They say that walking is the best way to get to know a place. For us, at Vamvakou, this couldn’t be more true; we will just add “cycling” to it. Explore and wander throughout the waymarked trails and cycling routes around the village, at the heart of Mount Parnon, which have been developed according to international standards within the framework of the initiative for the revival of Vamvakou by Vamvakou Revival, with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
Mountain activities
Trekking
Around Vamvakou, there are two trekking routes that run through the slopes of the mountain, forming a trail network of 20.5 km that addresses the needs of different levels of hikers and includes important landmarks of the village and the wider area. The varied landscape in a route of a few kilometers will blow your mind away and transform your trekking activity into an unforgettable experience. Within a short distance, you will be able to admire the unique view from the cave monastery of Agia Kiriaki perched on a rock, discover chapels and fountains hidden in the woods and take in the natural beauty of the mountain while crossing the gorge, walking by the river and observing the treasures of nature around you.
• Vamvakou – Agia Kiriaki – Logous – Agia Paraskevi – Plati Potami: 5,592 miles. Waymarked with yellow sign with blue hiker on it.
• Vamvakou – Megali Tourla (Mount Parnon peak): 7,146 miles. Waymarked with red sign.
Duration: Depending on the route followed, it is estimated from 90 to 300 minutes.The activity is realised throughout the year and is addressed to individuals aged 10 to 65.
Suggested circuit routes:
• Vamvakou – Agia Kiriaki – Vamvakou: 3,728 miles. Slope: 80 meters. Moderate route. Waymarked with yellow sign with blue hiker on it.
• Vamvakou – Logous – Agia Kiriaki – Vamvakou: 4,039 miles. Slope: 100 meters. Moderate route. Waymarked with red sign and yellow sign with blue hiker on it.
You can walk the trails on your own or, in you case you want to be accompanied by a mountain guide, feel free to contact us. The cost for an organised trekking activity is defined by the selected route (hours of tour) and the number of participants (one mountain guide for a group of up to 8 individuals), in collaboration with a local guide.
Mountain biking
Dirt roads, pathways between trees, a mountain landscape… all ready to host your wheels! Mountain biking at Vamvakou is a truly unique experience that you can enjoy by following a network of three cycling routes spanning 25.5 km throughout the verdant western side of Mount Parnon.
• Plati Potami – Refuge: 7,456 miles. Waymarked with blue sign.
• Likou Motsara – Agia Paraskevi – Horostasi: 3,915 miles. Waymarked with green sign.
• Spilia – Profitis Ilias – Kato Vrisi: 4,474 miles. Waymarked with orange sign.
Suggested circuit routes:
• Vamvakou – Kato Vrisi – Profitis Ilias – Vamvakou (via asphalt road): 3,417 miles. Moderate route. Slope: 40 meters. Waymarked with orange sign.
• Vamvakou – Kato Vrisi – Profitis Ilias – Spilia – Vamvakou (via asphalt road): 5,592 miles. Moderate route. Slope: 120 meters. Waymarked with orange sign.
• Vamvakou (via asphalt road) – Likou Motsara – Kastro – Agia Paraskevi – Vamvakou (via asphalt road): 7,146 miles. Moderate route. Slope: 220 meters. Waymarked with green sign.
• Vamvakou – Plati Potami – Refuge – Vamvakou: 17,088 miles. Strenuous route. Slope: 480 meters. Waymarked with blue sign.
The activity is realised throughout the year and is addressed to individuals aged 12 and over.
If you don’t want to explore the routes using your own bicycle, you can rent a HAIBIKE electric mountain bike with an hourly charge (10 euros / first hour; the hourly rate decreases per hour of use). To get more information and rent a bike, feel free to contact us. A helmet and a map of the route are provided with the bike.
