GRAVEL IS A SPIRIT | 8-Day Gravel Tour

AN EPIC JOURNEY FOR THE FEW

We believe that gravel biking is a spirit. It’s a way of thinking, an attitude. 

It’s long hours on the saddle, pedaling in remote, off-the-beaten-path areas, enjoying the amazing scenery that Cyprus shares with only us: the passionate lovers of life on two wheels! 

Our Gravel bike tour is a trip that traverses the Troodos mountain range highlighting the undiscovered beauty of the island. It’s a blend of great rides and local gastronomy, wine making, cheese farms and orchards loaded with fresh fruits calling you to taste them. 

Starting from the eastern foothills of Troodos we ride through its glorious monumental peaks all the way to the western part of the island where the green forest meets the blue colors of the Mediterranean sea. 

An 8 day bike ride takes you to farthest-reached, most enticing places in Cyprus, discovered only through the experience of a local expert guide. Along the way, you will be introduced to great local food and wine but most importantly you will be in touch with local people and the authentic Cyprus folk culture!

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy the most secluded scenic and quiet gravel paths of Cyprus

  • Immerse yourself in the Cypriot way of living, simplicity is a virtue

  • Indulge in the most delicious traditional meals that the island has to offer

  • Learn about the art of rose extracting at the village of Agros

  • Take in the view from the rooftop of Cyprus Island, Mt.Olympus

FITNESS LEVEL

Advanced to Expert.
This tour requires average / good bike handling skills, comfortable with gravel riding and good fitness level.
If this description doesn’t match your skills write us an email. This tour is fully customizable to accommodate levels from beginners to experts.

BEST TOURING PERIODS

April, May, June, September, October, November, December

ACCOMMODATION

On this tour you will stay in restored traditional houses, agrohotels, humble mountain hotels and high end coastal resorts.

DAY BY DAY

  • We believe that gravel biking is a spirit. It’s a way of thinking, an attitude.

    It’s long hours on the saddle, pedaling in remote, of-the-beaten-path areas, enjoying the amazing scenery that Cyprus shares with only us: the passionate lovers of life on two wheels!

    Our Gravel bike tour is a trip that traverses the Troodos mountain range highlighting the undiscovered beauty of the island. It’s a blend of great rides and local gastronomy, wine making, cheese farms and orchards loaded with fresh fruits calling you to taste them.

    Starting from the eastern foothills of Troodos we ride through its glorious monumental peaks all the way to the western part of the island where the green forest meets the blue colors of the Mediterranean sea.

    An 8 day bike ride takes you to farthest-reached, most enticing places in Cyprus, discovered only through the experience of a local expert guide. Along the way, you will be introduced to great local food and wine but most importantly you will be in touch with local people and the authentic Cyprus folk culture!

    Accommodation: Traditional Houses, Tochni

  • Distance: 58 Km | Total Ascent: 1740 m

    Gear up this morning to embark on the first ride of our trip. Leaving Tochni behind us we will take the backroads that lead to Kalavassos, a village known for one of the most important Neolithic settlements on the world-wide spectrum. We soon start climbing out of the fats of Kalavassos in a gradual and sustained uphill path leading straight into the mountains. I bet you will like the view from above.

    Half way through our ride we stumble upon Akapnou Village. Let’s stop for a minute and travel back to the Venetian era of Cyprus. The “Rigena of Cyprus” (i.e the queen of Cyprus; derived from the italian “regina”) left her last breath in this village while running away from the raid of Sarakinoi pirates. She was riding her horse over the venetian bridge in order to reach the planes and hide her treasures when she fell of her horse and died. The river is ever since called “Vasilopotamos” ; River of Kings, and the famous bridge still decorates this hidden gem of a village. Our ride today brings us to a maximum altitude of 820m above sea level in Potamitissa village. Potamitissa meaning “lady of the river” is built right on the banks of Ambelikos River. Legend has it that Virgin Mary herself appeared to a villager requesting for a church to be built in the banks of the River. Thus the church as well as the entire village was dedicated to her. Tonight we will be hosted by a boutique agrohotel in Potamitissa!

  • Distance: 58 km | Total Ascent: 1890 m

    After a traditional Cypriot Breakfast we’ll salute goodbye to Potamitissa and set sail for today’s adventure. You will notice a fair change in the terrain as we leave behind deciduous trees and riverside vegetation for a dark green pine forest and rougher volcanic terrain. Our next stop, the charming village of Agros, known for its tradition in rose products. Here you get to try rose extract deserts, rose syrup or simply get yourself some locally produced perfumes! Once on the trail again we submerge ourselves to nature. The valley of Pitsilia, where we’ll spend the day riding, is well known for its natural beauty and richness in fresh produce. Today we are faced with some challenging climbs and thrilling descends, it’s the day of rollercoaster riding! Our next stop, Agios Nicolaos; is a village dedicated to saint Nicolas, protector of the sea. The village is located right next to one of the best water springs of Cyprus that supplies the country with fresh mineral water. You will know that this is a privileged place by the vivid green of the luscious forest all around you.

