Arrival in Athens, to Eretria (EVFM01)
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, or visit the Ancient site and Acropole of Eretria.
Circular tour Oropos-Amphiaron or Eretria (EVFM02)
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 unknown 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 peddle 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. A pleasant ride past olive groves and open farmland, with views to the sea.
biking time/distance: 2h / 18km (Amphiaron), 4h / 38km (Amphiaron+Kalamos), 2h30’ / 25km (Gymno)
ascent/descent: 175m (Amphiaron), 350m (Amphiaron+Kalamos), 170m (Gymno)
start/finish: Oropos or Eretria
Ferry to Oropos, ride Oropos-Fylla (EVFM03)
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. You’ll stay at the Mad Cat Farm, an exceptional location.
time/distance: 5h / 58km
ascent/descent: 270m / 240m
start/finish: Oropos / Fylla
Circular tour Fylla (EVFM04)
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 make a 6km descent on a good dirt track and past the tiny village of Kamari. The Castle of Fylla, landmark of this region, comes into view. Soon you reach the Mad Cat Farm and may plunge into the lovely pond.
time/distance: 4h / 38km
ascent/descent: 400m
start/finish: Fylla
Transfer to Giannitsi and ride to Karystos (EVFM05)
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 4 km on a wide busy road. Your stay is near one of Karystos’ beaches, where you can swim in the clean warm Aegean waters.
time/distance: 3h / 26km
ascent/descent: 255m / 540m
start/finish: Giannitsi / Karystos
Round trip Karystos to Bouros (EVFM06)
You 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, umbrellas and a bar and a lovely statue of the centaur and the nimph. Here, the tarmac road ends at a massive hotel, abandoned in the nineties. You paddle back along the coast to Karystos.
time/distance: 3h / 25km
ascent/descent: 400m
start/finish: Karystos
Circular tour Red Castle and the villages above Karystos (EVFM07)
Your last tour is a round trip along the villages above Karystos: 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 your lunch before descending back to Karystos.
time/distance: 2h30’ / 22km
ascent/descent: 440m
start/finish: Karystos
Departure from Evia (EVFM08)
After breakfast your arrangement comes to an end. You leave your bike at the hotel and take a taxi to the port of Marmari, where you get the ferry to Rafina. Optionally you can book a transfer to the airport or take a local bus from Rafina to the Airport.
(Taxis, ferry and public bus not included.)
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