Winter is already here and we all miss the sunny summer excursions on a beach or a mountain…And now what? Home, Netflix and chill? Of course not! Excursions in nature and especially in Greece, is an ideal activity throughout the year since we live in a country with mild temperatures during the winter and especially during raining season, when the smell of wet soil and the the evergreen landscapes offer a soothing and rejuvenating experience. However, for most of us, it’s a bit challenging to organize an excursion, mainly because we are not well informed about the safe and interesting hiking tours being held for bikers and hikers. For this reason, numerous hiking and mountain biking associations are founded in both the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, often conducting tours in various rural and urban areas. Therefore, I made a list with the best ones, so that you leave your warm bed and go hike a mountain!
Wandering around the forest
Athens:
A.O.S (Athens Hiking Association): Probably the most well-organized hiking association in Athens, with constant tours and a winter schedule full of unique excursions around Greece e.g Giona Fokida, Gerania of Korinthia, Flabouri of Parnitha etc. With only a 15euro fee for all the members, it is wise that you hurry up because they only accept 30 people for each tour. Check out here.
Greek Travelers: With the belief that every traveler is trying to promote the least touristic areas that offer unspoiled natural sceneries, Greek Travelers observe plants and animals, meet groups of people trying to discover new survival methods and alternative ways of farming, through numerous activities, in which you can participate by contacting them here.
HSPN (Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature): The Non-Profit Organization HSPN, is for hikers that wish to participate in eco management, protection and environmental awareness projects, while enjoying the beauty of Greek countryside. If you want to be part of something extraordinary, contact them here.
Thessaloniki
– Trace Your Eco: One of the most active groups, Trace Your Eco, was founded for those who love nature and wish to escape the monotony of the city life and experience unique moments! Being active for the last 20 years, they organize Trekking- Hiking programs, Eco Tours for families, friends and schools, as well as Mountain Trekking holidays at the National Park of North Pindos (Zagorohoria- Vickos- Valia Calda) and Grammos, Smolikas, Joumerka and the National forest of Olympus. The cost is around 16 euros with shuttle transfer included in the price. Trace them here.
–SEO Thessaloniki: The team of SEO Thessaloniki, aims at the promotions of all forms of mountaineering (classic mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, alpinism, skiing and race track), as well as landscape protection, cultivation of environmental awareness, ethics and values of mountaineering and nature. SEO team conducts frequent hiking, rock climbing and trekking tours across Greece and abroad. For more info look up here.
On two wheels
Athens:
Friend of Cycling: One of the oldest associations that started back in 1986, in an effort to promote cycling as a means of daily transport and entertainment in both urban and rural areas. All their meetings are held at 3rd Eptahalkou Street at Thiseio, and apart from organizing events that promote the use of bikes in the city, the team also organizes seminars that inform all bikers on how to benefit from cycling. Befriend them here.
Thessaloniki:
– Rolling Stoned: On one of my daily escapes on mount Chortiatis some time ago, I met four members of probably the only active, unofficial mountain biking team in the city of Thessaloniki, Rolling Stoned! With already 500 members on their facebook group, they organize daily activities in small groups and conduct excursions on nearby mountains (e.g Seih Sou, Chortiatis), they exchange information for downhill events and simple cycling tours (during night and day) and photos from various tours. Join them now.
– Women Rule Ride: Good news for us women who are not afraid to stain our clothes or sweat on a mountain! Their main goal is to create an active group of women that enjoys riding and at the same time learns all about the fundamental principles of mountain biking (even more than that). Of course the guide is a woman, certified MIAS L1& L2 Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme. The excursions are held every Sunday and you can join for free. Now you have no excuses! Send an e-mail at domna@spin-bikes.gr or call them at 2310/427875 and join them now.
In the end, if you want to be well informed about all the cycling events around Greece, you can visit Podilates. Happy rides!
Also published at ThinkFree Magazine
Μαρία Ελένη Βασιλειάδη 