The Complete Guide to Planning and Preparing a Motorcycle Tour in Greece

Stage 1 : Is Greece the Right Destination for You?

Before looking at routes, motorcycles, or logistics, the first question is more fundamental: does Greece make sense as a motorcycle touring destination for you?

This stage is about setting expectations and understanding how Greece compares to other popular riding destinations.

Why Greece Works Well for Your First International Motorcycle Tour

Greece combines several characteristics that are particularly relevant for first-time international motorcycle travel:

• manageable distances
• excellent road infrastructure on main routes
• English-speaking support throughout
• landscape variety within compact regions
• Long riding seasons outside peak summer heat
• frequent flight connections from most countries
• A culture accustomed to two-wheel transport

At the same time, Greece has its own realities: narrower roads in rural areas, slower average speeds, and a riding rhythm that differs from Central or Northern Europe.

We explain where Greece excels, where it requires adjustment, and who tends to enjoy riding here the most in this dedicated article:

→ Why Greece Works Well for Your First International Motorcycle Tour

Greece Compared to Other Motorcycle Destinations

When riders consider Greece, they’re typically comparing it to other European destinations (Alps, Dolomites, Pyrenees, the Balkans) or established motorcycle touring regions. Each offers a different balance of road quality, distances, climate, and infrastructure.

Greece stands apart in several ways: less traffic than Alpine routes during peak season, significantly lower costs than Western Europe, and a combination of mountain and coastal riding not available in purely Alpine destinations.

Greece is not “better” or “worse” in absolute terms, but it is different in ways that matter when experiencing a motorcycle trip. Understanding those differences early helps avoid mismatched expectations.

A high-level comparison, focused specifically on motorcycle touring, is available here:

→ Greece Compared to Other Motorcycle Destinations

Are Greek Roads Dangerous?

This question comes up frequently, often based on generalized statistics or anecdotal reports.

The short answer is that the reputation of “dangerous Greek roads” is misleading when taken out of context. Risk factors in Greece are strongly influenced by rider behavior, urban traffic patterns, and helmet usage rates — especially among local riders — rather than by the inherent quality of the road network used for touring.

This concern appears frequently in rider forums and online discussions, often based on outdated information or urban driving experiences misapplied to touring routes. The reality, supported by actual data, tells a different story.

We have published a structured, data-based analysis that explains this in detail:
→ Debunking the “Dangerous Greek Roads” Myth (link)

This article is worth reading early, as it helps separate perception from reality.

Stage 2 : Understanding Motorcycle Touring in Greece (Research & Planning)

Once Greece feels like a viable destination, the research phase begins : understanding what motorcycle touring here actually looks like in practice. This stage addresses the realities that tend to matter most once riders move beyond inspiration and into planning. Where to ride, when to go, what it costs, what challenges to expect, and how various concerns are actually handled on the ground.

Route Planning, Road Conditions & Required Skill Level : Riding Reality

Finding the Best Routes: Understanding Greek Riding Terrain 

Route selection for Greek motorcycle touring depends on several factors: your available time, riding experience level, preferences for coastal versus mountain riding, and whether you want continuous riding or time for archaeological sites and cultural stops. But before evaluating specific routes, understanding what “Greek riding terrain” actually means helps set realistic expectations.

The skill question: Greek touring routes combine well-maintained highways, winding mountain roads, and occasional village passages. The primary skills required are comfort with continuous curves and elevation changes, ability to handle a fully-loaded touring motorcycle, and experience managing longer daily distances than typical weekend rides. This isn’t technical off-road riding – it’s sustained mountain touring with the challenges that entails.

Road surface reality: Major touring routes feature smooth asphalt maintained for tourist traffic. Secondary mountain roads may include sections with rougher surfaces or occasional gravel patches, particularly after winter. These aren’t obstacles requiring adventure bike capability – they’re variations riders should expect and accommodate with appropriate speed and attention.

Distance perception in mountains: This aspect surprises many first-time Greek touring riders. A 150-kilometer day in the Pindus mountains involves significantly more riding time than 150 kilometers on the coast of the Peloponnese.

