Paphos Forest E-mountain Bike Tour: 28km Climb to Milikouri

Climb through deep forest on electric bikes, reaching an isolated village most locals have never seen

An e-mountain bike tour in Paphos Forest that climbs from Tzelefos Bridge (440m) to Milikouri village (800m) over 28km of mixed terrain: 14km of which is dirt road through Platys River Valley. The pedal-assist motor lets recreational cyclists and less athletic riders handle the steep ascent and rough ground that would be nearly impossible on regular bikes. A guide leads in English or Greek, with a break at a traditional restaurant in Milikouri for handmade meze and coffee under a plane tree.

Step-by-step itinerary

E-bike tour through Paphos Forest

• Meet at starting point and briefing
• Receive e-bike and safety instructions
• Ride e-bikes from Tzelefos Bridge to Milikouri
• Break at Platanos restaurant for coffee and meze
• Return ride from Milikouri to starting point

The Experience

The route starts at Tzelefos Bridge in the heart of Paphos Forest and climbs 360 meters over 14km to reach Milikouri, one of the most remote villages on the island. Most of that distance is dirt road through Platys River Valley, a place so tucked away that even locals rarely venture there. A regular mountain bike would make the ascent grueling. The e-bikes have a small motor that engages when you pedal, giving you a boost so the climb feels manageable. You still do the work (the health benefits and the feeling of riding are unchanged), but the motor takes the edge off hills and rough terrain, letting you focus on the landscape instead of the effort.

The ride takes roughly 4 hours total, with about 2.5 hours of actual biking time. You'll spend the rest at Milikouri, where everything is so quiet and remote that time feels like it has stopped. At Platanos restaurant in the village center, you'll sit under a big plane tree and eat traditional meze: real halloumi, lountza, pitta, olives, fresh tomatoes, souvlaki and other small dishes made by hand from local producers. Coffee is included. Alcohol is not, for safety reasons. After an hour of rest and food, you'll ride back down to Tzelefos Bridge.

Before the ride starts, the guide gives you full instructions on how to use the e-bike and covers safety. You'll ride top-of-the-range models from CUBE and Haibike, and you'll carry a spare tube, tyre levers, a mini pump and a multitool if you need them. Helmets, bottled water and all gear are provided. The guide speaks English or Greek and keeps groups small enough that the pace can adjust to the riders.

What’s included

• Top-of-the-range e-mountain bikes (CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 or Haibike SDURO Hardnine 29).
• safety helmets.
• bottled water.
• traditional handmade meze and coffee at Milikouri restaurant.
• spare tube, tyre levers, mini pump and multitool.
• full instruction on e-bike use and safety briefing.
• a guide in English or Greek.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Recharged e-mountain bike rentals and tours

Is this one for you?The e-bike motor is what makes this climb accessible to recreational cyclists and anyone who isn't a strong athlete: terrain that would be nearly impossible on a regular bike becomes manageable, so you can enjoy the remote Platys River Valley and Milikouri village without exhausting yourself on the ascent.

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Top questions

Can I ride an e-mountain bike if I've never ridden one before?

Yes. The tour is open to anyone with basic knowledge of how to ride a regular mountain bike. The guide gives full instructions on the e-bike before you start, so you'll know how to use the pedal-assist and handle the terrain.

What is Milikouri village like when we arrive?

Milikouri is one of the most remote and isolated villages in Paphos Forest, so remote that most locals have never been there. Everything is peaceful and quiet. The village feels like time has stopped. You'll eat at Platanos restaurant in the center, a small traditional place run by locals who make their own food from materials they produce themselves.

How steep is the climb to Milikouri?

The route climbs 360 meters over 14km, starting at Tzelefos Bridge (440m altitude) and ending at Milikouri (800m altitude). Most of that distance is dirt road through Platys River Valley. The e-bike motor makes the climb easy and pleasant, so recreational cyclists and less athletic riders can handle terrain that would be nearly impossible on a regular bike.

What's included in the meze lunch at Milikouri?

The traditional meze includes real halloumi, lountza, pitta, olives, fresh tomatoes, souvlaki and other small dishes made by hand from local producers in the area. Coffee is also included. Alcohol is not served, for safety reasons on the return ride.

What happens if I get a flat tire or mechanical problem on the ride?

You'll carry a spare tube, tyre levers, a mini pump and a small multitool, so you can handle basic repairs on the trail. The guide is there to help, and the group stays together.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 14. They need to have basic knowledge of how to ride a regular mountain bike and be comfortable with a 4-hour ride that includes a 360-meter climb.