8-day Self Guided Motorcycle Tour of the Peloponnese
8-day self-guided motorcycle tour through the region of Peloponnese in Greece. 1,400 km covering UNESCO sites, momountain passes (Taygetos, Parnonas) and coastal routes. Includes 7 nights accommodation, motorcycle rental with luggage equipment, GPS navigation with pre-loaded routes, and insurance with excess. One optional rest day. Flexible departure dates. Intermediate to Advanced difficulty. Prices from €1590 per rider.
This page presents the tour broken down in the following sections:
This 8-day self-guided tour is our most complete route through the Peloponnese, covering the region’s full geographic range — from the Mani Peninsula in the far south to the mountain villages of Arcadia in the north.
Unlike shorter versions that skip sections or compress rest days, this itinerary includes both the southwestern coastal loop (Mani to Pylos) and a built-in rest day, giving you time to adjust pace without altering the route. You’ll ride roughly 1,400 kilometers across terrain that shifts constantly — coastal cliffs, forested mountain passes, alpine ridges, and medieval towns built into rock.
The route passes five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of Greece’s most technically engaging roads, including the Taygetos mountain crossing and the forest routes of Mount Parnonas. Most riding days average 4-5 hours in the saddle, with distances between 170-245 kilometers depending on terrain.
If you need to shorten the tour, you can remove the rest day without changing the route (making it 7 days), or check our 6-day version, which cuts the southwestern section entirely.
Customers who did this tour wrote on TripAdvisor:
… The 8 day self guided Peloponnese trip exceeded my expectations. There were no negatives to this experience. MotoGreece does a great job with bikes, routes, hotels, and the guidance info. Incredible people, scenery and twisty roads! I wholeheartedly recommend using MotoGreece.
… 8 Day Self-Guided Peloponnese Ride. What a great value! Bikes are almost new. Routes are some of the best motorcycle routes with a lot of twisty roads, exactly what we wanted. The views were breathtaking!
This Tour at a Glance:
Start & Finish : Athens, Greece
Duration: 8 days riding days with options to extend
Riding hours: Daily average: 4-5 hours on the saddle. A couple of days are longer (ca. 6 hours).
Distance: 1,400 kilometers / 880 miles
Accommodation: Mostly 4 star, elegant boutique hotels. All of them top rated and personally selected by us
Roads: 100% paved. A large amount of this tour runs on narrow, single lane, secondary mountain routes.
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced. See section below for better understanding
TYPE OF RIDING
What to Expect on These Routes
Most of your riding will be on secondary and tertiary roads — not highways. Traffic is minimal except near larger towns, and many mountain sections go hours without passing another vehicle.
Expect:
- Continuous mountain curves on routes like the Taygetos Pass and Mount Parnonas (40-60 km sections of technical riding with frequent elevation changes)
- Narrow passages through stone-built villages (single-lane width, low speeds, local awareness required)
- Surface conditions that vary by region: excellent pavement on main mountain routes, occasional rough patches in remote areas (particularly in Mani and some Arcadian villages)
- Daily riding that averages 4-5 hours in the saddle, but terrain determines pace more than distance
- The longest day (Dimitsana to Athens, 245 km) includes alpine sections above 1,000 meters. The shortest day (Monemvasia to Mani, 170 km) runs mostly coastal with some mountain crossings.
If you’re comfortable with continuous technical riding and changing terrain, this route delivers.
The following pictures taken on routes of this tour illustrate the types of roads that you will ride on
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
This tour includes five UNESCO World Heritage Sites plus several lesser-known locations that require the longer routing:
UNESCO Sites:
- Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Mystras, Temple of Apollo at Bassae
The southwestern extension (unique to 8-day):
- Temple of Apollo at Bassae (remote mountain location, requires the Mani-to-Pylos routing)
- Pylos and Messinia region (western coastal riding not included in shorter versions)
Shared with all Peloponnese tours:
- Nafplion, Monemvasia, Mani Peninsula, Diros Caves, Taygetos crossing, Arcadian mountain villages
The 8-day routing is the only version that covers the Peloponnese’s full geographic range from east to west.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Athens – Nafplion (185 kilometers / 115 miles)
The first day eases you into Greek riding conditions without overwhelming. You’ll start on a secondary coastal route that bypasses Athens’s highway system, then cross the Corinth Canal before heading inland toward Epidaurus.
