Athens & Saronic Islands by bicycle

Start in amazing Athens, nothing short of an age-old miracle. Settle in at your hotel then take off to explore it all. An optional guided city cycling tour can be booked in advance for this evening. Athens’ well-matched balance of ancient and modern takes on a unique ethereal quality at dusk.

Jump in the taxi to Piraeus, where you catch the ferry for a 2,5-hour journey to Poros taking your bike and bags with you. Ferry timetables vary throughout the year and, if no ferry available on a given day, you might travel by hydrofoil (Flying Dolphin) or high-speed boat (Flying Cat). Due to lack of space on smaller boats, bikes may be transported to Poros separately.

Option of taking a morning bike tour of Athens or, if you get to Poros early, time for an afternoon cycling route to the monastery of Zoodochou Pigis, a loop to the beach or a circuit round the town.

Challenge: 3 hours, 15 km / 9,5 mi (plus an optional 8 km / 5 mi), 350 m ascent, 350 m descent

Today you go west into central Poros, beginning with a coastal section with an optional stop at a former Russian Navy base. Riding up in gradual ascent through lovely wooded terrain, you come to a small plateau, one of the few arable areas on Poros. Add an optional loop to the gracefully enduring Temple of Poseidon archaeological site and stand in awe beneath its sturdy columns. The day ends with a tough descent down into the town of Poros.

The route includes an optional one-hour walk on a stony path to the restored lighthouse situated at the western tip of the island.

Challenge: 3 hours, 17 km / 10,5 mi plus optional 3 km / 2 mi walking, 375 m ascent, 375 m descent

You and your bike start by sailing on a little pontoon boat to Galatas, where your cycling route begins. Ride fertile farmland and zoom uphill to Taktikoupoli. Once you catch your breath, steady yourself for a rather steep descent down to the coast. Pedalling along to protected wetlands at Psifta, you stop to reflect in peace and quiet. Then cycle back to Galatas and get the ferry ‘home’ to Poros.

Challenge: 5 hours, 31 km / 19,5 mi, 250 m ascent, 250 m descent

Depending on ferry timetables, you might have time for a cycling or walking tour on Poros before you get the boat to Aegina. Once settled in on this next island, start by exploring the town by bike or take a swim in the crystal-clear sea.

Amble around Aegina and check out the archaeological site and museums. Or pedal 10km south along the coast to picturesque Perdika, a colourful symphony of red rooftops and bright blue windows against a deep blue sea. In summer take a fishing boat to the uninhabited Island of Moni and rent a beach bed to soak up some therapeutic sunshine. Alternatively, opt for a walking route inland to an ancient olive grove or up to the summit of Mt Ellanios (elevation 532 m).

Challenge: 2 hours, 20 km / 12,5 mi, 50 m ascent, 50 m descent

Today’s tour takes you inland to visit the island’s patron saint at the gorgeous Monastery of Agios Nektarios, a popular pilgrimage site for Greek-Orthodox believers. Rolling downhill toward the east coast, you attack a short ascent to the tempting Temple of Aphaia (elevation 165 m) then coast down to the seaside resort of Agia Marina. Pedalling to Portes you meet a steep ascent to tiny Anitseo and well-deserved breather at the local tavern. Just down the road, a striking Byzantine church sits upon the former temple to Zeus Hellanios and you ride Aegina’s west coast back into town.

Challenge: 6 hours, 36 km / 31 mi (with an optional 4 km / 2,5 mi), 400 m ascent, 400 m descent

Catch a ferry back to the mainland and have your hire bike collected at the port in Piraeus. Get a taxi or public bus to Athens Airport for the journey home. Return flights should be booked for departure at 14:00 hrs or later.