Understanding the relationship between all of the above paramaters prevents overly ambitious daily planning. A detailed breakdown on how to plan routes realistically for a Motorcycle Tour in Greece is explained here :

→ Motorcycle Touring in Greece: Route Planning, Road Conditions & Required Skill Level

Weather & Riding Season

Weather plays a major role in planning a motorcycle trip in Greece. Riding conditions vary significantly by region and season, with spring and autumn generally offering the most balanced conditions.

Rather than summarizing climate patterns here, we recommend reviewing our detailed, data-backed guide that explains regional differences and seasonal trade-offs:

→ When to Visit Greece for Motorcycle Touring: Climate Guide by Region and Season

Navigation & Getting Around

Navigation in Greece involves multiple factors: GPS device reliability, mobile phone connectivity, road signage accuracy, and backup planning for technology failures. Different solutions work better in different contexts, and experienced riders typically use a combination approach rather than relying on a single method.

Phone apps (Google Maps, Maps.me, etc) provide flexibility but require data connectivity :

• Coverage is generally good on main roads
• Remote mountain areas can have weak or no signal, this is normal and expected
• For this reason, offline navigation matters.

Paper maps serve as backup and provide useful geographic context but most road maps of Greece sold abroad fail to accurately show you the secondary road network.

Road signage in Greece includes both Greek and Latin characters. It is very rare that a few secondary roads may show Greek text only.

Our experience testing these navigation systems across Greek touring routes – including their failure modes and optimal use cases – helps riders understand which combination matches their navigation style and risk tolerance.

We explain what tends to work reliably, and what does not, in Greece, in this dedicated navigation guide :

→ Navigation Options for Motorcycle Touring in Greece

Costs & Budgeting

A motorcycle trip in Greece typically includes several cost components beyond the motorcycle itself: accommodation, fuel, tolls (limited but present), food, and optional extras such as navigation equipment or riding gear.

Costs vary widely depending on travel style, season, and route choices. Rather than relying on generic estimates, we recommend building a realistic budget based on your specific trip parameters.

To help with that, the following article allows you to calculate an approximate total cost:

→ How Much does a Motorcycle Tour in Greece cost?

Basic payment practices in Greece are straightforward. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even in smaller towns, with cash mainly useful for fuel stations in remote areas or small family-run businesses.

“What If Something Goes Wrong?”

Concerns about accidents, health issues, or unexpected situations are natural when riding in a foreign country. What matters most is not that nothing ever happens, but that situations are handled within a functioning and familiar framework.

Medical care access: Greece has a well-established emergency response system, with medical facilities available throughout the country. In tourist regions and along main routes, access to care is generally straightforward. In less populated areas, response times may be longer, but this is a known and expected reality rather than an exception. Awareness, conservative riding, and realistic daily planning significantly reduce risk.

Emergency communication:

• 24/7 WhatsApp support provides immediate access to us for assistance for any serious situation.
• For medical emergencies requiring ambulance, the European emergency number 112 works throughout Greece.
• Hospital emergency departments in all regional major cities handle trauma and urgent care. English-speaking doctors are common in these facilities.

In case of accident: ensure safety, document the scene if possible, contact local police if required (dial 112), and contact MotoGreece support immediately. We coordinate, arrange alternative transportation if needed, and guide you through Greek administrative requirements that differ from your home country.

Pharmacies (identified by green cross): are widely available in towns and can provide basic medications and first aid supplies.

Support boundaries: We provide coordination, local knowledge, and problem-solving assistance for serious situations. We cannot provide medical care, legal representation, or guarantee specific outcomes in situations involving third parties or Greek authorities. What we do provide: immediate response, English-language communication bridge, and practical help navigating unfamiliar systems during stressful situations.

This guide addresses planning and preparation. The purpose of this section is to acknowledge these concerns and place them in context, not to describe procedures or contingencies in detail.

Motorcycle Reliability & Breakdowns

Modern touring motorcycles are designed to cover long distances reliably when properly maintained. In practice, serious mechanical failures during a tour are uncommon.

When issues do occur, they are usually minor and manageable rather than trip-ending events. Tire-related issues, warning lights, or small mechanical irregularities are far more typical than complete breakdowns.

Reliability in motorcycle touring depends less on chance and more on preparation and maintenance standards. When those are in place, continuity of the trip is the norm rather than the exception.

Prevention through maintenance: The rental fleet follows a strict 2.5-year maximum age policy. Every motorcycle receives professional service at authorized service centers before each rental period. This is systematic maintenance following manufacturer specifications, with documented service records for each bike.