The section from Corinth to Epidaurus follows one of the most popular routes among Greek riders — well-maintained pavement, moderate curves, and enough technical interest to settle you into the bike without demanding full concentration. The road offers good sightlines and consistent surface quality.
Plan 1-2 hours for stops if you visit both the Corinth Canal (5-10 minute photo stop) and the ancient theater at Epidaurus (30-45 minutes including the acoustics demonstration, which happens naturally when tour groups arrive). The theater is directly on your route, not a detour.
From Epidaurus to Nafplion, the route stays relatively flat. You’ll arrive in Nafplion by late afternoon, giving you time to explore the old town on foot before dinner. The town center is car-free, which is why we chose accommodation here — you’ll walk, not ride, to restaurants and the Palamidi fortress.
Timing note: This is deliberately your lightest day. Most riders arrive from international flights the day before and are still adjusting to time zones and bike familiarity.
Day 2: Nafplion – Monemvasia (200 kilometers / 125 miles)
Today introduces you to Greek mountain riding. You’ll start with a coastal section heading south, then turn inland into Mount Parnonas — a long, forested mountain range that sees almost no traffic once you start the climb.
The Parnonas crossing is where the tour’s character becomes clear. Expect 80 kilometers of continuous mountain curves through dense forest, with minimal straight sections and constant elevation changes. The pavement quality is good, but the road narrows in places to single-lane width with passing zones. You’ll climb gradually to roughly 1,400 meters before descending toward the eastern coast.
Don’t be surprised if you ride for 2-3 hours without seeing another vehicle — this is normal for Greek mountain roads outside typical tourist routes. The isolation is part of the appeal, but it also means self-sufficiency matters. Check your fuel before the climb; the next reliable station is after you’ve crossed the range.
You’ll emerge on the eastern coast and follow it south to Monemvasia, a fortified medieval town built on a rock island connected by a short causeway. Your accommodation is either in the modern village (Gefyra) or inside the old town itself, depending on availability. If you’re staying inside the walls, you’ll park outside and walk in — no vehicles are permitted in the medieval section.
Arrival timing: Plan to arrive by late afternoon to allow time to explore the old town on foot while there’s still daylight.
Day 3: Monemvasia to Mani (170 kilometers / 106 miles) – 2 nights in Mani
This is your shortest riding day by distance, but it’s deliberately placed here to balance yesterday’s long mountain crossing with tomorrow’s rest day. The route takes you through the Mani Peninsula — a geographically distinct region with arid terrain, stone-built tower houses, and a rugged coastline.
You’ll ride south along the eastern coast, then loop around Cape Tainaron (also called Cape Matapan) — the southernmost point of mainland Greece and the second-most southern point in continental Europe. According to Greek mythology, an entrance to the underworld was located here, though you’ll find only a lighthouse and dramatic coastal scenery.
The roads through Mani are narrow. Expect village passages with tight corners, occasional livestock, and surface quality that varies from good asphalt to patched sections. This isn’t technical difficulty — it’s infrastructure reality in a sparsely populated region. Speeds stay low through villages (20-30 km/h).
Before reaching Limeni (your overnight location), consider stopping at Diros Caves for the underground boat tour. The tour takes approximately 20-30 minutes, though waiting time of about 20-30 minutes is often during summer. If you skip it today, you can do it tomorrow during your rest day.
Your accommodation is in Limeni, a small bay settlement with swimming access. The setting is deliberately chosen for tomorrow’s rest day — most riders appreciate a quiet coastal location after three days of riding.
Why this day is short: The combination of rough roads, village passages, and the positioning between a long mountain day and a rest day makes this an intentional lighter day. Use the extra time to settle in and assess your energy for the second half of the tour.
Day 4: Rest day in Mani
This is your built-in flexibility day. Most riders use it to rest, swim in the bay at Limeni, or take the underground boat tour at Diros Caves (if you didn’t visit yesterday). For the boat tour confirm timing with your hotel the night before if you are visiting in shoulder season.
