Self Guided Motorcycle Tours in Greece
Motorentals Vagianelis makes it easy to experience Greece’s unforgettable landscapes and heritage at your own pace. Planning a multi‑day ride from abroad can be daunting – road conditions vary widely, accommodation quality differs by region and finding the most scenic routes requires local insight. Our self‑guided tours are designed for riders who want the freedom of independent travel while benefiting from our expertise. Each itinerary is based on routes our team rides regularly, lodgings we have personally tested and practical rider information that removes guesswork.
Why choose a self guided tour?
Our format blends independence with the reassurance of local knowledge. You follow a framework but make your own decisions on the road:
- Expertly planned routes – tours are built around road quality, scenery and flow rather than simply linking overnight stops. Expect mountain passes, coastal byways and hidden corners most visitors never see.
- Electronic route files – we provide GPX and other digital files containing our carefully curated routes and points of interest. These files can be loaded into smartphone navigation apps. A concise roadbook with fuel stops, dining options and regional background is included as a PDF. We do not supply GPS devices or printed maps.
- Pre‑booked accommodation – lodgings are predominantly up to 4‑star hotels or charming guesthouses selected for comfort, authenticity and reliability. You ride all day without worrying about lodging.
- Pre‑tour briefing – before you depart we review the itinerary, navigation and timing so you begin with confidence.
- Well‑maintained motorcycles – you ride the model you choose, fully equipped for multi‑day travel and insured for peace of mind. A refundable deposit equal to the insurance deductible is required for each motorcycle.
- 24/7 support – our team is on call for route adjustments or assistance. You travel independently but never feel isolated.
In addition, any of our self‑guided itineraries can be converted into a fully organized guided tour (with professional tour guide and support services) for groups of five riders or more. Requests must be made at least three months in advance.
Our self‑guided tour regions
To showcase the diversity of Greece we have selected eight routes – four in the south and four in the north. Each tour highlights unique landscapes and cultural sites. For every route we suggest the best months to ride within our April‑October season, indicate the difficulty (easy, intermediate or advanced), note whether the experience is more adventurous or luxurious, and describe whether the terrain is chiefly mountain, coastal or mixed. All itineraries can be combined or customised.
Southern Greece
This tour links the legendary heart of Sparta with the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia and the diverse landscapes of the Peloponnese peninsula. You’ll wind through olive‑dotted hills and along dramatic headlands before exploring Monemvasia’s narrow streets and Byzantine churches carved into a rocky islet. We recommend riding from May through June or September through October when the weather is mild. Difficulty is intermediate, appealing to riders who enjoy twisty roads without sustained technical challenges. The itinerary feels adventurous due to its mix of history and open‑road freedom, and the terrain blends mountain roads with coastal vistas.
Discover the golden age of ancient Greece on a route that visits Nafplio, Epidaurus and Mycenae. Nafplio is one of Greece’s most romantic towns, featuring Venetian fortresses, neo‑classical buildings and harbour‑side cafes. Nearby Epidaurus offers a perfectly preserved amphitheatre with legendary acoustics and a healing sanctuary recognised by UNESCO. At Mycenae you walk among Bronze Age palaces and citadels that once dominated the Aegean. Ride between April and early June or in September and October. Difficulty is easy to intermediate, suited to riders of all levels. We classify this as a luxury experience thanks to comfortable accommodation and time for sightseeing. Roads are mostly coastal with gentle ascents to hilltop sites.
Central Peloponnese’s Arcadia region is renowned for its dramatic hills, medieval towns and lush gorges, while Messinia combines fertile valleys, ancient temples and pristine beaches. As you ride through stone villages and along the Lousios Gorge you’ll share the road with herds of goats and pass fields of wildflowers in spring. Continue west towards Messinia’s olive groves and seaside towns for a taste of rural Greek life. We recommend travelling from April to June or September to October. Difficulty is intermediate: expect winding roads and occasional steep climbs. The feel is adventurous, and the terrain is primarily mountainous with some coastal stretches.
A short but memorable ride takes you into the mountains around Kalavryta, a small town famed for its rack railway through the Vouraikos Gorge and its historic monasteries. High roads offer sweeping views and lead to a ski centre on Mount Helmos, yet the area remains peaceful outside winter. This itinerary is best between June and September when mountain weather is favourable. Difficulty is intermediate to advanced because of steep grades and narrow passes. The character is adventurous, and the ride is almost entirely mountainous.