If mechanical issues occur: Breakdown support operates through the same 24/7 WhatsApp system. Response protocol depends on issue severity:

• Minor or Moderate issues : Phone guidance for rider-manageable fixes. Coordination with nearest service center or motorcycle mechanic, transportation arrangement if riding not advisable.
• Major mechanical failure (engine problems, transmission issues, crash damage preventing riding): Recovery coordination and replacement motorcycle deployment

Service network access: Authorized service centers exist in major regional cities throughout touring routes. For common issues (tire damage being most frequent), most towns have mechanics capable of temporary solutions to reach proper service facilities.

Breakdown reality: Mechanical failures are rare due to the maintenance schedule and fleet age policy. Since 2016, we have had only 1 complete breakdown (drive shaft failure) requiring replacement motorcycle.

The goal isn’t zero mechanical issues (that’s impossible to guarantee) – it’s systematic prevention and rapid response when issues do occur.

This guide does not go into technical procedures. The purpose here is simply to address the concern and set realistic expectations.

Language & Communication

English is widely spoken in Greece, especially in tourism-related contexts and among younger generations. In rural areas, communication may be more limited, but basic interactions are usually manageable.

For additional peace of mind, we provide a small, printable English–Greek phrase sheet tailored to common riding situations. This covers scenarios where your phone’s translation app might not be available or convenient.

→ English–Greek Phrase Sheet for Motorcyclists

Accommodation: What to Expect

Accommodation standards in Greece vary by region and location. In rural areas, lodging tends to be smaller, family-run, and simple rather than luxurious. Comfort and cleanliness are usually good, but expectations should be aligned with local character rather than international chain standards.

Motorcycle security is an important consideration, particularly in larger cities. In rural regions, this is rarely a concern. Secure parking varies: some hotels offer enclosed garages, others provide courtyard parking, and some rely on street parking that may or may not be appropriate for a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Theft: Regional Context

Motorcycle theft in Greece concentrates in specific urban areas and is not a significant concern on touring routes through mainland regions. Understanding this geographic distribution helps riders take appropriate precautions without excessive worry.

The Athens metropolitan area (Attica region), Thessaloniki, and Patras experience significant motorcycle theft rates typical of major urban centers. Once you leave these areas for touring routes through the Peloponnese, Central Greece, or Northwest regions, theft incidents drop dramatically. Mountain villages and small towns along touring routes present minimal risk.

Practical implications: secure parking matters in Athens if you’re spending days there with your motorcycle. On touring routes through the regions covered by our itineraries, standard hotel parking typically suffices. This isn’t carelessness – it’s proportional response based on actual risk distribution.

For Athens accommodation, verify that “parking available” means enclosed garage or secured courtyard, not street parking. This specification becomes critical only for extended Athens stays with your motorcycle, not for overnight stops on touring routes.

Stage 3 : Decision & Booking

By this point, most riders have a reasonably clear picture of what touring in Greece involves. The remaining questions tend to be less about the destination itself and more about making the right choices for how to ride it. This stage covers the booking process: choosing the right motorcycle, understanding financial procedures, and knowing exactly what happens after you confirm.

How to Choose a Motorcycle Rental Company in Greece (What Actually Matters)

The quality of a motorcycle rental company in Greece is determined by motorcycle condition, local route expertise, support systems, transparency, and credible independent reviews — not by paid rankings or list positions. We explain how to evaluate providers objectively, so you can choose the right one for your trip, here:

→ How to choose a Motorcycle Rental Company

Which Motorcycle Model Is Right for You?

Motorcycle choice matters more in Greece than many riders initially expect. Road width, elevation changes, and daily riding rhythm all influence what feels comfortable over multiple days. Greece’s touring routes don’t require adventure bikes specifically – but those type of motorcycles are better suited to the type of riding that you will mostly do on the secondary and mountain road network of Greece.

There is no universally “best” motorcycle. The right choice depends on factors such as:

• your physical size and comfort
• Solo vs two-up riding
• Riding experience
• Personal preference for weight, power, and ergonomics

We outline how different motorcycle categories tend to perform in Greek touring conditions here:

→ Choosing the Right Motorcycle for Touring in Greece

What’s Included vs What Costs Extra

Motorcycle rentals and tours typically include core elements, with optional extras available depending on preference and needs.

