An initiative of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) and non-profit Nattour now offers active travelers who visit Greece and want to explore the country cycling a network of “bike-friendly” hotels that offer excellent conditions to satisfy their needs. The “Bike Friendly Hotel” initiative responds to the increasing cyclist tourism demand, labeling hotels that cater to travelers who enjoy cycling as a favorite pastime.
To qualify for a Bike Friendly Hotel label, hotels have to certain criteria, including offering maps with cycling routes free of charge, having safe bike parking and deposit areas, cleaning bike service, bike tool sets available at all times, partnerships with local bike shops for rental or repairs, and more. Qualifying criteria also includes guided bike tours offered by the hotel, bike rack, lunchbox preparation on site, healthy organic breakfast, wellness services like sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, thalasotherapy, and so on. A full list can be found on the official Bike Friendly Hotel website, which also lists the participating hotels on a map.
Lyttos Beach Hotel on Crete is a Bike friendly Hotel
The network already includes premium properties like Hotel Nefeli on Skyros island, Panorama Hotel on Lesvos, Fresh Hotel in Athens, the Westin Resort Costa Navarino in Pylos, Lyttos Beach Hotel on Crete, Lakitira Resort and Village on Kos, and many others. Pictured above, Lyttos Beach Hote offers a safe bike deposit area and bike cleaning services, guided bike tours in cooperation with Cyclingcreta, wellness and spa, bike rack, organic breakfast choices, and more. They list their full range of services on their website.
Hotel Kassaros in Epirus currently only offers guided bike tours and excursions in Metsovo in Greek, but they are also planning English tours later this summer. Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel in Pelion is an eco-friendly property with a route map for friendly cycling rides at the reception, and partners with local shops for bike rentals and guided tours. Basically, every hotel with a Bike Friendly Hotel will give cycling enthusiasts the services they need to discover Greece from the bicycle saddle.