Cycling Greece

[Nokka]

Just a quick note - nearly finished with my cycle tour around Greece and can really recommend it as an affordable destination for adventurous Saffas.

 

Took my bike and tent and started in Athens at the beginning of September. Then did a loop through the Peloponnese via Corinth, Patras, Olympia, Kalamata and Nafplio. Now island hopping my way back to Athens for my return flight next weekend.

 

Costs can be controlled if you camp. Just bring your legs, it sure is hilly inland and the climbs can be long and steep.

 

I will post a journal in 3 weeks' time when back on Crazyguy.

 

Cheers

[andydude]

This is great Nokka, well done [emoji106]

 

Looking forward to some stories and photos!

[FrequentFaller]

Nice - post the link to the report once it's up?

[Nokka]

Hi, 

 

still busy writing my trip report, but it seems there is some interest so I've thought to put up some pictures now that I'm back from Greece. 

 

In the one I'm on the subway on my way from Athens airport to Athens proper. Assembled the bike outside the airport but as it is 32 km to downtown Athens, I decided to take the new subway. 

 

In the other picture, taken in Patras at the end of the first leg of my tour, the bike is parked next to a very rusty landing pad for the ferry that crosses the strait. In the back is a new bridge (the Rio-Antirio bridge) that crosses the strait, making the old, big ferrys redundant. 

[Nokka]

Koroni - typical setup of small villages. Steps and white painted walls. Beautiful. 

 

Dinner at a beach side restaurant in Kalamata. September still has balmy evenings (the days were hot though, middle 30's) which make for beautiful sunsets and nice evening strolls. Breakfast and lunch would be basic, but spoilt myself in the evenings with a nice dinner. 

[Nokka]

On the way to Sparta, in the centre of the Peloponnese. The mountains were higher and tougher than anticipated. This day I climbed (with a fully loaded bike) from sea level at Kalamata to 840m's, down the other side, and up again to 1 342 m before dropping down to Sparta at 200 m. 

 

I tried to take a selfie with my phone. My setup is two panniers at the back with a drybag on top, instead of the more common setup of four panniers (two back, two front). It's the same amount of stuff being carried, but I like the ease of use with only three bags to unload or carry. 

[Nokka]

Finishing up in my hostel, Athens, before the flight home. Got a box from a local cycle shop. Huge adventure completed!