SCHINIAS NATIONAL PARK
KILOMETERS
DURATION
ELEVATION
PROPOSED SEASON
DIFFICULTY
PHYSICAL CONDITION
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
STARTING POINT
Author:
G. Koutrotsios
Photos:
V. Karalaios
Cycling for everyone
The flat terrain, quiet roads, and tree-shaded paths make cycling the perfect way to explore the Schinias area — home to one of the last and most beautiful stone pine forests in Greece, as well as Attica’s largest wetland, a refuge for hundreds of rare bird species.
INTRODUCTION
The route lies entirely within the boundaries of Schinias National Park, crossing two ecologically significant habitats: the coastal stone pine forest and the Schinias wetland.
The stone pine (Pinus pinea) is an emblematic Mediterranean species, known for its umbrella-like crown and edible seeds (pine nuts). It forms coastal forests of high aesthetic value. The forest of Schinias is one of the last and most beautiful stone pine forests in Greece and the Mediterranean, along with those of Strofilia and Skiathos.
The Schinias coastal wetland — the largest in Attica, covering about 7,500 acres — is a strictly protected area. It forms a complex hydrological system fed by the Makaria spring, rainfall, and the sea. It is a mosaic of habitats, including reedbeds, salt marshes, and wet meadows. The large number of migratory birds, including pairs of the rare and endangered ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), make the area one of international importance.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Cycling is perhaps the best way to explore the park, following an easy route suitable even for families.
The route starts from the parking area at the end of Schinias Avenue, crosses the entire pine forest parallel to the beach, and, after passing the Olympic rowing center, enters the Schinias wetland.
Throughout the ride, the terrain is completely flat, while both paths and dirt roads are easy to navigate. During the winter months or after heavy rainfall, several sections may flood, making walking or cycling difficult.
In summer, the ride can be combined with a swim at Schinias Beach — the longest sandy beach in Attica.
15.2 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
15.2 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
ROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
DIRTROAD
PATH
GALLERY
- HABITATS
The stone pine (Pinus pinea) is a Mediterranean pine species with a distinctive umbrella-shaped crown, known since antiquity for its edible seeds (pine nuts). Pure stone pine forests are now extremely rare in the Mediterranean. The Schinias forest is one of the three most important stone pine forests in Greece, along with those of Skiathos island and Strofilia (NW Peloponesse).
This is the largest and most important coastal ecosystem in Attica — both for its size and biodiversity. Over 250 bird species have been recorded here, including many raptors such as the Bonelli’s eagle and the osprey, eight species of herons, the rare ferruginous duck, and numerous aquatic and wading birds.
At the Makaria spring, one can find eels and the endemic Attic fish Pelasgus marathonicus.
Notably, a significant population of golden jackals (Canis aureus) has reappeared in the area after several decades.
ROAD BOOK
| Distance between points | Total distance | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |  |
Starting point: parking area at the end of Schinias Avenue. Head west along the forest trails, keeping the sea on your left. |
| 3.2 | 3.2 |  |
After the houses, at the small stream, turn right onto a dirt road. |
| 0.3 | 3.5 |  |
At the main asphalt road (Schinias Ave.), turn left. |
| 0.9 | 4.4 |  |
After the rowing center parking lot, turn right onto Ikaron Street. |
| 0.3 | 4.7 |  |
At the rowing center gate, turn left onto a dirt road (Aneksartisias Street). |
| 0.9 | 5.6 | |
At the small concrete bridge, turn right, then immediately left. |
| 0.4 | 6.0 | |
At the first dirt road, turn right toward the rowing center. |
| 0.3 | 6.3 | |
At the end of the road (rowing center fence), turn left. |
| 0.8 | 7.1 | |
At the asphalt road lined with cypress trees (Souliou Street), turn right. |
| 0.3 | 7.4 | |
Turn right at the first dirt road (Lesvou Street). |
| 0.4 | 7.8 | |
At the end of the road, turn left (Lokridou Street). |
| 0.3 | 8.1 | |
At the end of Lokridou Street, turn left onto Porou Street. |
| 0.1 | 8.2 |  |
At the first dirt road, turn right. |
| 0.1 | 9.2 | |
At the end of the road, turn right onto the asphalt road (Konstantinoupoleos Street). |
| 1.0 | 10.2 | |
After 1 km, turn left onto a dirt road to visit the birdwatching tower. Return the same way. |
| 1.9 | 12.1 | |
At the end of the road, turn left onto the main asphalt road (Schinias Ave.). |
| 0.8 | 12.9 | |
After the first two speed bumps, turn left onto a dirt road. |
| 0.4 | 13.3 |  |
After the stone bridge, turn right. |
| 1.4 | 14.7 | |
The road narrows into a path, ending at a metal bridge. After crossing, turn left onto Schinias Avenue to return to the starting point. |