Bicycle Rentals on Ithaca island from €3/day

Ithaca doesn't feel like an island built for cars — it feels like one built for two wheels. Pedal out of the harbor at Vathy in the early morning, before the day boats arrive, and within minutes you're climbing quiet lanes toward Stavros or freewheeling down to a swim at Dexa Beach. Ride the coast road north and you'll pass through Frikes, its taverna-lined quay a natural halfway stop, before dropping into Kioni, a knot of pastel houses wrapped around a narrow inlet that most day-trippers never reach. This is what a bicycle rental in Ithaca is really for: the turnoffs, the viewpoints, the villages public transport skips entirely.

Ithaca is small, hilly and almost entirely free of traffic once you're past Vathy's waterfront, which makes it a far better match for a bike than a rental car. Distances are short — Vathy to Kioni is roughly 17km — but village lanes are narrow and parking a car in them is a hassle a bicycle simply avoids. Buses are rare here, so if you want to reach the coastal viewpoints, the mountain villages or the quieter beaches, riding is really your only practical option beyond hiring a car.

Top 10 things to see in Ithaca by bicycle

1. Vathy (Vathi) — the island's small harbor capital, a natural loop start and end point with waterfront cafés and easy road access to the rest of Ithaca.
2. Kioni — a pastel-colored fishing village on a narrow inlet in the north, one of the classic ride destinations on the island.
3. Frikes — a quiet harbor village on the way to Kioni, with a taverna-lined quay to stop at halfway.
4. Stavros — the largest village in the north, near the site linked to Odysseus's palace, with a small archaeological museum.
5. Anogi — an old mountain village with a Byzantine church and huge standing stones, reached via a winding uphill road with island-wide views.
6. School of Homer archaeological site — ruins on a hillside near Stavros tied to the Homeric legend, a short ride off the main road.
7. Cave of the Nymphs (Marmarospilia) — a cave near Vathy linked in local tradition to the Odyssey myth, an easy ride from town.
8. Filiatro Beach — a sand-and-pebble beach close to Vathy, good as a short warm-up ride and swim stop.
9. Gidaki Beach — a scenic bay best combined with a ride to the trailhead or boat pickup point, popular for its turquoise water.
10. Dexa Beach — the closest beach to Vathy, a quick coastal ride for an evening swim.

What do you need to rent a bicycle in Ithaca?

No licence is required to hire a bicycle in Greece, and there's no minimum age set by law, though rental points may set their own. A deposit is common, usually held as a small cash amount or a credit-card hold, and since no licence is needed, an International Driving Permit doesn't come into it at all — this is one of the simplest rentals on the island to arrange.

How much does it cost to rent a bicycle in Ithaca?

Expect around 3-5 EUR per day in low season, rising to roughly 7-10 EUR per day in high season for a standard bicycle. E-bikes typically run higher across the board.

• Prices climb through spring and peak in July-August, when demand across the island is highest.
• They ease off from September and stay lowest from November to March, when far fewer rental points are open at all.

When to book a rental bicycle in Ithaca?

July and August are Ithaca's high season — book ahead, expect the highest prices, and be ready for serious midday heat on the climbs. November through March is low season, with the cheapest rates but also the fewest rental shops actually operating. For the best balance of open shops, mild weather and easier riding, aim for May-June or September-October.

Local traffic rules in Ithaca

Greece drives on the right. Cyclists aren't legally required to wear a helmet, but it's a sensible habit on Ithaca's steep, narrow, sometimes gravel-strewn lanes. Vehicle speed limits on the island top out at 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road, though on Ithaca's mountain bends those numbers are rarely reached. If you're mixing in some walking or driving during your stay, note that the blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l generally, tightening to 0.2 g/l for novice drivers and motorcyclists — worth keeping in mind before that second glass of wine at a Kioni taverna.

Types of bikes available

On our website you can rent the following types of bicycles: classic bikes, tandems, road bikes, carbon, cyclocross, touring, trekking, hybrid, mountain bikes (MTB), cruisers, comfort, city, commuter, urban, Dutch bikes, lady, bike for kids, folding, tricycles with three wheels, bikes with basket, with gears, with suspension, with rear rack, fat-tire bikes, electric bicycles.

Models of bicycles available

On our website you can hire a bike of the following manufacturers: Avanti, Batavus, Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Diamant, Felt, Scott, Gazelle, Genesis, Giant, GT Bicycles, Ideal, K2, Diamondback, Schwinn, Jamis, Raleigh, Kona, Kross, Merida, Mongoose, Next, Orbea, Órbita, Murray, Roadmaster, Rocky, Miele, Rover, Shimano, Vélo, Specialized.

Which insurance is provided with my rental bicycle?

Bicycle rentals typically come with basic cover for third-party damage, but theft and damage terms vary from one provider to another. Some include simple loss or damage protection in the price, while others cover it through your deposit; always check the exact terms on the booking page before you confirm.

Extra services available

When you make a reservation of a bicycle you also can order the following extra services and equipment: helmet, GPS navigation, clip pedals, side cases, rear rack, basket, light, gloves, speedometer, individual guide or tour, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to the address of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for bicycle hire in the city;
• Compare prices of bicycle rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a bicycle online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local bicycle rentals have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept bike, lock, basket and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a bicycle, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!