Service package inclusions vary between rental-only, self-guided tours, and fully guided tours. Understanding these boundaries prevents budget surprises and helps compare options accurately.

What matters most at this stage is clarity: knowing what is part of the base arrangement and what is optional, so comparisons are made on equal terms.

Motorcycle Rentals include: The motorcycle itself, limited or unlimited mileage depending on rental duration, 3rd party liability insurance coverage, theft and damage coverage, 24/7 support, and standard equipment (panniers, rear top case). Optional additions: GPS device rental, additional insurance coverage reductions, gear rental (helmets, jackets).

Self-Guided Tours include: Everything in motorcycle rental, plus pre-planned routes with daily itineraries, GPS with pre-determined routes as per itinerary and points of interest, detailed guidebook with route notes, accommodation arrangements and 24/7 touring support. Not included: meals, fuel, tolls, ferry tickets (if applicable to your chosen route).

Fully Guided Tours include: Everything in Self-Guided tours, plus guide services, most meals, support vehicle, group coordination. Not included: flights, personal expenses, some meals (specified in tour details).

Detailed breakdowns appear on each service page, but this framework helps you understand the general structure.

→ Motorcycle Rentals Overview

→ Self-Guided Tours

→ Fully Guided Tours

Credit Card Pre-Authorization

Credit card pre-authorization is a common source of confusion, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with how it differs from an actual charge.

In short, a pre-authorization temporarily reserves an amount on your card without withdrawing funds. The specifics matter, especially when traveling internationally.

We explain the process in detail, including common issues and misconceptions, in this dedicated guide:

→ How Credit Card Pre-Authorization Works in Motorcycle Rentals

How the Booking Process Works

Once a decision is made, the booking process itself should be predictable and uncomplicated. It follows a straightforward sequence designed to minimize back-and-forth while ensuring availability and clear mutual understanding:

Understanding the basic flow helps set expectations and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.

At a high level, booking involves:

• Availability inquiry: Submit dates and service preferences through the booking form.
• Response: confirms availability and provides exact pricing, required information and documents
• Reservation confirmation: Accept the quote and provide required information. Deposit payment secures your reservation.
• Written confirmation

This structure balances advance planning needs with flexibility for trip refinement. Communication happens via email primarily, with WhatsApp available for time-sensitive questions as your departure date approaches.

Payments, Deposits, and Practical Transparency

International travel often involves multiple payments made in different stages. Understanding what is paid when, and in what form, helps avoid last-minute complications.

Card payment processors sometimes flag international motorcycle rental transactions as unusual activity, particularly for larger amounts. Notifying your card issuer about upcoming Greece travel and expected charge amounts prevents declined transactions during the pickup process.

Most issues in this area are not caused by unexpected costs, but by mismatched assumptions about payment methods, card limits, or authorization requirements.

Payment processing happens through secure booking systems with standard encryption protocols. The financial structure typically involves: deposit payment at booking time (amount varies by service type), remaining balance due before motorcycle pickup, and security deposit held via credit card pre-authorization as detailed above.

Deposit amounts are non-refundable under specific circumstances outlined in cancellation policies.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation terms vary by service type (motorcycle rental only versus tour packages) and timing. Understanding cancellation terms early helps you:

• avoid misunderstandings later
• evaluate booking timing
• evaluate travel insurance decisions

Full details appear in the booking terms you review during reservation, but the general structure: cancellations made more than a specific number of days before rental start typically receive full refund minus processing fees; cancellations within that number of days involve increasing retention percentages based on how close to the rental date.

These policies balance the business impact of last-minute cancellations against rider flexibility needs. Rather than summarizing or interpreting terms here, we recommend reviewing the full cancellation policy directly:

→ Cancellation Policy page

This ensures you are working from the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Stage 4 : Pre-Trip Preparation

With decisions made and bookings in place, preparation becomes practical. This stage focuses on arriving in Greece ready to ride, without unnecessary last-minute stress.

Booking Flights to Athens

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main entry point for international travelers and is well connected to Europe, North America, and Australia.

Flight timing considerations: When booking flights, allow sufficient buffer time on arrival day. Delays, jet lag, and time spent clearing the airport are normal variables, especially after long-haul flights. Many riders prefer to arrive at least one day before collecting the motorcycle. Morning arrivals allow same-day motorcycle pickup if you’re comfortable with that schedule; afternoon arrivals typically mean overnight in Athens before next-day pickup.

