12 practical tips for cycling holidays in Greece

1. Choose your islands carefully

Not all parts of Greece are equally suited to cycling. Some areas are blessed with smooth roads, manageable climbs and quiet rural lanes, while others are more challenging with steep gradients, heavy traffic or limited cycling infrastructure.

Think about what kind of riding you want to do – scenic climbs, coastal loops, cultural detours – and choose your base accordingly. Larger islands and mainland regions tend to offer better variety and support for cyclists, while smaller or more remote areas can be stunning but less forgiving.

If you’re planning a self-supported trip, it might be an idea to start with well-connected destinations that cater to outdoor tourism and cyclists, such as Crete, Kos and Kefalonia. Or check out an island hopping bike tour to experience a number of islands in one trip.

Map of Greece

2. Prepare for hills

Greece is famously mountainous, and that includes much of the coastline. Even short rides can involve significant elevation gain, especially if you’re staying inland or venturing beyond the main roads.

Long, winding climbs and sharp switchbacks are common, and gradients can be steep, often in double digits. Make sure your bike has the right gearing (a compact chainset or wide-range cassette is highly recommended) and don’t be afraid to take it slow.

What you get in return is worth it: panoramic views, peaceful roads, and that unbeatable satisfaction at the top of a climb.

Still concerned? E-bikes are often available for hire if you’d rather just focus on enjoying the scenery.

3. Start early to beat the heat

During the summer months, Greece can be extremely hot, with midday temperatures easily reaching 35°C or more.

If you’re cycling in July or August, you’ll want to be on the road early – ideally finishing your ride before midday. Even in spring and early autumn, the sun can be intense, especially in exposed areas.

Carry at least two water bottles, wear high-factor sun cream, and take breaks in the shade whenever you can. Early mornings are not only cooler but often quieter, giving you the roads (and the views) more or less to yourself.

4. Be prepared for unpredictable weather

Although Greece is known for its sunny skies, the weather isn’t always consistent – particularly in spring or autumn, or at higher altitudes.

Sudden showers, gusty winds and even fog can roll in, especially in mountainous areas.

It’s a good idea to pack a lightweight waterproof or windproof jacket in your jersey pocket, just in case.

Layering is key too, especially if you’re climbing, as the temperature can change quickly between the bottom and top of a mountain. The more flexible your kit, the more comfortable your ride will be – no matter the conditions.

Exploring the South Aegean countryside (photo credit: Islandhopping, photographer: Ivan Duran)

5. Understand the ferry system if you plan to travel between regions

Ferries are a major part of transport in Greece, particularly between islands or coastal areas. And some of the best cycling in Greece is found on the smaller islands, so you’ll want to use those ferries to explore your options.

While bikes are generally accepted on ferries at no extra charge, it’s worth checking ahead – particularly with smaller or faster boats, which may have limited space.

Be aware! Timetables can change with the season, and delays are not uncommon, especially in windy weather.

When planning multi-destination trips, always allow extra buffer time in case of disruptions. If you’re taking a ferry mid-ride, factor in disembarkation times and check whether you’ll have easy access to food or water before continuing on your route.

Want to take the hassle out of ferry planning? Consider a bike and boat tour instead. Read our in-depth guide to Greece island hopping holidays to get started.

6. Bring a bike that can handle rougher roads

While some Greek roads are newly surfaced and a dream to ride, others – especially rural or mountain roads – can be rough, cracked or full of potholes.

A bike with wider tyres (28mm or more) will give you more comfort and better grip.

If you’re planning on bike hire in Greece, opt for a setup that can handle mixed surfaces. It’s also worth carrying a small repair kit – while this is good advice for any destination, in Greece it particularly applies as roadside assistance can be hard to come by in remote areas.

A quiet road on the island of Crete

7. Always carry cash and extra snacks

Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist hotspots, but in smaller villages, rural cafés or roadside stops, cash is often still king. Credit card acceptance is growing, but there’s still some places that don’t have the facilities.

