Imagine pedaling through picturesque coastal roads, gliding past medieval towns, or weaving through vineyards and olive groves. Cycling tourism is not just a niche activity embraced by millions of Europeans—it’s a booming billion-euro industry.
In 2023 alone, Denmark raked in €2.8 billion from cycling tourists, while Italy soared to a staggering €5.5 billion—a 35% increase from the previous year. Germany reported that 37.7 million people used bicycles while on vacation. Yet, while the cycling trend sweeps across Europe, Greece remains on the sidelines.

Kos: Greece’s Cycling Gem with a Century-Old Legacy

For many Greeks, the island of Kos conjures up nostalgic images of the 1960s film Margarita—a love story set to the backdrop of palm-lined boulevards and gentle seaside bike rides. But the island’s deep-rooted cycling culture is more than just a cinematic memory.

Cycling Tourism Greece

An image from the 1960’s Greek movie “Margarita”.

Kos is one of Greece’s most bike-friendly destinations, boasting over 10,000 rental bicycles, many of which are fully booked daily. The island plays a crucial role in Greece’s participation in EuroVelo, the 92,000-km European Cycling Route Network, connecting 17 countries.

And yet, despite its potential, Greece has yet to capitalize on the cycling tourism boom.

Cycling Tourism: The Future of Sustainable Travel

A 2012 European Commission study found that cycling tourism generates €44 billion annually, outpacing the cruise industry (€39 billion). Since then, the market has only grown. By 2023, the global cycling industry had doubled in value, reaching an estimated €138 billion.

Cycling is now ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing tourism activities worldwide. In Europe:

  • Mountain biking ranks 4th, behind hiking, cultural tourism, and gastronomy.
  • Electric biking is 7th, growing rapidly due to eco-conscious travel trends.
  • Road cycling follows at 8th, ahead of photography tours and birdwatching.

epa04712267 The pack is on the way in front of the Hubertus mill during the Amstel Gold Race in Valkenburg, Netherlands, 19 April 2015. EPA/MARCEL VAN HOORN

Who Are the Cycling Tourists?

Cycling tourists are not professional athletes—they are everyday travelers looking for immersive experiences. Their profile is clear:

  • Age: 31-55 (with equal participation from younger and older age groups)
  • Gender: 60% men, 40% women (but female participation is rising fast)
  • Distance: Rides 40-60 km daily over 3-4 hours
  • Motivations: They cycle to explore, eat well, and experience local culture
  • Must-haves: Safe routes, clear signage, connectivity to public transport, and reliable internet

Greece’s Untapped Potential in Cycling Tourism

Despite its breathtaking landscapes, Greece ranks low in cycling tourism compared to other European nations. The Netherlands leads the pack, with 58% of its population cycling regularly, followed by Germany (36%), Denmark (36%), and Sweden (31%). In contrast, Greece lacks the infrastructure to support large-scale cycling tourism.

However, efforts are underway to change that. Greece is working to expand EuroVelo routes, focusing on three major cycling corridors:

  • Route 13: From Promachonas (Serres) to Kastanies (Evros)
  • Route 8: From Igoumenitsa through Rio-Antirrio to Athens
  • Route 11: From the Evzones border crossing to Athens

If fully developed, Greece would become the only European country with two fully signposted EuroVelo routes, boosting its status as a premier cycling destination.

Greece’s Bid to Host the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2026

Recognizing the untapped potential of cycling tourism, Greece is now vying to host the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2026. According to Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Vasilis Economou, a national cycling action plan will soon be presented, featuring signage upgrades, route improvements, and an enhanced digital platform.

Efthymios Bakoyiannis, General Secretary for Spatial Planning and Urban Environment, stated that Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) is prepared to fund the expansion of the cycling network with up to €700,000 in investments.

Cycling Tourism

With global demand for eco-friendly, slow-travel experiences surging, Greece stands at a crossroads. Will its plans to invest in cycling tourism translate into action, enabling the country to the reap the environmental and economic benefits, or will it continue to lag behind its European neighbors?