Kos receives the ‘Bike Friendly’ label, recognizing it as a cyclist-friendly destination

The award ceremony for the ‘Bike Friendly’ label: third from the left is the Mayor of Kos, Mr. Theodosis Nikitaras, fourth from the left is the Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Culture, and Public Relations, Ms. Sevi Vlachou, second from the left is Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou, General Director of NatTour, along with other local tourism representatives.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Kos, Mr. Theodosis Nikitaras, the Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Culture, and Public Relations, Ms. Sevi Vlachou, the President of the Cycling Tourism Committee of Kos and President of the Tourism Department of the Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Dimitris Sarantis, the President of the Municipal Community of Kos, Mr. Kostas Sourasis, and other tourism and cycling representatives active on the island of Kos. Also present were members of the Tourism Promotion & Development Office and NatTour, as well as members of the Tourism Committee, including Mr. Kostas Technitis, Mr. Elias Epsimos, Mr. Nikos Kappas, Ms. Eleni Papadouli, and Mr. Efstratios Sernikos with his associate Mr. Konstantinos Sarantis, who expressed their satisfaction and called for greater efforts to strengthen the Kos brand in this sector. The award was presented by journalist Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou, General Director of NatTour.

The Mayor emphasized that cycling in Kos is making a comeback through a strategic choice of promoting cycling tourism and the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation. The Deputy Mayor highlighted that this certification is another commitment fulfilled, demonstrating that Kos is truly the “island of bicycles.”

The “Bike Friendly Destination” Certification Mark was awarded by the non-profit organization NatTour, in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment & Energy.

From left: Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou, General Director of NatTour, and the Mayor of Kos, Mr. Theodosis Nikitaras.

The certification ensures that a municipality meets a series of Europe-wide accepted criteria that establish a “cycling identity” for the destination, making it easier for tourists to use bicycles during their holidays. It promotes cycling in the area as a form of exercise, entertainment, and transportation, while also positioning the Municipality of Kos as a destination for alternative and thematic tourism. The certification of Kos’ cycling services and infrastructure makes the island both a friendly place and a destination for cycling.

General view of the press conference

Kos, widely known as the “island of bicycles,” has over 15 km of bike lanes, 6,500 rental bikes, and many mountain paths for all levels. Cycling is a popular activity for both residents and visitors. Today, the island offers excellent routes for all levels: completely flat, mountainous, mixed terrain, dirt roads, and steep paths, with a well-developed cycling culture.

Kos meets the certification criteria for the label, including the presence of bike routes within the municipality, bike rental services, designated bike lanes, exclusive bike parking spaces, and Bike Friendly Hotels in the area.

The island offers high-quality services and top-tier bike shops, with a wide variety of equipment for city and mountain biking. Kos boasts perhaps the largest cycling fleet in Greece and is home to several cycling clubs, regularly hosting major cycling events and races.

So far, eight hotels on the island are certified with the “Bike Friendly” label: Diamond Deluxe Hotel Kos, Kos Hotel Junior Suites, Mitsis Ramira Beach Hotel, Mitsis Summer Palace Beach Hotel, Mitsis Norida Beach Hotel, Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel, Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa, and Neptune Hotels-Resort, Convention Centre & Spa.

Bike Friendly Municipality of Kos.