ACT Greece unpaved - UGR240A

9 friends from Canada decided to hit the ACT Greece track and accepted the challenge. All experienced riders that travelled a lot together on several tours all over the world. The choice between booking the Pyrenees and Greece was not easy. Just the weather situation in mid September forced to decide for Greece. Good choice!
**First Riding Day: Patras to Kalavrita – Start of an unpaved adventure** Our unpaved motorcycle adventure through Greece kicked off in the best possible way, with nine friends from Canada ready to take on the backcountry from Patras to Kalavrita. Excitement was in the air as we geared up, ready to leave the coastal town of Patras behind and head for the mountains. We set off heading east out of Patras, cruising through a few easy kilometers before the real fun began. Soon enough, we found ourselves on the rugged trails of the Greek mountains. And that’s where we had our first unexpected encounter: a group of local hunters. We weren’t sure if we should continue further into the mountains, but they quickly reassured us with a friendly wave, saying it was safe to keep going. So, with their blessing, we powered on. The roads started to get a bit more technical, winding through the mountains, offering us incredible views of the sea and the Gulf of Corinth below. It was the kind of scenery that makes you stop and appreciate just how vast and beautiful the world can be. The contrast between the rough trails and the smooth waters in the distance was simply stunning. Our route took us deeper into the Panachaiko mountain range, and the terrain became noticeably tougher. The rocky paths and sharp ascents demanded every bit of skill we had. We climbed from sea level all the way up to 1,800 meters, tackling tricky sections and pushing our limits. But every challenge was worth it for the thrill of the ride and the views that came with it. After a well-deserved late lunch stop, we were back at it. The final climb of the day took us up to the top of some rolling hills, giving off a bit of a Mongolian plains vibe—wide open and free, with a breathtaking horizon stretching out in front of us. It was one of those moments that makes you feel completely alive and at peace with the world. Our last stretch of the day took us down into Kalavrita, where we arrived tired but completely satisfied. We sat together with cold beers in hand, reflecting on the beauty and challenges of our first day. It was just the beginning of our adventure, but we knew already it would be a trip to remember.
It was really hard to leave this lovely family owned hotel in Kalavryta. We could have stayed there for a while. Local food, a beautiful scenery and fantastic regional wines are only two arguments for another visit. But the mountains are calling! Todays track of 132 kilometers started on tarmac, showed us a mid difficulty level nice offroad section and ended at the gulf of corinth.
Our third day on the road in Greece promised to be a long one, with 235 km of riding ahead—split between paved and unpaved routes. We started our journey from the picturesque harbor town of Nafpaktos, with the sound of the sea still in our ears and the morning sun gently warming the air. Spirits were high, and we were ready for whatever the day had in store. We kicked things off with a leisurely ride along the coastline, heading towards Glyfada. The stretch was easy and beautiful, with the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Corinth to our right and the green hills rolling up on our left. But the real adventure began when we turned off into the hinterland. The smooth tarmac quickly gave way to dirt, and soon enough, we were kicking up dust as we tackled the narrow, winding hairpin bends. The road was challenging, with loose gravel and steep climbs, but the payoff was immense. Each turn brought us higher into the mountains and closer to the breathtaking views we had come to expect on this trip. As we made our way deeper into the rugged terrain, the impressive Mornos Lake came into view. The sight of the deep blue water, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, was a welcome break from the rough roads. Crossing the dam wall over Lake Mornos was a surreal experience. One minute we were riding on loose gravel, and the next, we found ourselves on a stretch of smooth asphalt, with the lake’s calm waters on one side and towering cliffs on the other. The contrast was striking, and the beauty of it all reminded us why we love these kinds of trips. After a well-earned lunch, we got back on the bikes, hunting for more gravel roads to take us north. As we ventured further into the mountains, the roads became a maze of twists and turns. Gravel flew beneath our tires as we wound our way through endless bends, the landscape shifting from rugged mountains to rolling hills and back again. As the day wore on, Tymfristos, the highest mountain in the region, appeared on the horizon like a silent giant watching over us. It was a sight to behold, and we knew that at its foot lay Karpenisi, our destination for the night. The small town, nestled in the shadow of the mountain, promised a warm bed and a chance to rest after a long, challenging day. Rolling into Karpenisi just before dusk, we felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. The day's ride had tested our skills, with its combination of unpaved mountain trails and twisting asphalt roads. But it also rewarded us with incredible scenery, from coastal views to mountain lakes, and finally, the towering presence of Tymfristos. As we parked the bikes and settled in for the evening, we couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’d come and how much more of Greece was still out there to explore. With each day, this adventure was becoming more unforgettable. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and new landscapes, but for tonight, it was time to relax and enjoy the company of friends after a day well spent on the road.
