Discover the wild beauty of northern Greece on an unforgettable mountain bike adventure through the Pindos range and the legendary Zagorochoria. Ride across dramatic mountain landscapes, peaceful valleys and remote villages, experiencing a side of Greece far removed from the usual tourist routes. Cross the spectacular Vikos Gorge region, enjoy fresh mountain air and follow scenic trails beneath the clear Greek sky. Along the way, meet local communities, taste homemade regional cuisine and experience the authentic character of Epirus. Starting in Samarina and finishing in Ioannina, this tour is ideal for active travellers seeking nature, adventure and genuine cultural discovery.
Mountain Bike Tour, 8 days
8 days
from
1.310,00 Excursion - Activity
Cycling Through the Wild Heart of Greece
Highlights
Our 8-day Mountain Bike Tour is perfect for you to enjoy the beauty of mountainous Greece! The area of legendary Zagorochoria is a truly stunning corner of Greece waiting to be explored. Untouched for centuries, the lay scattered in the rich mountains of the Epirus Range. A surprising exploration of the rugged beauty of Pindos mountain range, the so-called “spine of Greece”. Enjoy an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience, biking through the vast complex of mountains, peaks, plateaus, valleys and gorges. Cross the imposing Vikos Gorge, one of the most stunning gorges in Greece. Feel the bliss of the cool breeze, even during summertime under the majestic Greek blue sky and in full sunshine. Discover picturesque small villages, enjoy delicious homemade meals and meet the locals, revealing another unknown yet unique side of Greece. The trip starts in the village of Samarina and finishes in Ioannina Airport. Our Mountain Bike Tour is ideal for active travelers who seek to explore the authentic side of their destinations!
Highlights
- Enjoy an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience, biking through the vast complex of mountains, peaks, plateaus, valleys and gorges
- Cross the imposing Vikos Gorge, one of the most stunning gorges in Greece
- Feel the bliss of the cool breeze, even during summertime under the majestic Greek blue sky and in full sunshine
- Discover picturesque small villages, enjoy delicious homemade meals and meet the locals, revealing another unknown yet unique side of Greece
Equipment needed
- Large, comfortable rucksack (40 – 50 liters) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended keeping clothing, etc. dry inside
- Good waterproof top with hood
- Warm clothes, both for windy / cold daytime conditions and for the cool evenings (fleece tops or similar)
- Shorts and long trousers for walking, preferably quick-drying material (cotton or poly-cotton not denim)
- Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sunburn)
- Sheet sleeping bag or similar (e.g. duvet cover), for the overnights in the refuge, although blankets will be available
- Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block
- Your own personal water bottle. As part of our environmental policy and actions, we are committed to eliminating the use of plastic water bottles.
- Wash bag and simple first aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic)
Itinerary
Samarina is located at an elevation of 1400 meters, on the foot of Mt. Smolikas (Pindos‘ highest peak). It is a unique nomadic village, built only for summer when the shepherds bring their flocks on the mountain.
We stay at a small guesthouse in the village and enjoy dinner at the busy square.
Overnight in Samarina
We start from the main square of the popular village of Samarina. We cross the water wood saw. The road leads to the old Monastery of Agia Paraskevi protector of the blind. After visiting the monastery, we enter the forest road toward Valia Krna, which is the Vlach name for devils valley.
Riding on a scenic road for about 10 Km under the peaks of Smolikas (2nd highest of Greece), we reach the stream of the valley. A deviation of about 3 Km to the beautiful waterfalls is worth it! We continue back to the main road towards Distrato. The road is very pleasant and beautiful as we cycle high through meadows with great views! Soon we downhill to the asphalt road, seeing Distrato village in front of us.
Before entering the village, there is an optional stop for a swim in the river. After 1 Km we arrive at the guesthouse where we overnight.
Total Distance: 27 Km
Dirt road: 19 km / Asphalt road: 8 Km
Altitude: 1440 m. – 948 m.
Overnight in Distrato
We are cycling in the foothills of Mt. Vasilitsa, an amazing ride mostly through a forest. These areas have a lot of stories to tell, especially from the 2nd World War! Fallen airplanes, alpine brigades and partisans were fighting on those mountains!
We start going uphill for some kilometers, and after the ride becomes joyful, downhill on a very well paved forest road, enjoying the unspoiled nature and the mountains of Aoos Valley! Through thick forest we reach the banks of Aoos River and the village of Vovousa, entering the most remote village of Zagori area and the entrance of the National park of Valia Calda.
Total Distance: 41 Km
Dirt road: 41 Km
Altitude: 948 m. – 1466 m. – 985 m.
Overnight in Vovousa
Today we start cycling directly from our hotel crossing through the Morfa pass, one of the most impressive and challenging routes of the area. We climb almost 600m and reach the pass. The route rewards us with beautiful views of all the surrounding mountains, impressive Timfi, and Smolikas, as well as the rest of the Zagori area. The fun starts as we begin our downhill ride, the forest road towards Laista, one of the most beautiful Zagori villages. We overnight at a guesthouse directly at the village square.
Total Distance: 27km
Dirt road: 27 Km
Altitude: – 1534m. – 950m.
Overnight in Laista
After a nice breakfast, we start the tour in the most beautiful mountain landscapes of Greece, on the tarmac until Giftokampos area, where we visit the houses of the nomadic folk “Sarakatsani”.
Then we enter a beautiful forest road and drive to another plateau called “Templitses”, an area where a lot of shepherds bring their flocks for the summer season.
An easy and scenic road takes us through thick forest, to the beautiful village of Negades, where we overnight.
Total Distance: 48,2km
Tarmac: 19,9 Km / Forest road: 28,3 Km
Altitude: 950 m. – 1075 m. – 1285 m. – 1000 m.
Overnight Negades
Today we do a “sightseeing” tour, at central Zagori, where we have a lot of interesting things to see. Old arched bridges, monuments, monasteries and lots of nature!
We start form Negades towards Kipi village where we see a lot of arched stone bridges, the only connection with the world not long ago… We continue to Monodentri to see views of the Vikos Gorge from Oxia viewpoint. We downhill back to the village and visit Agia Paraskevi monastery.
Distance: (until Monodendri) 27.7 Km
Altitude: 1000 m. – 750 m. -1100 m. – 1376 m.
Overnight and farewell dinner in Vitsa
Early in the morning, we transfer to Monodendri (10’ driving) where we start our hiking day.
Vikos gorge is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece. The gorge consists of limestone and dolomite formations dating back to 150 million years ago and vertical walls extending up to a height of 1700 meters.
The gorge is part of the 12,600 hectares Vikos-Aoos National Park and has been listed in the Guinness book of records as the deepest canyon worldwide in proportion to its width.
The trail is ascending and descending, surrounded by steep mountain tops and dense forests, which consist mostly of deciduous trees, with about 1700 plant species and subspecies. The so-called Vikos herbal practitioners used the gorge’s herbs to heal all sorts of ailments and were famous throughout Greece.
Transfer back to Vitsa where we enjoy our goodbye dinner in local restaurant.
Approximate hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate
Overnight in Vitsa
Transfer from Vitsa to the airport.
Your package includes:
- 7 overnights with breakfast sharing a double room in traditional guesthouses
- Meal Plan Full Board: 6 x lunches & 7 x dinners
- English speaking guide
- 5 days of biking + 1 hike in Vikos Gorge
- Support vehicle throughout the tour
- Mountain Bike Rental for 5 days
Your package excludes:
- Arrival and departure transfers to Samarina and from Vitsa
- Anything not mentioned above
- Drinks during meals
Prices
1310€/pp for 4-7 participants
1950€/pp for 2-3 participants
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