Sparta and the Mediterranean Coast

★★★★★★4.7/5 (9)
7 nights
33 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 986
Bike tour in Greece
Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours
Book this tour
Ask a tour advisor

Sparta and the Mediterranean Coast

★★★★★★4.7/5 (9)

Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours

7 nights
33 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 986
Bike tour in Greece

Book this tour
Ask a tour advisor
Why book with us?

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  • Discover Laconia from the shores of the Evrotas River to the coastal town of Monemvasia

    Explore the beautiful southeast part of Peloponnese, Laconia, with a bike trip that combines the golden Greek beaches with Greek history and culture.

    Beginning from the famous military city-state of the ancient world, Sparta, you will head south and pass by Elafonisos, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea, and you will end up to the unique castle town of Monemvassia.

    Idyllic landscapes, turquoise water, endless beaches, and history will keep you company in every step of this exciting ride!

    • Monemvasia, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. CC:ulrichstill
    • Relaxing in Greece. Anthony Delanoix, Unsplash
    • Mediterranean diet! Louis Hansel@Unsplash
    • Territory of Ancient Sparta. CC:Marsyas
    • Monemvasia, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Evangelos Mpikakis@Unsplash
    • Shish kebabs in Greece! Markus Winkler@Unsplash
    • Neapoli, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. CC:DimitrisP67
    • Mystras, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Victor Malyushev@Unsplash
    • Church of Christos Elkomenos in Monemvasia, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. CC:Patrice700
    • Hummus, of course! Morshani@Unsplash

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Sparta
    • Ancient Greek theater and Chalkoikos Athena temple in Sparta
    • Byzantine city of Mystras, the "Wonder of Morea"
    • Seaside fishing town of Gythio (Gytheio)
    • Elia fishing village with deep, blue coasts
    • Neapoli
    • The small island of Elafonisos
    • The castle town of Monemvasia

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours

    Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast

    Photos 

  • Traveler photos

    • (photo by Wendy Walton)
    • (photo by Wendy Walton)
    • To Monemvasia (photo by Sigthrudur Jonsdottir)
    • Elanfonosis (photo by Sigthrudur Jonsdottir)
    • Gythio (photo by Sigthrudur Jonsdottir)
    • Ascending the road out of Neapoli on our way to Monemvasia (photo by Christine Cardinal)
    • A well deserved break at the top. (photo by Christine Cardinal)

    Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    Day 1: Arrival to Sparta
    Arrival to Athens National Airport and transfer to Sparta, the capital of Laconia (transfers available for additional fee). Laconia is well known as the kingdom of King Leonidas, whose imposing statue stands in front of the stadium of the town, and for the 300 brave Spartans who fought against the numerous Persian armies in Thermopylae in 480 BC.

    Sparta is built at the foot of Mount Taygetos at an altitude of 216 meters. The city sits next to Evrotas River, and a valley of orange, olive, lemon, and other trees extends around the city. You will have the chance to walk around and explore the nightlife of the city. You can visit the ancient Greek theater of the Spartans, which has the capacity for 16,000 spectators and the temple of the Chalkoikos Athena together with the other ancient Greek and Byzantine remains in the Acropolis of the city.

    For the cuisine lovers and also lovers of tradition and culture, the olive oil museum is another interesting choice! There you can see exhibits that narrate the evolution and development of the production of olive oil and olive harvest, two products that are so connected to Greek culture. In case you arrive late in Sparta and you will not have time to visit any of the above, you can do it probably in the next morning before your departure.
    Overnight in Sparta

    Day 2: Sparta – Mystras – Gytheio (42 miles/67km, elevation gain 830m / elevation loss 1026m)
    In the morning, we will deliver the bikes to the hotel. After we make sure that everything is ready and you are comfortable with your bike, you will leave the capital of Laconia and head to the great Byzantine city of Mystras, the "Wonder of Morea" as it is said.