Athens International Airport is located approximately 33 km east of the city center.

Transfer options are detailed in the Arrival & Pickup section below.

Return flights should account for bike return timing plus airport transfer duration – avoid booking flights that require returning the motorcycle and immediately rushing to the airport.

Documents & Riding Gear Preparation

Arriving with the correct documents in physical form is essential. Digital copies, scans, or phone-based versions are not accepted for rental contracts.

At a minimum, riders should plan to carry:

• A valid passport or national ID
• A valid motorcycle license
• An International Driving Permit, if required

Riding gear requirements depend on personal preference, season, and riding style. Some riders bring all their own gear, while others prefer to rent certain items locally.

A detailed checklist and gear guidance is available here:

[Link to: “Packing Guide for Greek Motorcycle Touring: Seasonal Recommendations”]

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not mandatory but is recommended. It must be arranged in your home country before departure. MotoGreece cannot provide or facilitate travel insurance purchases.

Standard travel insurance typically covers: trip cancellation/interruption, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and travel delays. Verify whether your policy includes motorcycle touring – some standard policies exclude motorcycle-related activities, requiring specific rider insurance riders or sports coverage extensions. Coverage details may vary significantly between providers.

This section is included for clarity rather than instruction. Detailed insurance guidance falls outside our scope, as insurance requirements and options vary significantly by nationality and individual circumstances.

Stage 5 : Arrival & Bike Pickup (Day 1 in Athens)

The first day sets the tone for the rest of the trip. Knowing what to expect on arrival and during motorcycle pickup helps keep that day relaxed and predictable.

Getting from Athens Airport to MotoGreece

Option A: Taxi (Most straightforward)

Taxi line exits directly from arrivals terminal. Service is frequent with minimal wait. Most drivers speak functional English for address communication.

• Current typical fare to MotoGreece area: €50-55
• Duration: 35 minutes (non-rush hour), 45 minutes (morning rush hour)
• Payment: Cash or card accepted
• Late night surcharge applies after 23:00

Option B: Metro/Subway (Most economical)

Metro station is 5-minute walk from arrivals (escalators and moving walkways available for luggage).

• Ticket cost: €9 per person (single journey)
• Alternative: 3-day tourist ticket €20 (includes round-trip airport plus unlimited Athens metro use for 72 hours – valuable if you’re spending days in Athens)
• Disembark at: Evangelismos station, right exit
• Walking distance to MotoGreece: 4 minutes from station exit
• Metro operating hours: 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM.
• Note: Arrivals outside these hours require taxi or pre-arranged transfer

Option C: Private transfer/minibus (Groups of 4+)

Pre-arranged private transfer makes sense for groups. MotoGreece can coordinate with reliable operators if requested in advance.

• Current typical cost: €80-85 (per vehicle, not per person)
• Must be arranged minimum 10 days before arrival
• Provides guaranteed service for specific flight times

Option D: Public bus (Not recommended)

Irregular schedules, crowded conditions, multiple potential transfers. This option creates unnecessary complexity with luggage after international flights.

If Coming from Your Athens Hotel to MotoGreece

Via Metro: Depending on hotel location, you may need one or two metro lines. Line 2 (blue) serves Evangelismos station nearest to MotoGreece. Hotels near Acropolis/Plaka typically require: Line 1 (red) to Syntagma, transfer to Line 2 (blue) to Evangelismos.

Via Taxi: Morning rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM) affects taxi availability and duration. Budget extra time during these hours. From central Athens: 15-30 minute ride under normal conditions, potentially 35-40 minutes during peak traffic.

Note: Short-distance taxi rides (under 2km) sometimes face driver reluctance during busy periods. This occasionally affects riders at hotels close to MotoGreece but not within comfortable walking distance with luggage.

Pre-arranged private transfer: Removes timing uncertainty and taxi availability concerns. Requires advance arrangement (minimum 10 days notice).

Local SIM Cards and Connectivity

Non-European riders often choose to use a local SIM card for mobile data during their trip.

Local SIM cards are easy to obtain and can be purchased at the airport or from mobile provider shops in Athens. Look for those vendors : Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind, Germanos.

