Cycling Mykonos: Off the Beaten Path 

Planning a trip to Mykonos and looking for a unique adventure to shake off the effects of an exciting night out? Whether you’re seeking a refreshing experience to rejuvenate yourself, or an unforgettable way to kickstart your day, I’ve got just the thing for you.

If you consider yourself adventurous and have a decent level of fitness, I highly recommend taking a guided bike tour around the island. GRcycling in Mykonos offers a fantastic half-day tour that lets you experience the island like few tourists ever do. You’ll ride through picturesque villages, along rugged coastlines, and up scenic hills, all while enjoying stunning views.

What makes this bike tour truly special is that it takes you to parts of Mykonos rarely seen by the average visitor. If you enjoy going off the beaten path, this is the tour for you. Our guide mentioned that only one percent of tourists see as much of the island as we did. Personally, this was my favorite activity in Mykonos, and knowing it was a unique experience made it all the more memorable.

First off, this isn’t an easy adventure—it requires a good amount of physical exertion. However, you do have the option to choose an e-bike, which can help tackle some of the hills along the route (Most of us used regular bikes, and as beginner bikers, it was totally doable). The tour is rated as intermediate, with a difficulty level of three out of five. You’ll be biking approximately 50 km with a total elevation gain of 900 meters. The tour lasts about six hours, and all transfers are seamlessly organized for you. 

The day begins early with a hotel pick-up in Mykonos Town. We were staying in an airbnb in town, and they were able to grab us right at our doorstep brightly and early in the morning. A shuttle will take you to the Armenistis Lighthouse, where you’ll adjust your equipment, chat with the guides, and prepare for the journey ahead. They started the morning out with croissants and water, making sure we were properly fueled for the day.

Throughout the 50 km ride, you’ll visit secluded beaches, charming churches, quaint villages, and a stunning water reservoir. The tour is more focused on exploration than endurance, but be prepared for a hilly terrain that demands some strength. One of the first beaches you’ll visit offers a chance to swim, so I recommend wearing a swimsuit under your biking clothes. You can also leave towels, sweatshirts and change of clothes inside the shuttle so that you do not have to carry much on your bike. The route can be tailored to your ability and interests, but even the standard path reveals many beautiful and hidden sides of the island.

Along the way, they provided us with juices and greek snacks to keep our energy up. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights about the sites and the environment, and they checked in frequently to ensure everyone in the group was feeling good and ready to continue on. 

The tour ends at one of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever seen. There’s a fantastic beach restaurant/club where you can unwind, swim, enjoy a well-deserved meal, and relax before heading back to town. After this bike ride, I promise you will want to jump right in the water, and grab a cold drink. From there, the shuttle takes you back to your hotel, where you might be ready for a well-earned nap. 

This company goes above and beyond to ensure the experience is worth your time and money. It is definitely on the pricier side, but for the experience, equipment and overall quality of the tour, I highly recommend it. They ask for your height and weight beforehand to have the perfect equipment ready for you, and they’ll tailor the itinerary to suit your plans for the day. They’re incredibly accommodating and will adjust the route if needed to make sure you have the best experience possible.

This was one of my all-time favorite guided tours. It gave us a completely different perspective of Mykonos, far from the usual tourist spots. We explored hidden parts of the island while getting a great workout, and truly earning those views. The guide shared so much valuable information about the island and its history and culture, making it an unforgettable experience. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the trip—you’ll be glad you did it, even if it means breaking a sweat and working your legs a bit. 

Mykonos is a beautiful and picturesque island full of so much rich history and culture, but many tourists only see a small sliver of it. I cannot emphasize enough, how lovely it is to see a unique side of a tourist destination like this one. If you find yourself in Mykonos, and are looking for a unique experience, grab your sneakers, and workout clothes, and check out GRcycling! Safe and happy travels! 


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