Athens may not be the bike-friendliest city in the world, but it has indeed some very nice (and safe) routes to follow. With a mix of ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and scenic routes, exploring Athens by bike offers a unique perspective on the Greek capital. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your bicycling adventure in Athens.
Cycling in Athens allows you to cover more ground than walking while enjoying a more immersive experience than driving. It’s an eco-friendly, healthy, and adventurous way to explore the city. Athens’ warm Mediterranean climate, the increasing availability of cycling paths and, last but not least, the passion of the locals who usually biking in groups and teams once a week that you can join make it a great destination for two-wheel exploration.
Top Bicycling Routes in Athens
Thissio to Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center (7km)
It’s the only official bike route of Athens and you will recognize it from the red color of the road, and from the sign of a bike on it, of course. It starts from Poulopoulou Bridge, opposite the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Athens “Melina Mercouri”, and during the route, you will pass from the neighborhoods of Gazi, Petralona, Tavros, Kallithea and finally Tzitzifies to end up in your destination which is Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center. In the route, apart from the beautiful neighborhoods above, you will see open farmers’ markets, rainforests, you will pass over bridges, you will see even a river, but without water. Whenever you choose to go it will be a pleasant ride but we would highly suggest you to start either early in the morning or at dusk. Warning: Be careful with the pedestrians and probably the families with babies in the strollers that also use this bike road: there are not many routes like this one in Athens, so it is possible to meet many people without a bike to walk. You can follow the route here. Once you arrive in Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, you could still enjoy your bike ride as there is a lot of space and you will discover the place easily and relaxed on bike.
The Athens Riviera Trail
Once you arrive here from the previous route, you could continue with your bike by the sea to enjoy Athens Riviera. Start at Flisvos Marina and follow the coastal path along the Saronic Gulf – you will enjoy stunning sea views, beaches, and seaside cafes. This bike ride along the coastal road, especially in the afternoon, is magical. You can reach until Voula and from there to continue to the extensive 2.6 km long cycle path, which starts from the coastal avenue, passes by the Voula Sports Centre and the 1st School complex to end at the end of Papagos Street.
National Garden and Zappeion to historic Center Loop (6.8km)
Pedal through the lush National Garden and around the historic Zappeion Hall. Shady paths, tranquil surroundings, and nearby landmarks like the Panathenaic Stadium. Then, you can continue to cycle through pedestrian-friendly areas like Thissio, Plaka, and Monastiraki: From National Garden and Vassilissis Olga, you continue on Vassilissis Amalias street to turn into Panepistimiou street, then Athinas, then right on Ermou to reach the area of Thiseion, where Dionysiou Areopagitou naturally takes over: the most iconic pedestrian street of the capital, along with Apostolou Pavlou. Everything you need for a Sunday breather. The total length of the route is 6.8 km, but you can add a few more by entering the Shopping Triangle and Psirri’s to have your lunch there in a tradition taverna.
Kifisia to Ekali: Explore the northern suburbs of Athens
The Municipality of Kifissia has the largest network of bike trails (13.2km) starting from Kifissia and ends up to Ekali. The aim is to complete this major project to create the 17.8 km complete bike trail from Kifissia to Thissio, which will cross various neighborhoods of Athens, such as Nea Ionia, Neo Heraklion, Maroussi and Kifissia. But for now enjoy this ride on Rodon street between the urban nature of the neighborhood and the beautiful neoclassical buildings of the area.
Tritsi Park
The Environmental Awareness Park in Ilion is also one of locals’ favourite cycling routes in Athens. Here, apart from the beautiful route, the cyclist can learn about the environment at the same time.
You will find here a very useful guide with gps routes, if you want to explore Athens by bike and ride in neighborhoouds like Acropolis area, Monastiraki, Omonia, Ambelokipi, Petralona, Pangrati, Nea Smyrni, Akadimia Platonos, Patisia, Kipseli, Peristeri.
Nearby Escapes for Cyclists
If you’re looking to venture beyond the city and you love mountain bike too, consider also these options:
Marathon Route
Cycle the historic route from Athens to Marathon, with picturesque scenery along the way. Once you reach there you can continue to cycle around Marathon Lake. There are some idyllic stretches by the lake and in the forest that are definitely worth the effort. You can also get there by suburban train (Agios Stefanos stop). Don’t miss to have your lunch after the bike ride in one of traditional tavernas in Marathon or Stamata to replenish your strength.
Schinias National Park
Very close to Marathon lake, is Schinias National Park, where during summer you can combine your bike ride with a swim at the beach there. Bicycle at the Olympic Rowing Stadium in Schinias where the rowing track was created for the 2004 Olympic Games. Since then, it has been used as a training venue for rowing and canoeing competitions. The smooth track around the main arena allows even young children to cycle there too.
Mount Hymettus
A haven for mountain biking enthusiasts, with trails ranging from beginner to advanced.
Bicycle in Tatoi
A bike ride in Tatoi will be like exploring an open-air museum. The route (4-5 km) has many paths and different routes to choose from. It is a 47,000-acre area, with some areas fenced off, and others unguarded. It is suitable even for beginners or relatively untrained hikers since much of the trail is through the forest where there is shade from the trees. The route continues on old tarmac and some kilometres are on a good dirt road. During this different route you will enjoy several sights such as the old royal tombs and chapels, the summer palace, the royal swimming pool and of course the beautiful nature!
Athens has several bike rental shops (with e-bikes too) and guided tour operators. Here are some options:
- Athens by Bike
- Offers guided tours and rentals for individuals and families, not only in Athens, but also in Greek islands and Peloponnese.
- Popular tours: Morning tours of the historic center and sunset rides along the Riviera.
- Check here the website to find the most suitable for you tour
- Electricity city rides | Ebike Rentals Athens
- Provides electric bike rentals for easier navigation of the city’s hills. There is also a luggage storage service available, in case you don’t have much time before your flight/ferry and you want to have a quick ride around the city.
- Check here the website to get more info
- Athens Bike Rental
- Provides bikes, ebikes as well a bike case for your car if you already have your own bike and you want to travel by car. It organises also bike tours out of Athens, in mountain bike friendly places like Orini Nafpakia, Kalavrita, Marathon lake.
- Check here the website to get more info
- Meet in Athens
- Apart from the classical bike tours of Athens, here you will find also some themed walking and food tours, cooking tour on Poros and Angistri islands, the City Game Athens tour
- Check here the website for more info
- Athens Bike Festival
- An annual event celebrating cycling culture with workshops, group rides, and exhibitions.
- Critical Mass Rides
- Monthly group rides that promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Follow the facebook groups below to get some ideas for bike rides in Athens, or even better join them in one of their ride: Friends of Bike on weekends, Bike Promenades of Friends every Wednesday. A research on facebook probably will give more results and rides.
- Athens Cycling Tour
- The official tour of Athens by bike of Municipality of Athens.
- Stay Safe: You should always take care to have the necessary equipment with you. Wear a helmet and gloves for cyclists to avoid any injuries. It’s also really important to be visible, so use bike lights, especially if you’re riding at night, and, of course follow local traffic rules. Finally, make sure your bike is in good condition and get updates for weather conditions.
- Hydrate: Carry water, especially during warmer months.
- Timing: Early mornings and evenings are ideal for avoiding the midday heat and crowd.
- Be careful in public transport: If you need to transfer your bike by metro or train, don’t forget that you should always use the last wagon which is usually not so crowded as the other ones.