SPERHEIOS

Once upon a time, the mountains of Roumeli threw a great feast north of the Spercheios River. No one came empty–handed. Parnassos brought a few fir trees, Oiti offered oaks, Vardousia contributed two or three crystal–clear springs, Agrafa donated a small village, and Giona carried in a few peaks. After they ate and drank, they returned home, scattering their gifts across the land.

As the years went by, the trees multiplied, filling the land with forests. The springs carved ravines and gave birth to new waters. The little village never managed to prosper and left behind only a few, scattered descendants, living far from one another. The peaks sown by Giona never grew tall, so the area remained without impressive mountains and with only a handful of small, humble villages. Forgotten, it stayed away from the conversations of mountaineers chasing big elevations and travelers drawn to the famous.

But for restless cyclists seeking adventure in the unknown, this is the ideal destination. Just three hours from Athens, with nearly 90 kilometers of dense forest and forgotten dirt roads, it is a perfect escape for an unforgettable two–day ride.

The entire route lies within lush, uninterrupted forest, making it one of the best mountain biking proposals in Central Greece. The route begins at the village of Rentina, climbing at first along dirt roads and trails until reaching the beautiful seasonal lake at “Varko Samara.” Ten easy kilometers follow before a short but steep ascent, which then gives way to a 15 km downhill stretch. The final descent through the ravine feels like riding straight into paradise and leads to Fourna — the first village encountered and an ideal place for a break, light meal, and rest.

The next destination is Vracha, the second village, reached only after crossing yet another green mountain. Roughly at the halfway point of the ride, it’s recommended for a proper meal and overnight stay. The village has only one tavern, O Platanos, while the balcony of the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior (I.M. Metamorfoseos tou Sotiros) just outside the village is an ideal spot to sleep with a sleeping bag or tent.

Day two begins with a short downhill stretch on the main asphalt road, followed by a climb to Mesochori and then the route’s longest ascent, gaining a total of 600 meters. Continuing through pure forest kilometers, riders reach the once–famous hangout of “Tarzan.” From there, only 10 more kilometers of easy descent remain along the main road to complete the loop.