    Mystras stands in a beautiful green landscape on the top of a 260m hill overlooking Sparta. The settlement was formed during the times of crusaders' invasion to the Byzantine land of Peloponnese, and in 1962 it came under the Byzantine control. Breathtaking medieval ruins, Byzantine churches, partially preserved mosaics, monasteries and palaces, and narrow streets will surely impress you. Bear in mind that if you wish to explore completely this corner of magnificent Laconia you will need 2 to 3 hours.

    You continue cycling south among orange and olive groves before you arrive to Gytheio, a small seaside town with a picturesque port full of traditional fish taverns. The inhabitants of Gytheio, who are in majority fishermen, provide these taverns with fresh fish on a daily basis so you can taste straight from the sea.

    While south in Kranai Island you can face the endless deep blue sea from the marble octagon lighthouse, built in 1872. According to Homer and Pausanias, Paris and Helen spent the night in Kranai Island before their journey to Troy. Small fishing boats and three-story neo-classic buildings dominate the place, giving a multicultural and Aegean glamor to it.
    Overnight in Gytheio

    Day 3: Beach tour – Gytheio (24 miles/39km, elevation gain 590m / elevation loss 590m)
    This day is dedicated to the marvelous beaches that surround Gytheio. You roll southerly to Mavrovouni, Vathi, Kamares, and Skoutari beaches. Do not hesitate to dive into the crystal water of the Laconian Bay or sunbathe on the pebbly beaches. Just pick the beach that you like the most and make a stop! Alternatively, if you prefer not to cycle a lot, you can spend the whole day on the beautiful beach of Mavrovouniwhere you can find taverns, beach bars, watersports, etc., and relax by the sea.
    Overnight in Gytheio

    Day 4: Gytheio – Elia (24 miles/38km, elevation gain 287m)
    Today you leave Gytheio and cycle by the sea east to Elia, passing by traditional settlements such as Asteri and wandering through the fertile Laconian land which is filled with orange and olive groves. Elia is a small fishing village known for the deep blue coasts, the incomparable natural beauty, and the unique sunsets for the romantic at heart. At the small picturesque port you can see the boats and the local fishermen returning from a day of work. We suggest a visit to the Byzantine tower located on top of the cliff as the views from up there are unparalleled.
    Overnight in Elia

    Day 5: Elia – Neapoli (32 miles/51km, elevation gain 708m / elevation loss 707m)
    After a good breakfast you hop on your bike and cycle south to Neapoli. On your way along the country road, you roll through villages and diverse crops.

    Alternatively, for those who are more fit, you can choose to ride along an almost undiscovered part of unique coast for 10km! It is a demanding route, but you will be fully satisfied by the experience as you will roll right by the amazing deep blue of Laconian Bay, feeling the touch of Greek sun on your face.

    Neapoli or Vatica is a town with great nautical tradition and an island aura as white traditional buildings dominate the place. Its long, tree-lined seafront is full of taverns, cafes, and bars where you can stop and take a break after biking. Apart from that, Neapoli is the base for sightseeing in the vicinity.

    One of the most impressive monuments is the Petrified Forest of Agia Marina, approximately 15km east of Neapoli, between Agios Nikolaos and Cape Malea. Right by the sea, you can explore a forest of fossilized palm trees, turned to stone due to a rare natural process. If you would like to visit it, you could go by either bike or taxi.
    Overnight in Neapoli

    Day 6: Neapoli – Elafonisos Island – Neapoli (35 miles/57km, elevation gain 304m / elevation loss 304m)
    Today you will bike up to the small port of Pounta from where you take the ferry to Elafonisos, a small island with few inhabitants, situated just opposite Neapoli. This is a top destination in Peloponnese, a real gem of South Greece, with the most beautiful sandy beach in the Mediterranean Sea!

    Upon arriving at the port of Elafonisos, the first thing you see is the picturesque church of Saint Spyridon, and you can smell the freshly made traditional seafood in the taverns nearby. You can cycle through the island or swim and relax on the lace sandy beach. It is a real heaven on Earth!

    Opposite Elafonisos, on the bottom of the sea, lies the ancient submerged settlement of Pavlopetri, the oldest sunken city in the world.
    Overnight in Neapoli.