It’s wise to carry small notes and coins with you in case card machines aren’t working (which can be a recurring problem), or not available at all.

Similarly, food and water stops can be surprisingly spread out in some areas, particularly on quieter roads or in the afternoon when shops may close. Pack a few ride snacks like nuts, fruit or bars, and always fill up your bottles whenever you get the chance.

Top tip! A lot of the smaller islands don’t have the best tap water, and advice varies from “it’ll taste odd” to an outright “never drink it”. Bottled water is cheap, so best to stick to that.

8. Learn the local road habits

Road cycling in Greece is often a mixed bag of experiences – in cities, traffic can be chaotic, while in rural areas, you’ll often find quiet roads with considerate locals.

That said, don’t expect drivers to give you a wide berth, and keep a close eye on scooters or overtaking vehicles, especially on bends.

Road signs are often in both Greek and English, but not always, so having a GPS device or app with offline maps is a good idea.

A rear light is highly recommended at all times, and a helmet – though not mandatory by law – is strongly encouraged for safety.

Exploring quiet Greek roads (photo credit: Andrew Norris)

9. Respect “mesimeri” – the midday pause

In many parts of Greece, especially outside major tourist zones, daily life follows a traditional rhythm. From around 2 pm to 5 pm, shops, cafés and even restaurants may close for “mesimeri”, the local siesta.

This means you could be left hungry or short on water if you’re still out riding without a plan. Either finish your ride by early afternoon or make sure you’re carrying everything you need until places reopen.

This slower pace is part of what makes Greek cycling holidays so charming – just don’t get caught out by it when you’re mid-ride and famished.

10. Make the most of Greek hospitality and local food

Greece is a wonderful country for food-loving cyclists. Fresh, seasonal ingredients, simple cooking, and generous portions make it easy to refuel deliciously.

Post-ride, treat yourself to dishes like grilled fish, Greek salad, spanakopita (spinach pie), or souvlaki (grilled meat on a skewer).

Local tavernas are usually very relaxed and welcoming, and you’ll rarely be rushed.

Most places are happy to fill up your bottles or let you park your bike nearby. Eating is a big part of the experience when cycling through Greece, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy it.

11. Check bike hire and service availability in advance

Some Greek destinations have well-established cycling infrastructure with high-quality bike hire, guided rides and mechanical support.

But in others, especially smaller islands or inland towns, bike services can be very limited. If you’re planning to hire a bike, it’s worth booking in advance and confirming the exact model, gear range and whether extras like pedals, helmets or panniers are included.

If you’re bringing your own bike, bring spare parts like brake pads and a derailleur hanger, and know how to perform basic maintenance. The more self-sufficient you are, the less chance a mechanical will derail your trip.

Volunteer Andrew in Corfu, Greece at the end of his ride (photo credit: Andrew Norris)

12. Take your time and enjoy the ride

One of the best things about cycling in Greece is how naturally it encourages a slower pace. The roads are scenic, the rich history is fascinating, and the sea is never far away.

It’s not a place for rushing or racing – it’s about soaking up the views, stopping for coffee, and enjoying the changing light as the day goes on.

Don’t overpack your itinerary; leave time for detours, swims, or unplanned discoveries. Greece rewards those who go with the flow – so relax, take your time, and make the most of every moment in the saddle.

What’s next?

Planning your own Greece cycling holiday? Let us know in the comments!

This country is home to so many beautiful islands blessed with memorable coastal rides, impressive historical sites and delicious food. It’s certainly high on our cycling wishlist.

These guides might also be useful to you:

• We’ve got plenty more advice on Greece cycling holidays on our hub page, so check that out for all things Greece and cycling.
• Looking for Greece island hopping holidays? To find your ultimate Greek islands.
• This Balkans tour also calls in at Greece.
• There’s also the EuroVelo 8 alternative route from Venice to Corfu if you want an epic European trip to remember.
• Or how about another Eastern Mediterranean option? Our guide to Turkey cycling tours is one to check out.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.