For those who want to relax a possibility to start the day with a later breakfast and having a massage. We splitted the group into to teams. Those who want to take the full day for riding and those who want to chill a little bit and take the second half of the day for a shorter ride to the skiing area with a smaller detour into the mountains. Karpenisi is a smaller village and got totally destroyed by a stonesledge in the 60s. It counts about 13.000 inhabitants.
Our fifth day on the motorcycle adventure through Greece promised to be a bit shorter, but that didn’t mean it would be any less exciting. With 165 kilometers ahead of us, we had plenty of time to take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the ride. After two nights in Karpenisi, we were ready to move on, leaving behind the Agrafa Mountains and heading deeper into the Pindus Range. Where exactly the Agrafa Mountains merge into the Pindus Range is up for debate, but we weren’t too concerned with that. The landscapes in both regions are equally stunning, and today’s route offered us a perfect mix of beauty and challenge. The day started easy enough, with a leisurely ride on a narrow but smooth paved road, easing us into the rhythm of the day. We cruised through the peaceful morning, taking in the fresh mountain air and the rolling hills around us. But the adventure truly kicked off after we passed through Kerasochori. The tarmac disappeared, and the familiar crunch of gravel returned beneath our tires. The road began to climb, twisting and turning through steep mountain passes that demanded our full attention. The drops on either side were sheer, with no guardrails to catch a wandering wheel. For those not fond of heights, this was not the place to look down. The cliffs seemed to stretch endlessly into the valleys below, with nothing but the occasional shrub or rock to break the fall. Despite the nerve-wracking heights, the landscapes were absolutely stunning—wild, untouched, and remote. The sense of isolation added to the thrill, with only the sound of our engines and the wind as our companions. Shortly before reaching the village of Agrafa, we stopped for lunch. A simple meal, but exactly what we needed to refuel for the next leg of the journey. We knew we’d be facing a thousand more bends that afternoon, and every bit of energy would be needed. As we saddled up after lunch, the weather began to shift. Dark clouds gathered in the distance, promising rain. It wasn’t long before the first drops started to fall, turning the dust into slick patches of mud. The added challenge brought a little spice to the ride, as we navigated through the wet, winding roads with extra care. Every turn required precise handling, and the rain only heightened our focus. By the time we reached the Plastiras Reservoir, the rain had eased, and the deep blue waters of the lake stretched out before us. The beauty of the reservoir was a fitting reward after the day's challenges. We followed its banks, the road curving gently along the water’s edge, until we reached Neochori, our destination for the night. Neochori is a town fully geared towards tourism, with several charming hotels nestled in the hills overlooking the lake. After a long day on the road, we were more than happy to settle into one of them. The warmth of the hotel and the promise of a good meal were exactly what we needed to cap off another incredible day. As we reflected on the ride, it was clear that the unpaved mountain roads, steep cliffs, and ever-changing weather were what made this journey unforgettable. The Agrafa and Pindus mountains had tested our nerves and skills, but they had also gifted us with some of the most beautiful landscapes we’d ever seen. Tomorrow, the adventure would continue, but tonight, it was time to relax and appreciate the day’s ride.