    Day 7: Neapoli – Monemvasia (17 miles/27km, elevation gain 427m / elevation loss 392m)
    On today's ride, you will take the new coastal road from Neapoli to Monemvasia through dense vegetation and amazing views until you reach the highlight of this trip, the Castle-town of Monemvasia.

    Optionally, if you are fit and confident enough, you could try riding your bike to reach to the top of Kryovrisi, at an altitude of 600m., although this might be demanding for most. From Kryovrisi, you start a wonderful downhill route with breathtaking views until you reach the unique Castle-town of Monemvasia.

    It is time to explore the final touch on the portrait of Laconia, the cross-road of civilizations through centuries, as Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Ottomans have left marks of their domination on the rock. Even though cars and bikes are not allowed inside the castle-town, a tour on foot is absolutely necessary. Once you enter the castle through the unique entrance, you will be impressed by the walls, the old mansions, the narrow cobblestone alleys, the churches, old short arches and marble imperial thrones.
    Overnight in Monemvasia

    Day 8: Departure
    After a good breakfast, you will take your luggage, and get ready for the transfer back to the airport. If you wish, you can add some more activities on this trip, like a guided tour to the Acropolis of Athens, or just stay a couple of days in Athens.

    Photos

    • Monemvasia, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. CC:ulrichstill
    • Relaxing in Greece. Anthony Delanoix, Unsplash
    • Mediterranean diet! Louis Hansel@Unsplash
    • Territory of Ancient Sparta. CC:Marsyas
    • Monemvasia, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Evangelos Mpikakis@Unsplash
    • Shish kebabs in Greece! Markus Winkler@Unsplash
    • Neapoli, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. CC:DimitrisP67
    • Mystras, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Victor Malyushev@Unsplash
    • Church of Christos Elkomenos in Monemvasia, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. CC:Patrice700

    View more photos

    Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast

     Photos Accommodation 

  • Accommodation

    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

    You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels and apartments, depending on availability.

    Sparta: Menelaion Hotel

    Gythio: Pantheon City Hotel

    Elia Laconias: Kavos apartments

    Neapoli: Hotel Limira Mare

    Monemvasia: Hotel Panorama

    Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

    Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast

     Daily program Dates & Prices 

  • Dates & Prices

    Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.



    Apr 5Apr 5 from € 986Book
    Apr 12Apr 12 from € 986Book
    Apr 19Apr 19 from € 1046Book
    Apr 26Apr 26 from € 1046Book
    May 3May 3 from € 986Book
    May 10May 10 from € 986Book
    May 17May 17 from € 986Book
    May 24May 24 from € 986Book
    May 31May 31 from € 986Book
    Jun 7Jun 7 from € 1086Book
    Jun 14Jun 14 from € 1086Book
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    Jun 28Jun 28 from € 1086Book
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    Aug 2Aug 2 from € 1086Book
    Aug 9Aug 9 from € 1086Book
    Aug 16Aug 16 from € 1086Book
    Aug 23Aug 23 from € 1086Book
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    Oct 4Oct 4 from € 986Book
    Oct 11Oct 11 from € 986Book
    Oct 18Oct 18 from € 986Book
    Oct 25Oct 25 from € 1046Book

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    Included services

    • 7 nights accommodation
    • Breakfasts
    • Standard touring bike
    • Luggage transfer
    • Maps and information about the area (1 set per pair of travelers)
    • 24-hour emergency telephone support
    • GPS navigation via RidewithGPS app

    Tour Company

    Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast

     Accommodation Other Details 

  • Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

    Surface and terrain

    Suitable for cyclists with an intermediate level of fitness, the tour takes place on mostly paved roads. You will face rolling, consistent hills every day of this tour.

    How to get there

    Tour start and end
    Nearest airport: Athens or Kalamata, Greece

    Book your flight to Athens or Kalamata. From either airport, transfer options are available. You can book a transfer through the local bike tour company for an extra fee, or you can travel by public bus.

    Private transfer (to be requested at the time of booking):

    Non-standard start date surcharge is € 130 per person

    Please note, if transfers are booked before 8:30 AM and after 9:00 PM, there is an additional € 100 surcharge.

