Bike Friendly Experience

Vicky Karantzavelou

The “Bike Friendly” label is an initiative of the non-profit NatTour, which since its founding in 2016 has aimed to develop a network of Greek destinations and businesses that are friendly to the needs of cyclists, whether they are residents of an area or visitors. The development of the “Bike Friendly” label is carried out in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN).

NatTour’s goal is to cater to cyclists, promote the use of bicycles as an environmentally friendly means of transportation, and encourage cycling tourism. In this direction, NatTour and its network of certified partners have contributed to many Greek destinations and businesses gaining a “cycling identity,” while also providing a series of organized cycling services, making it easier for tourists to use bicycles during their vacations.

The Bike Friendly network currently consists of 120 certified hotels (Bike Friendly Hotels), 5 certified municipalities (Bike Friendly Destinations), several cycling companies (Bike Friendly Partners), and specialized travel agencies (Greek Bike Specialists). The number of participants in the network is steadily increasing.

Since March 2020, the “Bike Friendly” certification has been under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, and since April 2021, it has also been supported by the Ministry of Energy and Environment.

The rapid increase in bicycle use during the pandemic (as bicycles are a COVID-free mode of transportation), along with the opportunity to extend the tourism season in Greece due to its Mediterranean climate, has brought cycling into the spotlight for both visitors and tourism businesses. NatTour, responding to the needs of the time and the growing trends for activities that involve connection with the natural environment, continues to strengthen its initiatives and foster collaboration within the network for optimal visitor service through certified businesses and destinations.

Cycling in Greece is continuously gaining ground as an alternative way to explore, travel, and discover an area’s natural and built environment. Greece’s climate and unique countryside offer ideal conditions for cycling, with routes that pass through olive groves, orange orchards, vineyards, windmills, hot springs, gorges, old stone bridges, caves, Byzantine churches, castles, and monuments.

For feedback on the “Bike Friendly” label and the collaboration with certified Greek destinations and businesses, here are excerpts from representatives of municipalities, regions, and businesses:

Pepi Birliaraki – Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Rethymno: “The recognition of the Bike Friendly label is an additional way for our municipality to enhance its focus on sustainable mobility, benefiting both residents and visitors. This initiative opens new prospects for cycling tourism, which is crucial during the off-season, and encourages the development and improvement of infrastructure by both the public and private sectors.”
Dimitrios Kastis – Deputy Mayor of Leros: “We had an excellent collaboration to certify our island as the first Bike Friendly Destination. We proved that the municipality can work with all stakeholders and deliver results. We gained recognition across Greece, and this initiative has a future.”
Theodoros Tzoumas – Mayor of Skiathos: “We want Skiathos to be known for its natural beauty, which visitors can explore by bike. We are organizing a network of trails that can also be used by mountain bikes. Promoting the natural beauty of Skiathos through initiatives like Bike Friendly is a priority for us.”
Kostas Agorastos – Governor of Thessaly: “Thessaly is a bike-friendly region, and many of its cities and areas have been recognized for their cycling efforts. This is a significant initiative that lays the foundation for creating a unique tourism product.”
Fokion Zaimis – Deputy Regional Governor of Western Greece: “I am pleased with our collaboration with Bike Friendly. The development of cycling as an activity can further highlight Western Greece as a destination. The region will support efforts to create bike paths, recognizing the growing demand from people of all ages.”
Manos Maleas – Saraya Resort Leros: “Due to the pandemic, people now prefer natural forms of transportation. Cycling allows them the freedom to stop and enjoy their surroundings. Our hotel needed to offer activities, and cycling was a natural fit. Cyclists have specific needs, and that’s why we chose to become Bike Friendly.”
Maria Lougari – Castelli Hotel Zakynthos: “We are proud to be part of the Bike Friendly network. Travelers increasingly choose our hotel because of our commitment to environmental respect and our efforts to highlight points of environmental interest. These are the same visitors who love cycling and hiking.”
Maria Mavroudi – Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel Astypalaia: “We want to give visitors alternatives that allow them to enjoy their holidays without unnecessarily harming the environment. We’ve noticed that more visitors come to cycle, walk, and explore the island. The Bike Friendly network has helped us provide cyclists with the little extras that enhance their experience.”