Setup is typically quick, and staff are accustomed to assisting international travelers. You will be asked for your passport or national ID (required by law for any new SIM card activation).

Having mobile data is useful for navigation, communication, and general travel needs. Coverage realities during the ride itself are addressed earlier in this guide.

Motorcycle Pickup & Orientation

Upon arrival at MotoGreece, the pickup process follows a clear sequence.

Riders should have all required documents in physical form ready for review. These are used to complete the rental contract and associated paperwork.

Step 1: Documentation & Contract (5-10 minutes)

Present physical documents: license, passport/ID, International Driving Permit (if applicable). Contract details are reviewed and signed. Any questions about rental terms or tour itinerary are addressed at this point.

Step 2: Payment & Security Deposit (5 minutes)

Remaining balance payment and security deposit pre-authorization are processed. This step occasionally extends if credit card issues arise: declined transactions, forgotten PINs, international transaction blocks from card issuers. Notifying your card company before travel prevents most issues.

Step 3: Motorcycle Orientation (5-15 minutes)

Walkthrough of your specific motorcycle: controls, dashboard functions, settings, adjustments. Any equipment installations (phone holder mounting, GPS unit setup) happen now. Seat height adjustment or low seat installation if requested.

Step 4: Condition Documentation (3 minutes)

Joint inspection documenting existing scratches, marks, or any pre-existing conditions. Both parties sign condition report. This documentation protects both rider and MotoGreece by establishing baseline condition.

Step 5: Luggage Loading (10-30 minutes highly variable)

Your luggage, your process. First-time long-distance motorcycle packers may need 45+ minutes. Experienced touring riders often complete this in 10 minutes. We provide assistance if needed, but efficient packing is primarily rider experience-dependent.

Step 6: GPS & Navigation Setup (if applicable, 5-10 minutes)

If you’ve rented GPS unit, setup and basic instruction happen now. Route loading demonstration, points of interest explanation, basic troubleshooting.

Step 7: Self-Guided Tour Briefing (if applicable, 30-45 minutes)

For self-guided tour customers: detailed itinerary walkthrough, day-by-day highlights, specific route notes, accommodation confirmations, support contact procedures. Ideally this briefing happens the day before pickup, giving you time to review materials, but can occur during pickup if schedule requires.

Timing note: These durations assume normal circumstances. Unusual situations (complex payment issues, extensive motorcycle familiarization needs, detailed route modification discussions) extend timing. Schedule your pickup appointment with buffer time before any hard commitments later that day

Athens Departure: Efficient Exit Strategy

Athens traffic intimidates many riders, particularly those departing within hours of collecting an unfamiliar motorcycle in a foreign country. The solution isn’t bravery – it’s route selection that avoids the problem entirely.

MotoGreece’s location provides strategic advantage: you can access the Hymettus Ring Road within 7-8 minutes, bypassing central Athens traffic completely. This ring road connects to all major highways exiting Athens: south toward Peloponnese, north toward Central and Northwest Greece, east toward Evia island.

Following that defined exit route reduces stress and allows riders to settle into the riding rhythm sooner rather than later. Tolls on the ring road are minimal and payable by card or cash.

A detailed visual guide is available here:

→ How to Exit Athens by Motorcycle

First-Night Strategy

Some riders prefer short first-day distances to adjust to travel fatigue, loaded bike handling and Greek road familiarization without pressure.

Depending on the direction of travel, common first-night options are within a manageable distance from Athens rather than pushing for a long initial day. This approach tends to improve the overall rhythm of the trip.

Reasonable first-night options within 100-180 km of Athens:

If heading south (Peloponnese direction):

• Corinth or nearby Loutraki (105 km, 90 minutes)
• Nafplio (160 km, approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes) – extends distance but places you in attractive coastal town

If heading north/northwest (Central Greece direction):

• Delphi (180 km, approximately 3 hours)
• Chalkida on Evia island (90 km, 90 minutes)

These aren’t mandatory stops – many riders comfortably cover 200-250 km on day one. The options exist for those wanting gentler introduction to loaded touring in unfamiliar territory.

Stage 6 : On the road in Greece

By this point, touring in Greece is no longer theoretical. The actual experience unfolds based on everything covered in your research and planning phase. Road conditions, navigation approaches, weather management, and support availability all function as described in the sections above. Your self-guided tour materials (if applicable) provide day-specific guidance. If you’ve reached this stage, the focus shifts away from preparation and toward simply riding.

