Alexandroupolis remains consistently a bike friendly destination
Alexandroupolis was recognized as a “Bike Friendly Destination”, strengthening sustainable mobility and cycling tourism in the region.
The certification label “Bike Friendly Destination” was awarded to the Municipality of Alexandroupolis on Friday, September 27 by AMKE NatTour in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
The award was received by the mayor of the city, Mr. Yiannis Zamboukis, from the general director of NatTour, Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou.
The mayor of Alexandroupolis Mr. Yiannis Zamboukis said: “With great joy and pride we welcome today the renewal of the “Alexandroupolis Bike Friendly Destination” label in our city, Alexandroupolis. This accolade recognizes our continued efforts to make our city bike-friendly and enhance sustainable mobility for all. Alexandroupoli, with its modern cycling infrastructure, extensive network of cycle paths and the continuous support of the local community, proves in practice its commitment to a greener and more accessible way of life. Cycling is not just a way to get around, but also a way to enjoy the environment, improve our quality of life and help reduce pollution. This badge is an incentive to continue our efforts to promote the bicycle, not only as a means of transport, but also as an element that promotes tourism and the development of our region. Alexandroupolis, as a friendly destination for cyclists, opens new avenues for sports and ecological tourism. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this success – from the citizens who choose to cycle in their daily lives, to the institutions and services of the Municipality who work hard to develop the necessary infrastructure. We continue with dedication to make Alexandroupolis an even more welcoming and sustainable destination for everyone.”
Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou said: “Alexandroupoli is a traditionally cycling town that remains a Bike Friendly destination enabling its tourists and visitors to enjoy all its areas by bike. Gentle travel is a unique tourist experience but also helps to reduce environmental pollution. It is important that the residents of the city are very aware and have cycling in their lives which is immediately apparent to the tourist from Europe who loves cycling.”
The Bike Friendly label, which is under the auspices of the Ministries of Tourism and Environment & Energy, certifies that a destination Municipality meets a series of pan-European accepted criteria that create a “cycling identity” in the destination, and facilitate the tourist to use the bicycle during their vacation . It contributes to the promotion of cycling in the region as a way of sport, entertainment and movement, while at the same time, it highlights the Municipality of Alexandroupolis as an alternative – thematic tourism destination.
Alexandroupoli, an ideal place for cycling routes
The trip to Alexandroupoli offers beautiful nature routes, with wonderful locations to explore through towers and gorges, through cool plateaus and under traditional windmills.
A unique experience is the visit to the wetland of the Delta of the river Evros, not only because it reveals a place full of rare plants and birds, but also because the boating with the “blava” (as the traditional boat for the river is called) in its fog river Evros next to flocks of pink flamingos and overlooking the island of Samothrace, it’s a moment you can’t experience anywhere else.
Alexandroupoli is also known as a summer destination. The beaches that stretch along a front of 25 kilometers with their picturesque coves and endless sandy beaches have been giving children and adults unique summers for years.
The Municipality of Alexandroupolis offers cyclists:
- A large and modern network of cycle paths in the city, which is constantly being upgraded and growing.
- Appropriate road markings for bicycles throughout the road network.
- A network of parking spaces exclusively for bicycles.
- Over 300 cycling routes that have been recorded by resident cyclists or visitors in the geographical boundaries of the Municipality. These are general or special routes with different degrees of difficulty, in locations of incredible beauty.
- A significant number of bicycle sales and repair businesses that can serve residents and visitors who prefer bicycles for their commutes.
- Events and activities dedicated to cycling, open to the public that gather crowds of people and make Alexandroupoli even more enjoyable for cyclists.
- An active and well-organized club that promotes the cycling activity, Alexandroupolis Bike Team.
The network of “Bike Friendly Destinations” in Greece consists of a series of selected destinations, which stand out for their commitment to the protection of the environment, their efforts for sustainable tourism development and their dedication to the service of the tourist-cyclist.