Northern Greece
From the plain of Thessaly you ascend to the stone pinnacles of Meteora where centuries‑old monasteries perch atop sandstone towers. The name “Meteora” means “suspended in the air” and this UNESCO site is one of Greece’s most surreal landscapes. Ride gentle roads through farmland to Trikala and then climb into the hills for breathtaking views of the monasteries. The best months are April to June and September to October. Difficulty is easy to intermediate, making this suitable for most riders. We classify it as a luxury trip because you’ll have time to visit monasteries and enjoy comfortable lodging. The terrain is mixed, starting on plains and culminating in winding mountain roads.
This culturally rich itinerary begins at Delphi, the ancient sanctuary built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, where the Oracle once spoke to kings and seekers. From there you ride to Arachova, a mountain town known for its traditional architecture and gastronomic delights, before descending to the seafaring village of Galaxidi with its neoclassical houses and maritime history. The best times to ride are May to June and September to October. Difficulty is intermediate with some twisty mountain sections. The experience leans luxury because of charming hotels and opportunities to savour local cuisine. Expect a mixed route: mountain roads over Parnassus and coastal stretches along the Corinthian Gulf.
Set out from the lakeside city of Ioannina and venture into Zagori, a network of 46 stone villages known collectively as Zagorochoria. The region’s name means “the place beyond the mountains” and it features the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world. Stone arch bridges, cobbled paths and dense forests make this a rider’s paradise. Travel between June and September when the highlands are lush. Difficulty is advanced – roads are often narrow with sharp switchbacks. This is an adventurous route through predominantly mountainous terrain.
The Tzoumerka mountains form part of the Pindos range and are famed for their wild beauty, stone‑built villages and abundant waterfalls. You’ll encounter deep canyons, stone bridges, caves and peaks over 2 000 m. Because of the high altitude we recommend riding from June through September. Difficulty is advanced and the flavour is distinctly adventurous; you’ll need confidence on remote, winding roads. The ride is entirely mountainous, offering breathtaking views and immersion in rural life.
Prices per day per motorcycle and accommodation
The following rates apply to our self‑guided tours. Prices are per rider per day and include use of the motorcycle, nightly accommodation, breakfast, tour planning, taxes and full mixed insurance. A deposit (guarantee) is required for each motorcycle; this amount is equal to the insurance deductible and is refunded when the bike is returned undamaged.
Motorcycle model | Single room (1 bed) | Shared two‑bed room | Double room (rider & passenger) | Deposit |
BMW R1250 GS | €320/day | €280/day | €320/day | €1 500 |
BMW R1300 GS | €340/day | €300/day | €340/day | €2 000 |
BMW R1250 GS Adventure | €330/day | €290/day | €330/day | €1 900 |
BMW R1300 GS Adventure | €360/day | €320/day | €360/day | €2 000 |
CFMOTO 800 MT | €270/day | €230/day | €270/day | €900 |
QJ SRT 700 | €250/day | €210/day | €250/day | €800 |
QJ SVT 650 SX | €250/day | €210/day | €250/day | €800 |
QJ SRT 550 SX | €230/day | €190/day | €230/day | €700 |
What’s included
- Use of the motorcycle for the full day.
- Electronic route files (GPX and other digital formats) and a PDF roadbook with fuel stops, dining options and points of interest.
- Nightly accommodation in carefully selected 4‑star.
- Breakfast each morning.
- Tour planning & organization, including a pre‑tour briefing and support for itinerary adjustments.
- All fees and taxes associated with the rental.
- Full mixed (Casco) insurance for the motorcycle. A refundable deposit, equal to the insurance deductible, is required for each model (see table above).
What’s not included
- Entry or admission fees to archaeological sites, museums or other attractions.
- Lunch, dinner and snacks (our roadbook suggests great local options).
- Fuel and any road tolls.
- Personal expenses, travel insurance and optional activities.
- Airport transfers, van support, professional guide, photography or videography (these are available only on our organized guided tours).
Booking & support
Our self‑guided tours operate between April and October when weather conditions are most favourable. Due to high demand we require at least three months’ notice to secure accommodations and prepare your route. For peak seasons (May–June and September–October) we recommend booking even earlier. Contact us via our booking form or email to check availability, customise your itinerary, add extra services such as rider gear rental or luggage storage or to upgrade your self‑guided trip to an organised guided tour. A 24‑hour support line is available during your ride for route adjustments or assistance.
Ready for an amazing premium adventure?
To book a trip or receive more information contact us today and we’ll let you know more about your upcoming experience!