If you prefer to ride, you can add a loop through the western Mani villages — approximately 60-80 km of narrow roads.
Why we include this day: Experience shows that most riders who travel independently and skip the rest day in planning end up wishing they’d kept it once they’re here. The first three days involve adaptation to new bikes, unfamiliar roads, and shifting terrain. This day lets you absorb that before the tour’s second half, which includes two of Greece’s most technically demanding mountain roads (Taygetos tomorrow, and the northern alpine section on Day 8).
Even riders who consider themselves “high-mileage” typically use this day. It’s not about physical inability — it’s about maximizing enjoyment for the days ahead.
Day 5: Mani – Pylos (210 kilometers / 130 miles)
Today you’ll cross the Taygetos mountain range — one of the most technically engaging roads in Greece and a highlight of this tour. The crossing involves roughly 30 km of continuous climbing with tight hairpins, steep grades (8-12% in sections), and road width that narrows to a single lane in places.
Before starting the climb, you have the option to stop at Mystras (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1-1.5 hours if visiting). The Byzantine ruins are extensive and worth the time if you’re interested in history, but they require walking uphill on uneven stone paths. Many riders choose to skip it in favor of riding time, which is perfectly valid — you’ll see the fortress from the road whether you stop or not.
From there you’ll start the climb to approximately 1,200 meters at the pass summit. The ascent features dozens of hairpin turns, many of them blind. The pavement is generally excellent, but the technical demand comes from the combination of grade, tightness, and exposure.
The route continues southwest on a faster-flowing provincial road toward Methoni for an optional visit at the town’s medieval fortification. The final section towards Pylos crosses smal coastal roads.
Pylos is a coastal town on the western Peloponnese, facing the Ionian Sea. Your accommodation is near the harbor, with tavernas and waterfront within walking distance.
Timing consideration: This is a long day by technical demand, not just distance. The Taygetos crossing requires full attention, and fatigue accumulates quickly on steep, tight roads. Most riders take 5-6 hours including stops. Plan accordingly. You will have an alternative route option to recude distance and time on the road: after completing the Taygetos route, you can skip the final southwest loop to Methoni and ride directly to Pylos.
Day 6 : Pylos – Dimitsana (175 kilometers / 110 miles) – 2 nights in Dimitsana
Today’s route takes you north into the mountainous heart of Arcadia, passing through small villages that played significant roles in Greece’s 19th-century war of independence. The riding is varied — starting on faster provincial roads, then shifting to narrow, winding mountain routes as you climb into the highlands.
The first section heads north from Pylos on relatively straight roads along the coast. After roughly 70 km the road begins to climb into remote highland terrain. If you’re interested in ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Bassae is located here — a UNESCO site that’s one of the most remote and least-visited major temples in Greece. Most riders who visit spend 30 minutes at the site.
From Andritsaina, the route becomes more technical. You’ll ride through mountain villages on roads that narrow to single-lane width with passing zones. Some sections are challenging — tight switchbacks and small, local roads that require patience. Surface quality varies from good asphalt to older, patched sections.
Your destination is Dimitsana, a mountain village built on a hillside at roughly 950 meters elevation. The village has historical significance related to the Greek war of independence — there’s a small museum if you’re interested (30 minutes, closes at 3 PM). The accommodation is village-scale, meaning smaller hotels with character rather than resort amenities.
Why you’re staying here two nights: Dimitsana serves as your base for tomorrow’s loop ride, which means no packing tonight. The village setting also provides a contrast to the coastal towns you’ve stayed in so far
Day 7: Dimitsana loop ride with options (210 / 130 miles)
This is a loop ride that departs from and returns to Dimitsana, with an optional stop at Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site). You have flexibility to adjust based on your interests — focus on riding, focus on the cultural site, or balance both.
The route takes you west toward the ancient site of Olympia (birthplace of the Olympic Games). If you visit, plan 1.5-2 hours at the site — it’s extensive and requires walking. From Olympia, the route loops back northeast then east through the countryside, returning to Dimitsana initially via a smooth provincial road. The final section tightens through a forested mountain route.
