Skiathos has been certified as a Bike Friendly Destination, a cyclist-friendly island, with the Bike Friendly Destination label, which is under the auspices of the Ministries of Tourism and Environment & Energy.
Skiathos becomes a Bike Friendly island
Skiathos has been certified as a Bike Friendly Destination, a cyclist-friendly island, with the Bike Friendly Destination label, which is under the auspices of the Ministries of Tourism and Environment & Energy.
On Thursday, May 20, 2021, the Mayor of Skiathos, Mr. Theodoros Tzoumas, received the Bike Friendly Destination Certification from Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou, General Director of NATTOUR AMKE, during a special ceremony held on the island. The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Mr. Mathinos Diamantis and numerous local cyclists.
The lush island of Skiathos meets all the certified criteria of a cycling destination, offering a variety of cycling routes for all preferences and ages. The well-marked trails and favorable terrain make Skiathos an ideal destination for both solo and organized cyclists, as well as for those interested in specialized thematic tourism.
Present at the ceremony were Deputy Mayor Mr. Mathinos Diamantis, Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou, and Mayor Theodoros Tzoumas, all celebrating the island’s achievement in becoming a certified bike-friendly destination. The island meets several key criteria, including:
- The existence of cycling routes within the municipality’s geographic boundaries, with plans to expand the network for hikers, cyclists, and people with disabilities.
- Availability of bicycle rental and repair services, including electric bicycles, with distribution networks to hotels and accommodations on the island.
- Organization of cycling events to promote cycling culture and encourage the use of bicycles as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
- Participation in tourism exhibitions, workshops, and networking events related to cycling.
- Charging stations for electric bicycles in public areas (such as the port).
- Certified Bike Friendly Hotels and accommodations within the municipality.
During the event, Mayor Tzoumas remarked, “We consider our collaboration with Bike Friendly to be very important. Our goal is to highlight everything that makes the island unique, and we will work closely to develop this further in many ways.”
Ms. Karantzavelou added, “We are delighted to welcome the Municipality of Skiathos into the network of Bike Friendly destinations. This island municipality offers not only its beautiful beaches and classic holidays but also many forms of alternative tourism, with routes through lush forests and between beaches.”
Skiathos is now part of the growing Bike Friendly network, which currently includes 120 hotels, five certified municipalities, and several partners such as cycling companies and tourism agencies. This network reflects the increasing demand from visitors and residents for cycling infrastructure, especially as cycling is considered a COVID-free mode of transportation. The creation of organized cycling services and infrastructure is also essential in establishing a cycling identity for destinations