We kicked off our sixth day with a serious challenge right from the start—a 13-kilometer stretch of tough track that wound through the rugged mountains west of Neochori. This wasn’t just a ride; it was a rollercoaster of steep inclines, sharp rocks, and narrow turns that demanded every ounce of our attention. But the effort was more than rewarded with views straight out of a dream: dense green forests blanketed the valleys, and rugged peaks loomed over us in every direction. After that intense start, we made our way to Mouzaki, one of the larger towns we’ve seen on this trip. It was a refreshing change of pace, with bustling streets and a chance to take a breather. From there, our route led us to one of the hidden gems of northern Greece—the stone bridge of Pyli. This centuries-old bridge is a photographer’s paradise, arching elegantly over the rushing waters below and framed by lush, wild landscapes. Conveniently, a cozy café stood nearby, so we parked the bikes and settled in for a quick break. Sipping coffee with that scenic backdrop felt like stepping into another time. Fueled up and ready for more, we dove back into the remote mountain roads that wound their way through the wilds of northern Greece. These roads were tiny—barely wide enough for our bikes at points—and wound from one small hamlet to another, each with its own unique charm. The further we went, the higher we climbed, eventually reaching altitudes of over 1,600 meters. The higher we rode, the more remote and untouched the landscape became. Every twist and turn revealed new views: sweeping mountain vistas, clusters of pine forests, and tiny villages perched like sentinels on the hillsides. As the afternoon stretched on, we could feel the pull of our destination, the well-known mountain town of Metsovo. Nestled at nearly 1,200 meters, Metsovo is a classic Greek mountain town with a charm that feels both rustic and refined. As we rolled in, we were greeted by the sight of its sunlit main square, lined with inviting cafés, small shops, and locals going about their day. It was the perfect place to park the bikes, stretch our legs, and unwind. With our adventure for the day behind us, we spent the evening soaking in the ambiance of Metsovo. There’s something truly satisfying about ending a long, challenging ride in a place like this—a town where you can take in the mountain air, watch the light fade over the peaks, and reflect on the incredible journey that brought you here. Tomorrow, more roads and new vistas await, but for tonight, Metsovo is our haven.
Final Day: From Metsovo to Ioannina – The Grand Finale Through Greece’s Wild Beauty Our last day on the road had arrived, and we were in for a spectacular finale as we left Metsovo and headed toward Ioannina, journeying through the stunning Pindus and Vikos-Aoos National Parks. Northern Greece is known for its untouched landscapes, and today we’d experience some of its most awe-inspiring scenery—the Vikos Gorge and the famous Zagoria region with its ancient stone bridges and quaint mountain villages. Starting out from Metsovo, we took a stretch of highway to warm up before turning northwest, right into the heart of the national park. Within minutes, we were surrounded by pristine wilderness, the winding roads flanked by dense forests, towering peaks, and wild, open vistas. The traffic was light, giving us free reign over the twisting roads and letting us fully appreciate the beauty around us. It felt like the perfect ride—just us, the bikes, and the great outdoors. The old stone bridges of Zagoria were our first stop. These bridges have been standing for centuries, crafted by master builders to withstand time and the elements. Set against the lush greenery and rugged cliffs, they looked almost surreal, like something straight out of a fantasy novel. We spent some time exploring, marveling at how the stone paths spanned wide rivers and connected tiny villages in this remote part of Greece. Each bridge had its own unique character and history, linking us back to the people who once walked and worked along these trails. After a hearty lunch at a local taverna, we rode on, inching closer to the highlight of the day: the Vikos Gorge. One of the deepest gorges in the world, Vikos is a marvel of nature—a massive rift carved by centuries of river erosion, flanked by cliffs that plunge hundreds of meters into the valley below. As we reached the viewpoint, the scale of it took our breath away. The landscape seemed to go on forever, with jagged rock faces, lush forested slopes, and the faint glint of the river below. Standing there, it felt like we were on the edge of the world, looking down into a realm that few have the chance to see. It was a view that none of us will ever forget. With our spirits lifted by the incredible sights, we set out for the last leg of the journey. As we rode through the gentle afternoon light toward Ioannina, there was a quiet sense of reflection among us. Each turn of the road seemed to bring back memories from the past days—the dust and gravel of the mountain passes, the calm blue lakes, the wild cliffs and peaks, and the warm hospitality of Greece’s mountain villages. Finally, we rolled into Ioannina, our final destination. A beautiful lakeside city with its own rich history, Ioannina welcomed us with open arms as we parked our bikes for the last time. Our trip from Patras to Ioannina had been an adventure we’d remember forever, filled with the raw beauty of Greece’s landscapes, its rich culture, and the unbeatable camaraderie of the open road. As we settled down that evening, there was a feeling of accomplishment and gratitude—a sense of having truly experienced Greece in a way that only a motorcycle trip can offer. The wild mountains, ancient bridges, and spectacular gorges had shown us a side of Greece that few get to see. This journey was the kind of adventure that stays with you, long after the roads are behind you.