GRAMMATIKO

If you choose to explore the mountain with the imaginative name “Stravaetos” by bike, you’ll find yourself on a ride that combines diverse landscapes and unique highlights: a green ravine with plane trees and abundant water, old iron mines, views stretching toward Evia, demanding dirt sections, and refreshing natural pools — known locally as “Rathes.”

The suggested route circles Mount Stravaetos (elevation 591 m), located within the triangle formed by Varnavas, Grammatiko, and the Marathon Lake. The mountain slopes and surrounding hills have gentle gradients and are covered mainly with low shrubland, hosting a rich ecosystem with many rare plant species.
In early spring, the area blooms with wildflowers — including dozens of wild orchid species. In contrast, the western part of the route is forested, nourished by the Varnavas Stream and shaded by tall pines and plane trees. Hidden within it lies a beautiful natural pool — or “Rathes,” as the locals call it — an ideal spot for a stop and a swim during the summer months.

The ride starts from the well-known canteen in the ravine just before Varnavas, an ideal place for a pre-ride coffee or snack — and, afterward, for a “recovery” beer by the water.

The first part follows smooth dirt roads through dense vegetation before descending toward Grammatiko, crossing a rough, rocky section that will test both your suspension and your grip. After passing Grammatiko, the route climbs for about 7 km, first on asphalt and then on dirt, passing by the old iron mines with their tunnels and deep trenches, before reaching the highest point of the ride, near the Stravaetos fire lookout tower.
The final section is mostly downhill and, about 2 km before the end, reaches the Rathes pools — a perfect spot for a refreshing break.