Is Greece Europe’s best kept adventure biking secret?

When you think of a holiday in Greece, the first things that come to mind are probably pink-skinned tourists in sun loungers, white houses with blue roofs, and youthful, booze-drenched escapades on a few notorious islands. But what doesn’t readily come to mind is adventure biking in Greece.

Well, it’s time to cast away those assumptions because, while there is the ‘Brits abroad’ side to the country, it also has an abundance of motorcycling riches to explore. In fact, we reckon it might just be one of Europe’s best kept adventure biking secrets.

Soaring mountain ranges with twisting passes, unspoilt nature reserves, hidden beaches, rustic local villages, and of course, one of the ancient world’s most influential cultures all await you.

So, to show you everything you can look forward to when you tour Greece (and we seriously suggest that you do), we spoke to the good folks at the bike tour company MotoGreece, who know everything there is to know about riding in the country.

So, without further ado, here is why we reckon Greece is one of Europe’s best kept biking secrets.

Incredible mountain ranges

Sandy beaches and crystal blue waters might be the most iconic landscape in Greece, but did you know that 80% of the country is actually mountains or hills, making it one of Europe’s most mountainous countries?

And, of course, with mountains come brilliant roads, and this is certainly true in Greece. Twisting passes top out in the thousands of metres, with endless hairpins, corners, and switchbacks that make every day of riding in Greece an adventure.

For example, check out the Taygetos pass (NR82): over 30 miles of endless corners, epic balconies, and spectacular rock tunnels that are pure biking heaven.

Hidden local spots

Having said that, it’s not all epic, sky-scraping mountains. There’s lush forests, vast gorges and canyons, and yes, golden beaches.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, however, that to find the best biking locations, you’ll have to venture away from the tourist hotspots and discover the true Greece.

Would you know to visit sites such as the Vikos Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world (relative to its width), or the Voidomatis, Europe’s clearest river?

These are the kinds of locations that local tour guides such as the experts at MotoGreece know about, and they’ll be able to show you the best roads there, too.

Discover one of the world’s oldest civilisations

This aspect of adventure biking in Greece probably needs the least introduction.

From the home of the gods at Mount Olympus and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, to spectacular ruins such as the Temple of Apollo in Bassae or the citadel of Acrocorinth, you’re never far away from the ancients, and one of the cornerstones of Western civilisation.

On top of that, the Greece of today is wonderful to explore, with rustic villages revealing a way of life that’s much the same today as it was a hundred years ago, along with some of the world’s best food and plenty of sunshine.

Adventure biking in Greece with MotoGreece

If you want to discover one of Europe’s best-kept biking secrets for yourself, MotoGreece offers both guided and self-guided tours across the country.

Whether you want to stay in luxury hotels and enjoy day after day of twisties, or discover backroads to remote parts of the country and stay in family-run accommodation, MotoGreece has tours for everyone.

You can find out more how you can go adventure biking in Greece guided or self-guided tour with MotoGreece here.