Stage 7 : Return & Departure (Final Day)

The final day of a motorcycle trip often carries its own pressure: timing, logistics, and the transition back to travel mode. Understanding how the return process works helps keep that day straightforward.

Riding Back to Athens

The efficient exit route you used departing Athens works in reverse: access Hymettus Ring Road from your approach direction, follow it to the appropriate exit point, navigate final 7-8 minutes to MotoGreece.

Traffic timing matters more for return:

• on weekdays: afternoon rush hour (5:00-7:30 PM) creates heavier ring road traffic. Morning return (before 3:00 PM) typically encounters lighter traffic.
• on Sunday evenings: Athenians return from their weekend getaways, especially during national holidays. Traffic may increase significantly as you start  approaching Athens on highways E8 (returning from the Peloponnese), E94/A6 (“Attiki Odos” , the extension of Hymettus Ring Road) and E75 (returning from Central Greece). Allowing extra buffer time is sensible.

These conditions impact duration more than difficulty – the route itself remains straightforward.

The goal on the final riding day is not efficiency, but predictability.

Fuel Before Returning the Motorcycle

Motorcycles are typically collected with a full fuel tank and are expected to be returned the same way.

Two gas stations near MotoGreece area:

1. EKO, map link
2. BP, map link

Budget 5-10 minutes for fueling stop before final approach to shop. Payment by cash or card.

Motorcycle Return & Inspection

Upon return, the motorcycle is inspected and checked against the condition recorded at pickup.

Return inspection is standard protocol for every motorcycle regardless of rider. This isn’t an expression of mistrust or suspicion – it’s operational necessity.

During peak season, motorcycles must be prepared for next rental immediately. Even minor damage requires assessment and potential parts ordering or service center visits, which can take hours or longer.

The inspection takes 5 minutes: visual check for damage, functional test of systems, verification against departure condition document.

If the motorcycle returns in same condition as documented at departure, process completes quickly with security deposit pre-authorization release initiated.

If damage is identified: documentation photographs, assessment of damage type and severity, reference to rental agreement damage procedures. This extends the process variably depending on damage extent. Minor damages might add 10-15 minutes; significant damage requires more detailed documentation and discussion of next steps.

Getting to the Airport After Drop-Off , Departure Timing

Return timing should account for:

• motorcycle inspection process. Budget 15-20 minutes including margin and assuming no damages.
• transportation to airport (40-60 minutes depending on method and traffic).
• airport check-in requirements (typically 2 hours before international flight)

Minimum safe gap: Return motorcycle 4 hours before international flight departure. This accommodates potential inspection complications without creating departure stress.

Transportation options to airport: Same as arrival (taxi, metro, pre-arranged private transfer).

Metro requires awareness of :

• Evangelismos → Airport timing: trains run every 20 minutes during peak hours, every 30 minutes otherwise.
• and walk from MotoGreece to metro station with luggage (5 minutes).

Getting Taxi on Time : Afternoon taxi availability can be difficult during rush hour (5:00-7:30 PM). If your departure requires taxi during these hours, expect potential 10-20 minute wait. We can call taxi for you at the time of motorcycle return, but cannot guarantee immediate availability during peak hours.

Pre-arranged private transfer : eliminates this uncertainty – driver waits at scheduled time regardless of traffic conditions. Requires advance notice (minimum 10 days, preferably more during summer peak season.

Riders with early or time-sensitive flights often prefer arranging transportation in advance.

Final Notes – Conclusion

A motorcycle trip in Greece rewards realistic planning and flexible expectations. Riders who allow time to adjust, ride at a natural pace, and accept local rhythms tend to enjoy the experience most.

This guide is intended to provide clarity, not instruction. If it has done its job, planning should feel manageable, and decisions should feel informed rather than pressured.

Some topics we’ve covered briefly here link to detailed resources where deeper knowledge helps. Others we’ve addressed completely because they’re simple reassurances needed now.

From here, planning usually turns into one of the following next steps:

→ Exploring Motorcycle Rental Options
→ checking Self-guided motorcycle tour options
→ checking Fully guided motorcycle tour options
→ Contact page for questions