Amarantos Gravel Experience: August 23–24, 2025

Imagine a two-day cycling event in a small mountain village with just 100 residents, at an altitude of 720 meters, southeast of Lake Plastira, in the mountainous range of the Thessalian Agrafa, 25 kilometers from Karditsa.

Picturesque houses with red-tiled roofs, well-kept streets, and towering plane trees dominate the central square of the village, which dates back to the 17^th century. Just a few steps outside the village, you'll find yourself immersed in a beautiful forest with pristine nature. You can stay overnight in one of the few rooms available in the village or camp for free at a specially arranged site under the trees and feel one with nature.

We’re talking about Amarantos, Karditsa — a small paradise perched on the Thessalian Agrafa. And what better way to explore it than on a gravel bike?

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The route

We start from the central square of the village of Amarantos and, after passing through its charming alleys, we head onto forest roads that lead into the heart of the Thessalian Agrafa.
We follow dirt forest roads and accessible trails, passing by a stunning waterfall before returning — after 40 km and 1370 meters of elevation gain — back to Amarantos. 
It’s a breathtaking, untouched route: of the 40 km, only 2.97 km are paved while the rest is dirt — perfect terrain for a gravel bike, although a mountain bike is also more than suitable!

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Enjoy nature. The Thessalian Agrafa await you!

The idea behind the weekend is simple: Two days in nature, in the mountains, in the welcoming atmosphere of a small village, sleeping under the trees for those who wish, or simple room options for those who prefer it.
Local food served in the village square with new friends and walks along the area’s trails. Amarantos awaits to be discovered with the ideal vehicle: a bicycle!

Schedule

Saturday, August 23

14:00 Recommended arrival time in Amarantos
15:00 Welcome meet-up in the central square
16:00 Two-hour hike along marked trails of the Thessalian Agrafa, guided by the village President, with an introduction to the community resilience plan
19:00 Pasta Party with local cuisine and music – free for all participants

Sunday, August 24

10:00 Start of the 40 km route from the Central Square of Amarantos
13:00 Return to Amarantos for lunch in the central square and casual discussion
15:00 End of event

Due to the uniqueness of the destination, participation is limited, so make sure to register in time!

Includes: Commemorative T-shirt, participation medal, meal at the pasta party, Goodies Bag

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Accommodation in Amarantos
Village Guesthouse (3 rooms with 8 beds – 2 triples and 1 double) – Tel. 2441 083183
Two-room rental house (1 double bed – 1 single bed)
Two-room rental house (1 double bed – 3 single beds)
Free camping (with chemical toilets) at Rachi Square (space for 15 tents)

Contact for Amarantos: Antonis Papadakos, 697 7394752

Airbnb stays approx. 10 km away
Airbnb in Kallithiro
Manopoulos, 6949429743
Gioula, 6976266788

Hotels approx. 25 km away, near Lake Plastira, in the villages and Karditsa:
Hotel Titagion, 2441094660
Moucha – Ktima Alonaki, 2441070173
Moucha Guesthouse, Lake Plastira, Lambros Boltsis, 6972774749
Thessalikon Grand, 5 stars, Karditsa, 244103620

Organized by: Region of Thessaly
Concept & Planning: Cities for Cycling 
Production: Bicycle Friendly Greece IKE

In collaboration with:
Municipality of Karditsa
Karditsa Chamber of Commerce
Local Community of Amarantos
Oxygen of Agrafa, cultural and environmental group
Cultural Association of Amarantos

The event is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Cycling Federation (HCF)