The bicycle is the world’s greenest means of transport and is also good for our health. The European Mobility Week, which will be celebrated from 16 – 22 September 2019, with
emphasis on cycling and walking, it is an excellent opportunity to take your bike and ride around Greece or at least the Greek mainland.
The intercity buses (KTEL) accept bicycles in their buses, so we can take ours with us for the trek to the most organized cycling cities of the country.
Athens
The starting point of our journey is Athens. Before we leave, we can walk around the city by following the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Aeropagitou that leads up to the Acropolis. We can also follow the 7.5 km cycle path leading from Gazi to Paleo Faliro to visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). If not
You can rent a bike in front of the Foundation and if you like the idea of cycling but don’t know, the SNF is offering free lessons for children and adults on September 1st.
Kalamata
We start for Kalamata, where we can safely cycle around the city, choosing one of the three routes. The new Kalamata cycle path, widened
sidewalk leading to the beach, the old bicycle path, a separate lane on the roadway, which also leads to the beach or the main town square, which is a pedestrian area.
Igoumenitsa
We arrive in Igoumenitsa, not to take the ferry to the Ionian Islands but to enjoy a unique bike ride by the sea and the greenery. The cycle path is asphalted, with its own marking and no cars passing by. Dreamy!
Trikala
In Trikala many residents ride bicycles around the city, about 7 out of 10, and safely as it has the most organized bike paths in Greece. Recently, they were painted red to make them stand out from the rest of the road. It is worth experiencing cycling in Trikala as they say the treatment of cyclists is comparable to a modern civilized European city.
Karditsa
We descend towards Karditsa to see the “city of bicycles”. Today, the network of cycle paths has a length of 7.3 km in the city and 10.5 km. around her.
Thessaloniki
We take the road north again to visit beautiful Thessaloniki and enjoy our ride on the beach bike path which is a special route. Stop for a commemorative photo at the Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos and off we go!
A TRIP TO TRIESTE
Tripoli in autumn has the most beautiful colours. And it is the most ideal season for short trips as it is in the center of the Peloponnese and is very easy to access.
Here in our first article I will give you a few tips for the capital of Moria. Tripoli has many squares so you won’t get lost. Among them the central square with the Metropolis , the I.N. Agios Vasileios dominating with the shops below. Next to this square is the War Museum of Tripoli which has rare exhibits, such as the funeral cast of Kolokotronis. I said about Kolokotronis and what I remembered.
That you should take a stroll through Areos Square, which is one of the largest squares in Greece. The statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis, where his bones lie at the base, is a trademark. Don’t miss in late September the anniversary events of the Fall of Tripolitsa with the re-enactment in an amazing evening! Don’t forget to try local products such as cheese, pasta and wines!
See you in the next issue !
Valia Abatzi
Journalist
chrisovalantia@hotmail.gr
