Detailed description (English): Brevet Philippi is an annual long-distance cycling tourism event in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece, linking sport, culture, tourism, and nature. Originating from the partnership of the Scientific Team “Opsometha eis Philippous” and the Kavala cycling club “Cyclotron,” and embraced by the regional authority, it has evolved into a high-value, innovative tourism product. The 200–210 km route crosses 20 settlements and 7 municipalities, connecting major cultural and natural landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Philippi and the ancient city of Amphipolis. Strategically integrated into the “Philippi Park” regional plan, it builds a strong identity for the area while fostering economic growth, community cohesion, and international visibility. Timed in September to coincide with the anniversary of the historic Battle of Philippi (42 BC), the event follows French cycle-touring standards under Brevet Randonneurs Mondiaux and Audax Club Parisien, holding official ACP accreditation since 2018. Beyond the ride, it promotes local products, services, and hospitality, engaging residents, businesses, volunteers, and visitors from Greece, the Balkans, and Europe. Participants praise its organization, comparing it to the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Brevet Philippi is more than a cycling challenge—it’s a cultural journey, a tourism showcase, and a driver for sustainable regional development.
Detailed description (original language): Το Brevet Φιλίππων είναι ένας ετήσιος θεσμός ποδηλατικού τουρισμού μεγάλων αποστάσεων στην Ανατολική Μακεδονία και Θράκη, που συνδέει τον αθλητισμό, τον πολιτισμό, τον τουρισμό και τη φύση. Γεννήθηκε από τη συνεργασία της ΑΜΚΕ «Οψόμεθα εις Φιλίππους» και του ποδηλατικού συλλόγου Καβάλας «Κύκλοτρον» και, με την υποστήριξη της Περιφέρειας, εξελίχθηκε σε ένα καινοτόμο τουριστικό προϊόν υψηλής αξίας. Η διαδρομή 200–210 χλμ. περνά από 20 οικισμούς και 7 δήμους, ενώ ενώνει σημαντικά πολιτιστικά και φυσικά μνημεία, όπως τον αρχαιολογικό χώρο των Φιλίππων (UNESCO) και την αρχαία Αμφίπολη. Ενταγμένο στρατηγικά στο σχέδιο «Πάρκο Φιλίππων», δημιουργεί ισχυρή ταυτότητα για την περιοχή, ενισχύει την οικονομία, την κοινωνική συνοχή και τη διεθνή προβολή. Διεξάγεται τον Σεπτέμβριο, κοντά στην επέτειο της ιστορικής Μάχης των Φιλίππων (42 π.Χ.), και συμμορφώνεται με τα γαλλικά πρότυπα ποδηλατικού τουρισμού, υπό το Brevet Randonneurs Mondiaux και το Audax Club Parisien, έχοντας επίσημη πιστοποίηση ACP από το 2018. Πέρα από την ποδηλασία, προβάλλει τα τοπικά προϊόντα, τις υπηρεσίες και τη φιλοξενία, κινητοποιώντας κατοίκους, επιχειρήσεις, εθελοντές και επισκέπτες από την Ελλάδα, τα Βαλκάνια και την Ευρώπη. Οι συμμετέχοντες επαινούν την οργάνωση, συγκρίνοντάς την με το Tour de France και το Giro d’Italia. Το Brevet Φιλίππων είναι κάτι περισσότερο από μια ποδηλατική πρόκληση—είναι πολιτιστικό ταξίδι, τουριστική βιτρίνα και μοχλός βιώσιμης περιφερειακής ανάπτυξης.
Target group(s): Cyclists & Endurance Sports Enthusiasts – Long-distance cyclists (brevets, randonneurs) from Greece, the Balkans, and Europe. Amateur and semi-professional riders seeking challenging, well-organized events.
Sports Tourists –Visitors who combine travel with participation in sporting events. Those looking for destinations offering both athletic challenges and leisure activities.
Cultural & Heritage Tourists – Travelers interested in UNESCO sites (Philippi) and historical landmarks (Amphipolis, Battle of Philippi). People seeking events that combine sport with cultural discovery.
Local Community & Businesses – Hospitality, catering, transport, and tourism service providers who benefit from the influx of participants and visitors. Local producers whose goods are promoted during the event.
Regional Development Stakeholders – Municipalities, regional authorities, and cultural organizations aiming to promote the area. NGOs and volunteer groups engaged in sports, culture, and environmental initiatives.
International Cycling Networks – Members of Brevet Randonneurs Mondiaux and Audax Club Parisien who follow the global calendar of certified cycling events.
Objectives: 1. Promote Sustainable Mobility & Active Lifestyles
Encourage the use of bicycles as an environmentally friendly means of transport, aligned with the principles of the European Mobility Week.
Demonstrate how cycling can integrate sports, daily mobility, and eco-conscious travel in rural and urban settings.
2. Showcase and Connect Historical, Cultural & Natural Heritage
Highlight major landmarks including the Archaeological Site of Philippi (UNESCO), Amphipolis, Via Egnatia, Mount Pangaio, Panagia Eikosifoinissa Monastery, and significant caves and rivers.
Create a thematic cycling route linking heritage with environmental appreciation.
3. Strengthen Regional & Cross-Municipal Cooperation
Unite 7 municipalities and 20 settlements in a shared vision for mobility, tourism, and culture.
Build long-term networks among local authorities, cultural organizations, and citizens.
4. Empower Local Communities & Businesses
Engage over 15 cultural associations, sports clubs, and community groups as active participants.
Promote local products, gastronomy, and services to create economic benefits from sustainable tourism.
5. Enhance Public Awareness & Education
Use promotional tools (website, videos, roadbooks, tourism packages) to raise awareness on sustainable transport, heritage preservation, and healthy living.
Foster cultural exchange between locals and visiting athletes from Greece, the Balkans, and Europe.
6. Position the Region as a Model for Integrated Mobility & Tourism
Showcase Brevet Philippi as an example of how cycling tourism can serve as a driver for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.
Use the event’s timing (linked to the historic Battle of Philippi) as a continuation of September’s European Mobility Week momentum.
Partner: Partner organizations of Brevet Philippi include:
1. Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Περιφέρεια Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας και Θράκης)
2. Scientific Group "Opsometha eis Philippous" (ΑΜΚΕ Επιστημονική Ομάδα "Οψόμεθα εις Φιλίππους")
3. Municipality of Kavala
4. Municipality of Drama
5. Municipality of Doxato
6. Municipality of Prosotsani
7. Municipality of Pangaio
8. Municipality of Amphipolis
9. Municipality of Nea Zichni
10. Local cultural associations and societies
11. Local businesses and sponsors
12. Volunteers and local community groups
These partners collaborate closely to organize and promote the event, supporting logistics, culture, tourism, and community engagement and may vary from year to year. You can check them annual on our website https://www.brevetphilippi.com/en/
Greece