    After enjoying a cyprus coffee and fueled with caffeine we will tackle the last part of our ride, a small climb and a glorious well deserved descend into our home for tonight, Kalop anayiotis village. Take a good rest, tomorrow is the ride of the week!

    Accommodation: Casale Panayiotis, Kalopanayiotis

  • Distance: 50 Km | Total Ascent: 1870 m

    Rise and shine today as we are welcoming the most important day of the entire trip! Today we will be heading to the rooftop of Cyprus, Mt Olympus. Leaving Kalopanayotis behind us we ride in the direction of Lemythou; a village known for its tranquil atmosphere and green nature. We’ll pass through some quiet, non-touristic villages, that create the illusion that time has stopped here. The beauty of the day builds up kilometer by kilometer as we approach the highest part of the island. Mt. Olympus rises up to 1952m above sea. Enjoy the spectacular 360 views of the peak of Cyprus and descend a short way down to our hotel. Tonight we are being hosted by Troodos Hotel, a mountain resort in the heart of Troodos Mountains.

    Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Troodos Square

  • Distance: 66 Km | Total Ascent: 1400 m

    After a restful evening and an energizing breakfast with the impeccable views of our hotel’s restaurant, we gear up and depart once more. Today’s destination is the village of Panayia, in the southern part of Paphos forest. Even though we are loosing elevation for the most part of the day we have incorporated some climbs in our ride to make sure it’s fun! The undulating gravel paths of Paphos Forest can be challenging but they are also some of the most rewarding riding we will do this week. The Paphos forest is the farther reached forest in Cyprus, hosting the majority of our endemic and endangered species. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of a mouflon (Cypriot endemic wild deer) bouncing out of sight or a wild eagle spreading their impressive wings. Tonight we settle in the village of Lysos for our last overnight in the mountains

    Accommodation: Paradeisos Villa, Lysosscription text goes here

  • Distance: 64 Km | Total Ascent: 1260 m

    Description text goes hereToday will be the last day we spend in Paphos forest, so let’s make it count! We ride north-west through the pine infested hills making our way out of the well explored Troodos mountain range. About half way through the day we will be done with the majority of climbing. The descend is thrilling and fast and you get to enjoy it at your own pace. Brace yourself for the frst owe-inspiring view of the crystal blue water of the mediterranean sea. It’ll keep getting closer and it’ll keep getting bluer and shinier. We keep riding until we reach the fishing village of Polis Chrysochous, our overnight stay. It’s time for a freshly caught fish and a cold beer! And remember: the sun sets in the west, and you are at the best place to see it!

    Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Polis Chrysochous

  • Distance: 72Km | Total Ascent: 630 m

    We start our ride today skirting the National Park of the Akamas Peninsula, heading south in the direction of Paphos town. Along the way we will go through quiet stone built villages and large agricultural fields. We soon reach the village of Androlykou, a village that was abandoned after the war 1974, standing still in time. Our bike ride goes through one of the most important wine routes of the Paphos region. A well deserved stop at a wine canteen and a celebratory glass of wine before we descend into town is in place. Our final hotel is found right on the waterfront of Paphos coastline! Tonight, enjoy a final dinner and raise your glasses to a wonderful week of adventures and memories!

    Accommodation: 4* Hotel , Paphos

  • Departure.

    It’s hard to believe that the week has come to an end! Here is where we wave you goodbye. Don’t worry, we’ll see you in your next Cyprus adventure!! A private shuttle is arranged to transfer you to the airport for departure.

What is included?

Airport transfers (Larnaca Airport), 7 nights Accommodation, Services of an experienced local cycling guide, All Breakfasts and 3 Dinners, Luggage transfers & Transfers during Tour, Photos videos in digital album, T-shirt memorabilia.

What’s not included?

Airfares, Bike rental, Escort vehicle, Insurance, Personal snacks or lunch, Entry fees to museums archaeological sites and theme parks, Hotel Upgrades Personal Expenses

**All extras can be arranged upon request

What to pack

We know you come to Cyprus to sport those short sleeves but if you are visiting the mountains in October or November we recommend having

some rain proof gear. While we can provide you with pedals and saddles we do recommend that you bring your own to ensure you are most comfortable.

Cost

€1199 per person, based on a 6 person group, Single Supplement Fee: €200


Not an expert but still up for a challenge?

Make it your own! Our tours are totally customizable in duration and skill level. All you have to do is let us know what you are looking for.

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The Great Gravel Traverse