Pieria, for the first time, is certified as a Bike Friendly Destination by AMKE NatTour, in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
Pieria joins the Bike Friendly Destinations network
Pieria, for the first time, is certified as a Bike Friendly Destination by AMKE NatTour, in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
The certification label “Bike Friendly Destination” was awarded on Sunday, September 29 by AMKE NatTour in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature to the vice-governor of Pieria Ms. Sofia Mavridou and the president of the Pieria Tourism Development and Promotion Organization (P.O.T. A.P.) Mr. Giorgos Karalis from the general director of NatTour, Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou.
The awarding of the “Bike Friendly destination” certification label in Pieria took place at the finish point (Central Square of Makrygialos) of the “2nd Pilgrimage Bike Run”, organized by the Holy Metropolis of Kitros, Katerinis and Platamonos, the Regional Unit of Pieria, the Municipality of Pydna-Kolindrou, the Pierian Organization for Tourism Development and Promotion (P.O.T.A.P.) and the “TRIAS” Sports and Cultural Triathlon Association.
This performance is the culmination of the efforts made by P.O.T.A.P. for the development of cycling tourism, in combination with various alternative forms of tourism. The Label certifies that a destination meets a series of pan-European accepted criteria that create a ‘cycling identity’ in the destination and make it easier for the tourist to use the bicycle during their vacation.
The destination is part of the under development Eastern European cycling route “Eurovelo 11”, connecting the specific “Eurovelo 11” route with proposed routes of cultural and tourist interest within the prefecture of Pieria.
Mrs. Sofia Mavridou, Deputy Regional Governor of Pieria, in her statement emphasized: “Continuing our planning for the development of all forms of tourism in Pieria, in accordance with the principles of sustainable sustainable development, we receive today with great pleasure the certification label “Bike Friendly Destination” and join in the network of bike-friendly destinations. Together, the Regional Unit of Pieria and P.O.T.A.P. we collect and record our cycling identity, with reference to the bicycle, the means of transport so friendly to the environment. Cycling is a popular activity, both for residents and visitors to the prefecture.”
Mr. Karalis, president of P.O.T.A.P., stated that, “The rapid increase in the use of the bicycle in recent years, combined with the possibilities of extending the tourist season in our prefecture, were the springboard for the bicycle to be in center of interest of visitors-tourists and citizens in general, as well as tourist businesses. With NatTour and the awarding of the “Bike friendly destination” certification label in Pieria and always within the framework of cooperation between us, we are proceeding with the orderly and organized development of cycling tourism in our prefecture, now having the guarantees for the implementation of another form of alternative tourism”.
Mrs. Karantzavelou, general manager of NatTour, in her statements emphasized, “Pieria has made a wonderful effort to diversify its tourist product and to promote it as an ideal destination for alternative tourism. Of course, this is helped by its unique nature, its amazing beaches, but also its landmark Mount Olympus. What could be better for a tourist to get to know all this with a gentle bike ride? For Pieria, the bicycle is the most suitable means of transportation and has the potential to attract to the region precisely those tourists from all over Europe that Pieria seeks to have.”
Pieria, an area with a long cycling tradition
Pieria’s relationship with cycling is old. The slopes of Olympus and Pieria have hosted many cycling events, with the top event being the pan-European downhill and 4X (fourcross) cycling championships at the ski center of Elatochori. Holidays in Pieria means the possibility of multiple options and combinations for accommodation, entertainment and alternative forms of tourism, which harmoniously connect the mountain with the sea, such as mountain-climbing, sightseeing, archaeological, religious, culinary, sports, marine, agro-tourism, adventure tourism, etc.
Cycling has shown a strong upward trend in recent years. Consequently, cycling tourism will be a component of the tourism product of our prefecture. The creation of cycle paths, roads marked for bicycle traffic, the creation and maintenance of paths, the operation of the ski center of Elatochori during the remaining months for mountain bikers, the certification of businesses as “bike friendly” and the general shift of everyone to a “bike friendly” concept will have a positive impact on the local economy, the environment and the quality of life of the residents who will embrace it.
In terms of road cycling, the coastal front is of great interest. From the Bird Observatory in the wet habitat of Nea Agathoupoli, at the northern end of the prefecture, to its southern end, in the settlement of Nea Poros. Along the route there are villages, beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, picturesque harbors, fish taverns and cafes. One can cycle from any point depending on one’s interests, capabilities and time available.
Furthermore, with the capital of the prefecture, Katerini, as a starting point, residents and visitors can easily cycle to the nearby coastal destinations (Katerini Beach, Olympiaki Akti, Korinou Beach, Alykes Kitrou), or to the surrounding settlements via provincial roads and detours.
In terms of mountain biking, the slopes of the mountains with their extensive forest road network lend themselves to mountain biking. There are also many trails that are maintained and used by cyclists. In Pieria, the area of the Elatochori ski center offers many cycling routes on forest roads and paths. Finally, in Olympos, in the wider area of Old Panteleimon, there are many forest routes and paths around the traditional settlements to the small lake of Katis.
