Kos: Greece’s Cycling Gem with a Century-Old Legacy
For many Greeks,
Kos: Greece’s Cycling Gem with a Century-Old Legacy
For many Greeks, the island of Kos conjures up nostalgic images of the 1960s film Margarita—a love story set to the backdrop of palm-lined boulevards and gentle seaside bike rides. But the island’s deep-rooted cycling culture is more than just a cinematic memory.
Kos is one of Greece’s most bike-friendly destinations, boasting over 10,000 rental bicycles, many of which are fully booked daily. The island plays a crucial role in Greece’s participation in EuroVelo, the 92,000-km European Cycling Route Network, connecting 17 countries.
And yet, despite its potential, Greece has yet to capitalize on the cycling tourism boom.
Cycling Tourism: The Future of Sustainable Travel
A 2012 European Commission study found that cycling tourism generates €44 billion annually, outpacing the cruise industry (€39 billion). Since then, the market has only grown. By 2023, the global cycling industry had doubled in value, reaching an estimated €138 billion.
Cycling is now ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing tourism activities worldwide. In Europe:
- Mountain biking ranks 4th, behind hiking, cultural tourism, and gastronomy.
- Electric biking is 7th, growing rapidly due to eco-conscious travel trends.
- Road cycling follows at 8th, ahead of photography tours and birdwatching.
Who Are the Cycling Tourists?
Cycling
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