Traffic is minimal except near Olympia itself.
Timing note: You’ll return to the same accommodation tonight. Most riders pack light for the day (tank bag only) and leave luggage at the hotel.
Day 8: Dimitsana – Athens (245 kilometers / 153 miles)
Your final day is also your longest, covering 245 km with significant elevation changes. The route crosses the northern Peloponnese mountains, passes through ancient Mycenae, then returns to Athens via the Corinth Canal.
The first section climbs out of Dimitsana into alpine terrain, reaching elevation of 1,200 meters. You’ll ride through mountain landscapes with exposed ridgelines and sweeping views across the northern Peloponnese. The roads are well-maintained but technically engaging — continuous curves with switchbacks, elevation changes and limited straight sections.
After descending toward the northern plains, you have the option to stop at ancient Mycenae (UNESCO site, 45-60 minutes if visiting). The ruins include the famous Lion Gate and the citadel of King Agamemnon from Bronze Age Greece.
From Mycenae, the route becomes faster-flowing as you approach the Corinth Canal and eventually Athens. The final section into Athens is done via a ring motorway in order to avoid congestion during late afternoon (4-6 PM).
Return logistics: You’ll return the motorcycle to our facility in Athens, typically by late afternoon or early evening depending on your stops. Plan for end-of-day arrival rather than a specific time — the distance and mountain terrain make precise scheduling difficult.
Why this day is longer: The northern mountains can’t be bypassed without adding highway distance, and the route quality justifies the extra riding. Most riders report this as one of the tour’s most scenic days despite the distance.
Extensions Options
The itinerary described above includes 1 day out of the total 8 that offers the option to either ride or sit out and relax. You might want to consider adding a non-riding day.
From our previous experience with our customers, this is often a decision made when you are travelling with your spouse!
The suggested locations for adding non riding days are the seaside destinations of the original itinerary: Nafplion and/or Monemvasia.
- Add 1 day in Nafplio if you want to fully experience the atmosphere of its charming historic centre with neoclassical buildings, old neighbourhoods, wide sidewalks and large squares, a seafront promenade and Venetian-era monuments. It was modern Greece’s first capital and is considered one of the most romantic cities in the country.
- Add 1 day in Monemvasia if you want to explore this medieval town at ease and soak in all the romantic vibes it offers. Monemvasia is the country’s best-preserved ‘castle town’, built behind a massive rock on a peninsula and still inhabited despite being founded in the 6th century. It is no surprise that Monemvasia is consider by many Greeks as an ultimate destination for a romantic weekend getaway.
For any of those extra days, there won’t be any route planned
DATES
There are no fixed dates for this tour. You may request to do this whenever you wish, provided there is availability of motorcycles and accommodation.
Best experienced during April*, May, early June, then from the 2nd half of September and October.
In April: a couple of the mountain passes (during day 2 and day 8) may still hold some snow in the shoulders of the roads. Caution is required.
July and August can get hot and crowded. The sea will be at its best though, if you decide to add non-riding days by the sea!
In November :
- chances of rain are increased, temperatures on the highest parts of the mountain passes can sometimes be as low as 6-8 degrees Celsius.
- most hotels in the coastal locations of Mani & Pylos close for the season. If you decide to do this tour in November, those 2 locations will be swapped for the town of Kalamata. Accordingly the routes of days 5 and 6 will have to be altered significantly
PRICING
Pricing for this tour and its offered extension options are given in the tables below. Prices vary per motorcycle selection and accommodation (solo, sharing room, or 2-up). Booking deposits and payment details are listed after the tables.
