Xiropidago: A week of great cycling

An unexplored destination with cycling like never before.

When someone notices the geographical point of Xiropigado and its location in the Peloponnese, realises that despite being enroute to some of the main and popular towns further to the south, it stays well hidden.

Our cycling team has discovered a treasure.

It was one of our member's personal relations with someone living in Xiropigago that made us pay attention to this well hidden place and visit it to check for any cycling possibilities.

Xiropidago is a truly small and recently established village. During the 50s-60s there was nothing there, but a small pier and a kind of bunker, for the farmers and shepherds to store their goods. Xiropigado wasn't even a distinct place Back at those time, the population relied solely on self production, therefore, all of the villagers used to live in the nearby mountains, making the most of their properties by cultivating them. Quite often, farmers and shepherds were visiting the coast, where currently Xiropigado resides, waiting for the small fishing boats coming from Tolo or Nafplio to trade their goods. Locals were trading olive oil and meat for vegetables, fish and fruits. During the 70s, a small tavern was established there, for the locals to enjoy a nice meal or celebrate with the fishermen. This tavern was the first element of Xiropigado.

Over the years, and with the trading lines to have become more frequent, inhabitants decided to move closer to the coast; after all life was easier there. This transition was significantly accelerated by the construction of the "new road" that connected Nafplio to Leonidio, with Xiropigdo to be right in the middle of the distance. The delicious food served on this taverna and the idyllic beach scenery, resulted in Xiropigado to become quite popular among the locals, but never established as a touristic destination. Over the years, Greeks bought properties there and built their summer houses, avoiding that way the busy sites.

This discreet way on the touristic development of Xiropidago, helped the locals to keep all cultural elements intact, with the hospitality and easy way of being to be their main ones.

Cycling here in amazing.

Xiropigado offers a great spot to spend the off-the-saddle time. Here you may find great food options and welcoming waters for you jump into the sea, right after you finish your cycling sessions. But the cycling ... yes, it is absolutely great.

Whether you are into long and demanding rides or just enjoy a casual morning ride along the cost, the landscape around Xiropigado is truly blessed. Below we have put a few cycling routes for you to discover the unique diversity and the beauty of this location and the nearby regions.

When is the best time visit Xiropigado?

The weather throughout all year is ideal for cycling in Xiropigado. During winter, spring and autumn cycling during the whole daylight time is something very pleasant. It is only a few weeks in winter when climbing in the nearby mountains might require you to get your heavier winter gear. During summer, the period when typically the temperatures in Greece are maxing out, cycling should be restricted only during very early am hours, to avoid cycling thought any heatwaves, especially if you are aiming for the hills. At the end of each ride, jumping into the sea is a must-thing-to-do. Enjoy!