    Tips on getting to and from your tour

    Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

  • Reviews

      Write a review

    • ★★★★★ Randall Thompson 4 months ago

      Yes this was an outstanding trip with just the right distances

      Well chosen places to stay and experience. I would night recommend it to others. The s emery was unique! The bicycling was off the main highways and easy to do.

    • ★★★★★ Wendy Walton 10 months ago

      The Quiet Side of Greece

      After the hustle and bustle of Athens so enjoyed our cycling experience in much smaller Greek towns with more of a local atmosphere. The bike company did an outstanding job of route planning, a harder day followed by an easier one with the option to include a rest/ exploring day instead. The local accommodations were varied and all excellent and no issues checking in, sometimes earlier if we finished quicker. The luggage transfer was flawless. The hills and wind made it challenging but still so enjoyable.

      What was the date of your tour?
      April 2024
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • (photo by Wendy Walton)
      • (photo by Wendy Walton)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Sigthrudur Jonsdottir October 23, 2023

      Cycling adventure in Greece!

      The trip was great! It is always such a unique experience to cycle and explore new places on bike. The people and the food in Greece is 10 out of 10!!
      Some days were a bit demanding (especially the first day) as we had non electric racers.
      The highligts were Gythio, Monemvasia and the island Elanfonosis, though every village is charming and worth visiting. The cycling paths were non traffical with few exceptions and we find the drivers very polite and gave us enough space. Self guided was not a problem as the app was great and easy to follow.
      As we had the trip in low season it was some times a bit hard to find a place opened for lunch but always managed in the end!
      Hopefully this was only the beginning of cycling in Greece.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Oct 2023
      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • To Monemvasia (photo by Sigthrudur Jonsdottir)
      • Elanfonosis (photo by Sigthrudur Jonsdottir)
      • Gythio (photo by Sigthrudur Jonsdottir)

      • BikeTours.com staff reply from bozena_kusovac October 23, 2023

        Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed cycling in Greece and had a memorable trip. Your feedback on the destinations and cycling paths is much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back for more Greek adventures in the future! ????

      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Dean Ross September 25, 2023

      A big slice of Greece

      A great way to explore some of the smaller towns in Greece. There was a little more riding on roads with narrow or no shoulders than we had expected but drivers were generally courteous. We were not advised of a hotel change on the first day the ride which caused some unnecessary confusion.

    • ★★★★★ Dean Ross September 23, 2023

      A big slice of Greece

      A great way to explore some of the smaller towns in Greece. There was a little more riding on roads with narrow or no shoulders than we had expected but drivers were generally courteous. We were not advised of a hotel change on the first day the ride which caused some unnecessary confusion.

    • ★★★★★ Lisa McInerney September 20, 2023

      Loved this trip!

      The perfect way to experience this part of Greece. The staff at BikeTours.com were awesome to work with and everything went as planned when we arrived in Greece. We were very happy with our rental bikes, accommodations, and transfers.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September, 2023
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Christine Cardinal May 24, 2023

      Best cycling ever

      The climbs were hard but you are rewarded with breathtaking scenery at the top. Lovely beaches to cool down on the way.

      What was the date of your tour?
      May 13-20
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Ascending the road out of Neapoli on our way to Monemvasia (photo by Christine Cardinal)
      • A well deserved break at the top. (photo by Christine Cardinal)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 3/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Marvin Babcock November 4, 2022

      Beautiful route and perfect overnights.

      Loved this trip. the route was well planned out and we loved the accommodations. Very hilly. One of the four of us had an Ebike, and we all wished we had one. Highly recommend this trip. This was our third Biketours.com trip, and we are looking forward to number four.

      What was the date of your tour?
      May 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Gary61 October 18, 2019

      Great trip with lots of positive experiences

      This was a great way to see part of Greece. Because of the marathon from Athens to Sparta we had to stay in Misttriss which I thought was more romantic and authentic. Sparta had great Restuarants and the old ruins Sparta are a must to see.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September
      How many tours have you completed?
      10 or more
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 2/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection

    Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast

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