Hi
I am planning to ride from the UK to Gavdos in September this year.
The plan is: Ferry to Cherbourg, ride through France and Italy down to Bari, ferry to Igoumenitsa ride to Athens ferry to Crete, ferry to Gavdos.
I want to avoid motorways and toll roads as much as possible. Time isn't an issue and I don't want to be riding 500 miles a day.

Any suggestions of routes? Can anyone recommend any nice B&Bs, Hotels anywhere? (bike friendly or more to the point, bike safe!) Any "must see" places?

The Greek part is not a problem as I have spent a lot of time there but I only have a little experience of Italy and I have never actually been to France in my life!

Thanks
Mal

Hi Mal.

Gavdos was my last summer vacation in Greece. Unbelievable! I am from Greece & I have been in quite a few islands in all clusters (Ionio, Cyclades, Sporades klp) but Gavdos is amazingly unique.

I was travelling with my Vespa back then. In 2011, there was no vehicle ferry but a small fisherman's boat, so I had to leave my Vespa in Chora Sfakiwn (I locked it in the port and cover it), the place where I got the boat to Gavdos. I dont know how things are now but we can ask if you want the bike with you.

However, you are not going to use it a lot in the island unless you want to do off-road. Just remember that the sea connection sometimes is really bad because of rough sea, the island is remote & isolated, so in case of an accident, you will have to wait for a Super Puma helicopter (and pay for it.. you or your insurance).

According to the locals and basically attributed to rough sea, Gavdos decides when you leave..

For Italy, dont miss the Tuscany area that will drive you directly to the ports (from Florence down to Perugia). We preferred Ancona instead of Bari but it is up to you.

I still remember SR222 countryside road that goes through the region. Amazing.

Bon voyage & let me know if you need any further help for the Greek Part.


Cheers

Nikos

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The Pin Project | Overland Greece

Hi Nikos
Thanks for the reply. I have heard that the ferry is taking vehicles to Gavdos now, I believe that there was an issue regarding EU regulations and the distance to Gavdos for the ferry they were using, I think they needed a refit or additional safety equipment. Must be sorted now as the website has prices and a timetable. If I have any problems I will do the same as you and leave the bike at Chora Sfakion.

If all goes to plan I will be moving permanently to south Crete, I just wanted to continue the journey to Gavdos as it beautiful and it's the most southerly place in Europe.

You say you prefer Ancona to Bari, Is it a better way to go?

Thanks again

Mal

Just a thought, if you want to have an interesting route, why not ride down via the Balkans? I'm willing to bet that going down the Croatian coast will be a cheaper and more fun experience than a ferry from Bari...

I would definitely agree with AnTyx. Balkans are super interesting. Highly recommended!

I would only choose Ancona because its closer to Tuscany and I think slightly cheaper to Bari.

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The Pin Project | Overland Greece

Thanks for the advise.

The Balkans route is starting to look good!

Mal

Made it as far as the south of Crete. The bike is still there waiting for me to return to finish the route to Gavdos.

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