View Full Version : Cycling in Athens (Greece) ???
My son is headed to Athens for a semester abroad. He is interested to know about road cycling in the Athens area or in other areas of the country. He is going to be staying in Pangrati or Kolonaki neighborhoods in Athens. Any help is appreciated. He could take his bike if it makes sense as he will be there for three months.
Thanks,
Alan
feta99
12-24-2008, 01:34 PM
Hello,
I would NOT recommend cycling in Athens or any part of Greece. The greeks are notorious for being very aggressive drivers. Athens in particular is very congested and has bad traffic. There are also lots of scooters and motorcycles that a cyclist would have to watch out for. You might find some quieter roads outside the city but you would have to be a brave soul to ride there(IMHO).
I would recommend cycling in Spain, France and Italy but not Greece. The drivers there are just not used to cyclist.
I hope that helps.
Cheers,
Ath
Larry D
12-24-2008, 06:04 PM
Alan,
My wife and I were in Athens for the Olympics in 2004 and did some cycling on the outskirts of Athens, Olympia, Kalavrita and a couple of the islands, whose names I do not remember.
We did not have any problems with the Greek divers. The roads are narrow and we were advised to "take" ownership of the lane, but the scenery was beautiful. The drivers waved to use and honked in a friendly manner. The roads around Olympia and Kalavrita were very nice. Since it was in August, it was hot. Not a good time to cycle in Greece.
Granted Italy and France are more usual cycling destinations, but if he can get out in Greece, go for it.
Happy holidays.
xjoex
12-24-2008, 06:42 PM
My wife and I have a place right outside Athens in varkiza. Every time we go I think of bringing a bike. But then I spend 15 minutes there and am terrified of the drivers. If you were- say 30 miles from Athens it would be ok. And I live in a city now and commute every day in the city, but nothing like Athens.
He'll have a blast there! Its a beautiful country.
-Joe
caleb
12-29-2008, 12:50 PM
The rural areas would be great, but I wouldn't ride anywhere around Athens. The number of roads per capita on the southern mainland is just too low to be safe.
Your thoughts confirm what I thought. Thanks so much.
Alan
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.