfer to Giannitsi and ride to Karystos
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Karystos
Distance: 3 hrs, 26km, 255m of ascent, 540m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Roundtrip Karystos
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Karystos
Distance: 3 hrs, 25km, 400m of ascent/descent or 2.5 hrs, 22km, 440m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure
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.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Evia Cycling Tour Price and Dates
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.
Departure between April 1st and May 27th:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,295 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,025 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $675 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $595 USD
Departure between May 28th and 31st:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,650 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,395 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $850 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure between June 1st and 24th:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,425 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,150 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $750 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $625 USD
Departure between June 25th and July 22nd:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,650 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,395 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $850 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure between July 23rd and August 15th:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,875 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,625 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $975 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Departure between August 16th and 31st:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,795 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,525 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $925 USD
Departure between September 1st and 30th:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,375 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,125 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $725 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $625 USD
Departure between October 1st and 25th:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,295 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,025 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $675 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $595 USD
Accommodation on the Evia Cycling Tour
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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel 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.
Mad Cat Farm
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.
Anastasia Hotel ★★★★★
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.
What’s Included in the Evia Cycling Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights on a B & B basis are included.
Transportation during the Tour
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.
Also Included
- Bicycle collection from the final location
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
Not included
- Bike rental
- Flights
- Tourist tax (locally payable, between EUR 0,50 and EUR 4,00 per room per night)
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Travel insurance
- Admissions and entrance fees of any kind
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers etc.
- Any items that have not been specifically mentioned in the program
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
-
- Hybrid bike: $175 USD
- E-bike: $295 USD
- Additional night/s at any of the accommodations along the way or any other destination in Greece
- Transfer Karystos-port of Marmari OR Nea Styra
- Transfer port of Rafina OR Agia Marina-Airport
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Evia Cycling Tour
S-Cape Travel Greece is a Greek outdoor company, established in 1994 and member of the S-Cape Group of companies since 2010.
At S-Cape Greece you find a varied portfolio of active and adventure trips that offer you a hands-on experience of Greece, having time to slowing down and appreciate the details: view the sites and landscapes, savor the specialties, meet and mingle with the locals and learn about the culture.
All our trips and itineraries are developed by our team of professional walkers and cyclists who have a keen eye for great trails, exciting itineraries, breath-taking scenery and good quality accommodation that share our vision on sustainable travel.
If you travel on one of our self-guided trips, you receive a Destination Manual with information on the country and a state-of-the-art Road Book with detailed route description, turn by turn diagrams of each crossing and explanatory text. On top, you can navigate the route in your own smartphone via our excellent S-Cape Travel App.
Welcome to Greece!
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Maria has worked in the Athens office of S-Cape for nearly 4 years. She’s discovered an even deeper love for her country through the process of helping others explore it.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead and why?
- A: My favourite trip is Crete “Coast to Coast” because you discover unspoiled Crete while following walking paths through wildflowers, lush valleys, and gorgeous gorges. You get to know the locals, drink wine with them, and taste the famous Cretan food in local taverns. You meet the locals of this village in the “kafeneion” and drink a “Raki” with them. You get to stay in a beautiful old restored house and enjoy views of the White Mountains whilst having breakfast. Explore the White Mountains and walk at an altitude of 1,300m gazing at the white peaks surrounding you. On the south coast, you walk through beautiful gorges. It’s just wonderful!
- Q: What are guests most surprised about in visiting your country?
- A: You hear how good the food, the sun, and the people are. It’s even better in real life!
- Q: What is one local dish anyone visiting should try?
- A: Greek salad, tzatziki, stuffed tomatoes, fried zucchini, and traditional souvlaki, of course!