The Best of Halkidiki

This bike trip will take you on an enchanting journey along the legendary and mythic Halkidiki peninsula. You will have the chance to explore the nature, culture and history of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki - Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The Ancients knew the region as Flegra - the Place of Fire - because it was believed to be the place where an epic battle ground for the fire took place between the Olympian Gods and the Giants, the sons of Gaia (Earth). The routes include biking on isolated asphalt and gravel roads along the coastline offering great views to secluded beaches, cliffs and the crystal blue waters of the Augean sea. You will also bike on challenging routes in the inland mountains with their coniferous forests, beehives, herds of goats and panoramic mountain views. Along with that you will experience local life, culture and architecture in the small mountain and fisherman villages, flavor your senses with delicious sea food and enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

Tour Highlights:

• Kassandra - it is the most popular and touristic prong of Halkidiki. It is famous for its lively nightlife, golden sand beaches and lush coniferous forests. According to the myth, Kassandra got its name when one of the Giants, named Egelados, was crushed by Kassandra promontory, thrown by goddess Athena and was buried underneath. It is considered that Egelados did not die at that time and every so often he tries to struggle out from under the weight of rocks causing earthquakes (the Greek word for earthquake is egelados).
• Sithonia - it is the middle part of Halkidiki peninsula known for its pristine nature and beautiful sandy beaches - a symphony in blue and green. It is for those who seek adventure and relaxation in isolated beaches. It was named after Sithonas, son of Poseidon (god of the sea in the Greek mythology).
• Athos - It is the most eastern and most mountainous peninsula of all. Its highest peak Mt. Athos reaches an altitude of 2000 m. It is famous for the Athos monasteries - set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and being the center of Eastern Christian Orthodox Monasticism with more then 20 monasteries. It is also an UNESCO World heritage site. The Athos peninsula was named after the giant Athos, who during the famous battle, threw a mountain at the gods, but failed to find his target.

We use good coastal asphalt roads, gravel and macadam mountain and coastal roads with good coverage (some bumpy sections are possible). Some of the routes include short but steep ascends/descend on off road.