The best road cycling routes around Athens

Athens offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 220 options documented on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, including 47 easy, 113 moderate, and 67 difficult trails.

Road cycling in Athens features a diverse landscape. You can experience urban historical areas, picturesque coastal paths along the Saronic Gulf, and challenging mountain ascents on peaks like Mount Hymettus and Mount Pendeli. The region's geography provides everything from rolling hills to significant climbs.

Yes, Athens has several options suitable for beginners. The area around the former Royal Palace in Tatoi offers easier trails through cypress, olive, and citrus orchards. Within the city, the Museum Ships at Palaio Faliro – Bike Path in Petralona loop from Μεταξουργείο provides a moderate ride through coastal and urban paths, which can be a good introduction to the city's cycling. Additionally, parks like Syngrou Park feature circular paths of varying difficulty.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Karamanlis Tunnels – Holes of Karamanlis loop from Ελληνικό is a difficult trail spanning over 108 km with significant elevation gain. Mount Hymettus and Mount Parnitha also offer intense trails and demanding climbs with rewarding views.

Absolutely. You can cycle around the pedestrianized circle ringing the Acropolis, passing through iconic areas like Plaka, Anafiotika, Monastiraki, and Thissio. The wide, tree-lined Dionysiou Areopagitou boulevard offers a scenic track beneath the Acropolis. For a coastal historical ride, the Athens Riviera route leads to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

The Athens Riviera offers spectacular coastal rides. You can cycle along the Palio Faliro Seafront Path, connecting the city to the Riviera, passing through Flisvos Marina and Alimos to Glyfada. For a longer journey, the route to Cape Sounion hugs the Saronic Gulf coastline, providing stunning sea views and opportunities for swimming at beaches in Vouliagmeni or Varkiza.

Many routes around Athens are designed as loops. For example, the Marathon Dam – Marathon Dam Climb loop from Κηφισίας offers a moderate circular path with rolling hills and scenic views. The View of Nea Makri – Marathon Dam loop from Κηφισιά is another popular moderate loop with significant elevation.

Many routes pass by or near significant attractions. You can cycle past the Philopappos Hill for panoramic city views, or near the Mount Hymettus for natural beauty. Coastal routes often lead to the beautiful Vouliagméni Lake, known for its thermal waters. Urban routes can take you through the National Garden and past the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre.

Athens enjoys a warm, dry climate, making road cycling comfortable year-round. Spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant temperatures, ideal for longer rides. Even in winter, the weather is generally mild enough for cycling, though some mountain areas might be cooler.

The road cycling routes in Athens are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from stunning coastal views to challenging mountain climbs, and the unique experience of cycling through historical urban areas.

Yes, Athens offers several green spaces suitable for cycling. The National Garden and Zappeion provide tranquil, tree-lined paths in the city center. Antonis Tritsis Park, covering 1,200 acres, features endless dirt tracks and artificial lakes, while Syngrou Park offers circular paths mostly covered in pine trees, suitable for various cycling levels.