Find and book motorcycle tours to Greece

Motorcycle Tours in Greece

Combining the very best that Europe has to offer – the mountain twisties, the sun-drenched coastal routes, and the paradise islands in the Mediterranean Sea – motorcycle tours in Greece are an incredible experience. Because of its mountainous terrain, countless little country roads winding through spectacular landscapes, easy access to the Ionian and Aegean Seas, great weather, and laid-back culture, Greece is one of the most rewarding and underrated destinations in Europe. From the rocky, rugged mountains in the North, the astonishing sights of Meteora, and the peak of Mount Olympus to the sunny streets of Thessaloniki and Athens and the endless serpentines of Cretan roads, Greece offers so much in terms of fantastic routes, nature, and culture, that you’re guaranteed to keep coming back for more.

Whether you’re setting off on an enduro tour of Greece or a leisurely, all-paved motorcycle tour, expect twists and turns on every mile, awe-inspiring scenery, and millennia-old ruins dotting the Greek countryside. Motorcycle tours in Greece will take you along mountains and gorges, past ancient Orthodox monasteries and antique temples, and across terrain so varied it feels like you’re covering much more than just one country. In addition to excellent motorcycling roads, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, Greece also boasts mouth-watering cuisine and lavish hospitality. Nowhere else in Europe are the people so friendly, curious, and ready to chat as in Greece, and don’t be surprised to see local riders sharing the roads: Greeks are passionate motorcyclists, so much so that the country hosts the Hellas Rally Raid, the largest Dakar-style rally race in Europe. Unsurprisingly, Greece is emerging as one of the top destinations for off-road riding and training tours in Europe, comparable only with Spain and Portugal.

For road riders, motorcycle tours in Greece offer curves, curves, and more curves. From steep, sharp hairpins to gentle sweepers, Greek roads knot themselves in endless twists everywhere you go. And the best part is, most of those twisties are quiet, two-lane regional roads where you can scrape those pegs to your heart’s content.

Greece Motorcycle Tours Highlights

If you’re considering an off-road adventure or a guided motorcycle tour in Greece, plan your itinerary around some of the best locations in the country. Here are some of our favorite ones:

Athens
All roads may lead to Rome, but Athens is where it all begins. The ancient city of kings and philosophers, Athens remains a metropolis of incredible architecture, quirky Old Town tavernas, and cosmopolitan culture palpable in the very air of the city. Athens is a must-visit on your motorbike trip to Greece, even if you aren’t a history buff: the city offers exciting dining and wining options, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful atmosphere.

Meteora
Appearing like a surreal scene from Avatar, Meteora is a jaw-dropping site of towering cliffs topped with ancient Orthodox monasteries built into the living rock. A network of six astounding monastery complexes perched atop giant rock spires, Meteora is such a phantasmagoric site you may want to spend a day or two exploring the area: the winding roads curving into big, fast-speed bends here reveal the otherworldly landscape from different angles, and if you have the time, some of the monasteries are open for visitors. Easily one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece, Meteora, situated in the heart of the country, is a must-see site on your motorcycle tour.

Thessaloniki
The second largest city in the country, Thessaloniki makes it to the itineraries of most motorcycle tours in Greece. Known for its vibrant cultural life, arts, and theatre, Thessaloniki is Greece’s culture capital, and in its heyday during the times of the Byzantine Empire, it was once compared to the might of Constantinople. Today, Thessaloniki is a great pit stop to relax and recharge, soak up the sunny weather of the Aegean Sea, and ride the local twisties enjoying the Greek coastline.

Mount Olympus
Known as the throne of the Greek gods for centuries, Mount Olympus is Greece’s most beloved mountain. Situated between Thessaly and Macedonia just fifty miles southwest of Thessaloniki, Mount Olympus rises almost 3,000 meters above the sea level and is one of the highest peaks in continental Europe. A majestic sight to behold, Mount Olympus can be viewed straight from the saddle of your motorcycle. If you have the time, however, you can do a half day’s hike to ascend the slopes, or simply enjoy the little villages scattered around the base of the mountain. Most motorcycle tours in Greece will take you past Mount Olympus to showcase the legendary mountain and the scenic areas around it.

Delphi
An ancient seat of the oracles and demigods on the south-western slope of Mount Parnassus, Delphi is a sacred site boasting impressive ancient ruins and temple sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi can be seen from Route 48 as you travel the southern part of Greece on your motorcycle.

Island of Crete
Probably the most marvelous – and the most undiscovered – motorcycling destination in Europe, island of Crete is a treasure trove for two-wheeled travelers. Being closer to Africa than Europe, Crete enjoys mild, sunny weather year-round, which makes it an ideal location for motorcycle tours in Greece during the winter months. In the summer, Crete is overrun by holidaying tourists crowding its white sand beaches and turquoise – blue water, but from late October to April, the island is virtually deserted and you can have the entire place to yourself. Highly diverse in its landscapes, Crete offers anything and everything a rider could wish for: paved mountain twisties, lonely serpentines skirting deep gorges and olive tree valleys, countless off-road trails shooting in all directions, and spectacular scenery ranging from craggy, rocky hills to sandy beaches, desert-like plateaus, and green slopes of the mountains. Motorcycle tours in Crete are an extraordinary experience providing a glimpse into what it’s like to ride both Europe and Africa in one go.

Practical information for Motorcycle Tours in Greece

Although Greece is a southern country, the best time of year to ride here is May through to September. In winter months, the coastal routes are still drenched in sun and experience warm weather, but the mountains are much colder and see harsher temperatures. If you want to avoid the biggest tourist crowds, plan your Greece motorcycle tour for September or early October; August is the hottest month, especially in the southern part of the country.

Greece uses the euro as the official currency, and while the country is fairly inexpensive to travel, accommodation may be pricier than you’d expect. Plan to spend around $70-80 a day for your food, fuel, and hotels, unless that’s included in your motorcycle tour price. It’s also good to always carry some cash in hand – although cards are widely accepted in Greece, cash is king in the more remote, smaller villages.

Much like everywhere else in the world, using common sense and keeping an eye on your belongings is wise. However, Greece is a very safe country to travel, and locals are avid motorcyclists themselves, so expect lots of connections and new friends when you’re touring Greece.

Depending on the type of riding you plan to do, pick a motorcycle that you’re comfortable with. For motorcycle tours in Greece that focus on paved twisties, cruiser, tourer, and adventure type of motorcycle will work best. For enduro tours and off-road expeditions, choose a small, lightweight dirtbike capable of taking on rocky paths and single track – the Greek terrain is notoriously challenging.