Thessaloniki→ Kastoria
Lakes, Peaks & Hot Springs
The Northern Greece Cycling Journay
Locations
Northern Greece
A multi-day cycling journey across the diverse landscapes of Northern Greece, starting in Thessaloniki and finishing at the lakeside town of Kastoria.
This carefully designed route combines scenic countryside roads, mountain passes, traditional Macedonian villages, and three revitalizing thermal spa experiences: the Lagadas Thermal Baths, the Sidirokastro Thermal Baths, and the natural riverside pools of the Pozar Thermal Baths.
Location
NORTHEN GREECE
Nights
8
Distance
615KM
Number of participants
Minimum 6
Level of difficulty:
Meeting point
Thessaloniki Airport
Join
2100€
The meeting point will be at Thessaloniki Airport.
From there, we will transfer to the hotel, where a welcome dinner will be waiting for us, along with bike preparation and equipment setup for Day One of the tour.
TOUR SCHEDULE
DAY 1
Route: Thessaloniki → Lagadas
Stats: 84km | 720m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
From the urban charm of Thessaloniki’s coast to the wild trails of Seich Sou, Day 1 is all about contrast.
After visiting the White Tower and conquering the ‘Pyrovoleio’ ascent above the Old Town, we trade city streets for forest paths and a fast-paced descent toward the tour’s first lake.
We end the day in Lagadas, trading our saddles for a soak in the famous thermal springs. The perfect blend of sweat and serenity!
DAY 2
Route: Lagadas → Serres
Stats: 90km | 830m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
We trade the thermal baths for the mountain air today! Leaving Lagadas, we tackle the climb to the village of Sohos, a hidden gem known for its authentic Greek flavors.
After a quick pit stop to taste the best dairy products in the region, we push forward on the open road. The second leg of our journey takes us across the plains and hills leading into Serres, marking the successful completion of another epic day in the saddle.
DAY 3
Route: Serres → Ano Poroia
Stats: 67km | 450m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
On our third day, we leave the city of Serres behind to discover one of Greece’s true natural wonders:
Lake Kerkini. Renowned for its incredible biodiversity and unique fauna, the lake offers a stunning backdrop as we cycle through the charming traditional villages perched on the surrounding hills.
To reward our efforts, we head to Sidirokastro, home to the warmest thermal springs in Northern Greece, for a restorative soak.
The day concludes with a feast that meat lovers will adore: a culinary journey through ‘a thousand and one flavors’ featuring local buffalo meat and dairy, a true specialty of the region.
DAY 4
Route: Ano Poroia → Goumenissa
Stats: 89km | 550m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
On Day 4, our cycling odyssey continues through a landscape frozen in time. We pedal through beautifully weathered, abandoned villages near the border with North Macedonia, where silence tells its own story.
As we ride alongside the serene waters of Lake Doiran, our sights are set on Goumenissa. After a day of challenging miles, it’s time for a different kind of ‘recovery’—wine! Known for its world-class Xinomavro, Goumenissa is the perfect place to raise a glass and toast to our journey.
After all, after so much cycling, a fine glass of local wine is exactly what you deserve.
DAY 5
Route: Goumenissa → Loutraki (Pozar)
Stats: 83.5km | 1466m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
Leaving behind the vineyards of Goumenissa, we begin our ascent of Mount Paiko. The scenery shifts dramatically as we trade lakes and plains for a deep dive into lush, emerald forests. Lost in the greenery, we navigate the mountain’s winding trails before a thrilling descent leads us to the villages of Aridaia.
Our final destination is the world-renowned Pozar Thermal Baths, a natural wonder where travelers from all over Greece gather to marvel at the steaming waterfalls and healing waters set against a stunning canyon backdrop.
DAY 6
Route: Loutraki (Pozar) → Agios Athanasios
Stats: 67km | 1410m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
Leaving the steam of the Pozar Thermal Baths behind, we cycle through the fertile plains of Pella to reach Edessa, the “City of Waters,” for a revitalizing coffee break by the thundering Karanos Waterfall and the historic Varosi district.
Our journey continues with a steady ascent past the serene Agra Wetland toward the shimmering shores of Lake Vegoritida near Agios Panteleimonas, where the landscape opens up into a vast lakeside panorama.
The day’s final and most rewarding challenge is a magnificent climb into the foothills of Mount Kaimaktsalan (Voras), pedaling through a fragrant sea of apple and peach orchards that eventually give way to alpine forest.
Our day concludes at 1,410 meters in the traditional stone-built settlement of Palaios Agios Athanasios, where a hearty Macedonian meal by the fireplace serves as the ultimate reward for a day of epic climbing.
DAY 7
Route: Agios Athanasios → Nymfaio
Stats: 66km | 875m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
Leaving the stone-built charm of Palaios Agios Athanasios behind, we begin the day with a thrilling descent from the foothills of Mount Kaimaktsalan toward the vast, shimmering expanse of Lake Vegoritida.
Our journey leads us into the heart of Amyndeo, one of Greece’s premier wine-growing regions, celebrated for its unique microclimate and endless vineyards that stretch between mountains and lakes.
After sampling the region’s famous “Xino Nero” (natural sparkling mineral water) directly from its source, we transition from one lake to another, pedaling through a landscape of rare natural beauty.
The day reaches its epic climax with a legendary ascent toward the historic village of Nymfaio, perched high on Mount Vitsi.
As we climb, the vineyards give way to dense beech forests, finally bringing us to one of Europe’s most beautiful traditional settlements, where the crisp mountain air and architectural grandeur provide a magnificent end to our seventh day of exploration.
DAY 8
Route: Nymfaio → Kastoria
Stats: 87.5km | 800m elevation gain
✓ Accommodation: Hotel
✓ Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description:
As we bid farewell to the unique stone grandeur of Nymfaio, the eighth and final day of our epic cycling odyssey begins with a journey through history.
We follow the winding Old National Road that once served as the vital artery between Thessaloniki and Kastoria, a route now quiet and reclaimed by nature. This stretch leads us through villages frozen in time, hidden gems that offer a rare glimpse into the authentic, untouched heart of the Macedonian countryside.
Step by step, the mountains give way to the shimmering horizon of Lake Orestiada, signaling our approach to the finish line. Our odyssey concludes in the breathtaking city of Kastoria, a place world-renowned for its master fur-craftsmanship and its labyrinth of over 70 Byzantine churches.
Surrounded by the lake’s limitless beauty and the city’s aristocratic charm, we celebrate the completion of a truly legendary adventure.
FINALE
Additional Information
BIKEPACKING TOUR INCLUSIONS
✓ 7 hosted and supported bikepacking days in Central Greece
✓ All accommodation
✓ All food and drink, minus out-of-pocket expenses like fancy drinks
✓ Support vehicle
✓ Bikes and helmets in your size
✓ The transport of one baggage on a day-to-day basis
✓ Tour guide
✓ Travel insurance
✓ Pickup and drop off to Athens airport
BIKEPACKING TOUR EXCLUSIONS
✗ Electric bike and bike bags upon request (Request a quote)
✗ Any required visas or vaccinations
✗ Out-of-pocket expenses