2026 Prices
| (all prices in euros) | Single Rider, single room | Single Rider, sharing twin room | Rider + Passenger *, double room |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1300 GS | 2,805 | 2,285 | 3,055 |
| BMW R 1250 GS | 2,720 | 2,200 | 2,930 |
| HONDA NT 1100 | 2,545 | 2,025 | 2,755 |
| BMW F 800 GS | 2,445 | 1,925 | 2,655 |
| HONDA NC 750X | 2,235 | 1,715 | 2,445 |
| HONDA NX500 | 2,105 | 1,590 | 2,320 |
Extension option: add 1 day at Nafplio or Monemvasia, additional Cost :
| (all prices in euros) | Single Rider, single room | Single Rider, sharing twin room | Rider + Passenger *, double room |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1300 GS | 283 | 213 | 290 |
| BMW R 1250 GS | 274 | 204 | 280 |
| HONDA NT 1100 DCT | 255 | 186 | 262 |
| BMW F 800 GS | 245 | 175 | 251 |
| HONDA NC 750X | 222 | 152 | 229 |
| HONDA ΝΧ500 | 209 | 139 | 216 |
(* Rider and Passenger price is for both people, not per person.)
Booking deposit, per person :
- 340 euros for the original 8-day itinerary.
- +60 euros for every extra day, per person.
Remaining amount is paid in 2 parts:
- 50% : 60 days before arrival. If you are placing your booking initially at a date less than 60 days prior to the starting date, 50% of the tour’s price is required as a deposit.
- 50% : the day you collect the bike.
Note: prices shown are based on quotes from hotels offered to us for group tours on fixed dates. Depending on the exact dates of your travel, prices may be slightly higher. For example (but not restricted to) :
- During the entire month of August
- the “long weekends” around national holidays/anniversaries : 25th March, 28th October, Ash Monday, Greek orthodox Easter, Labour Day (1st of May), Orthodox Holy Spirit Sunday & Monday
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
The following are included in the price that you are paying:
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfasts, in personally selected hotels.
- Rental of Motorcycle, with side panniers, top case, comprehensive insurance with excess.
- Rental of 1 GPS per 4 people, with routes and POIs pre-loaded for every day
- Printed map with routes marked and a 15-page handbook with key information for the trip, suggestions, tips etc.
- 2 helmets, of basic quality, European standards approved. Options available to upgrade to high quality helmets, for an added daily fee.
- Free luggage storage at our premises.
- 24% VAT
The following are not included:
- accommodation in Athens, when you fly in and when you ride back to Athens (we can certainly arrange it if you wish)
- airport transfers (offered as an option)
- Fuel & tolls
- Food, drinks, personal daily expenses & tips
- Fines, tickets
- Entrance fees to local museums, tourist sites
- Accommodation & Environmental tax. This is paid directly to each hotel during your check out, and it ranges from 1.5 to 10 euros per night
- Ferries, parking
- Personal travel insurance
Also, not included are the costs of any “added” days you may choose to have. Those costs will typically have to include the daily rental rate of the motorcycle plus the accommodation cost, which varies depending on where you choose to spend those added days.
Optional Gear & Services
We offer the following equipment. All prices shown are in Euros, per item, and for the total duration of the trip. For any of the equipment listed below, you will need to request it in advance, as we have very limited stock. So a reservation must be made, and 25% of the cost will be added to the intitial booking deposit of the tour.
| Summer Jacket | 35 |
| 4 season Jacket | 35 |
| Premium Helmet | 40 |
| Helmet Intercom | 30 |
| Tank bag | 15 |
| GoPro | 40 |
| GPS | included as standard |
Summer Jackets: lightweight, fully ventilated with big mesh panels in front and back. Shoulders, elbows and back protectors included.
4-season Jackets: with removable thermal liner, and an inner removable waterproof layer. The outer shell is not waterproof, it is a standard cordura type. There are zipped ventilation openings in the chest and in the forearms. Exapmple of a jacket: RevIT Outback
Premium helmets: those can be HJC RPHA 90 or Schuberth C3 Pro, or other of same quality and level.
Intercoms: by Senna, MESH technology
Tank bags: those are generic, universal models, small to medium volumes.
GoPro: recent models (currently, the 13). We will provide you with one battery, and a couple of basic mounting hardware. If you wish to mount the camera in more complex ways other than on the helmet, please provide your own combination of mounting kit. You may also need to bring your own card reader to off load saved files from the card.
AVAILABILITY REQUEST AND LINKS TO OUR TERMS
If this tour matches your preferences and your riding experience you can submit an availability request by clicking the button below.
Please read the Tour Terms & Conditions which include our Cancellation Policy.
Check the Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for further information!
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