Explore the Island of Evia by bike

Arrive during the day to Athens airport, where you can travel by bus to Oropos and then by ferry to Eretria on Evia Island. If you arrive early, you can pick up your bike and take a short ride around Eretria and along the coast to see the wonderful coastline. 

For your first days riding you have a choice of two possible ride options. You can take the ferry across the Gulf of Evia from Eretria to Oropos, a crossing of 30 minutes when you can then cycle inland a little. You will have a short steep climb towards an unknown ancient Amphiario which is dedicated to the god Amphiaraos. He was one of the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece. Then you descend zigzagging among many vineyards until you reach the coast where you cycle back along the coast to Oropos. You can also extend the ride a little 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 some backroads to the village of Gymno and then return, partly via the same route. A pleasant ride past olive groves and open farmland, with views to the sea. Also, you can choose to visit the ancient site of Eretria and the Acropolis of Eretria before starting your ride.

This morning you take the ferry (with your bike) from Eretria to Oropos where you ride along the coast around the South Evian Gulf. Passing through many wonderful seaside fishing villages which alternate with the rural countryside. Closer to Chalkida you will come upon the impressive industrial mining buildings that once flourished in this area. Then you continue by bike 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 nice start this morning with a long gradual ascent along the wide River Lilas which takes you up to the inland village of Pissonas. Though demanding, the great scenery and tremendous views are rewarding! Then you cycle east until you come along the little village of Pournos. Take a little break before heading in a southerly direction to Theologos. Next, you have a 6km descent on a good dirt track passing the tiny village of Kamari. The Castle of Fylla, landmark of this region, comes into view. Soon you reach the Mad Cat Farm and can plunge into the lovely pond for your reward.

You and your bike will be taken south to Giannitsi, which is a nice opportunity to see a large part of the island from a different perspective!

Once in Giannitsi you mount your bike and 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 4 km on a wide road. Your stay is near one of Karystos’ beaches, where you can swim in the clean warm Aegean waters. Totally Bliss!

On the last day of this trip, you can 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 sun beds, umbrella’s 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 cycling downhill back to Karystos.

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.