Island of Kefalonia, Greece

Arrive at the airport or bus station of Kefalonia. We include a transfer to your first accommodation in Moussata a small village a few kilometres from the coast on the southwest of the Island. You can relax at the swimming pool of the accommodation or maybe you want to make an afternoon short trip through the green surroundings to try out your bicycle? That is possible as the bicycles are available right away after your arrival.

Today’s trip takes you to Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. On your way to Argostoli, you peddle via quiet, rural roads and pass through the typical villages of Keramies, Metaxata en Kourkoumetata. In Argostoli, you may relax on a seaside terrace with a typical Greek Frappe. You have a chance to see sea turtles near the fishing boats in the port if you are an early bird! From Argostoli, you climb to a 200m mountain ridge from where you have splendid views on the south coast and Zakynthos. After the village Lakithra, you descend towards the valley and pass Monastery Agiou Andrea. After the Monastery follows the last section is via a dirt road in good condition back to Karavados.

Today you will cycle to the east of the island. The route takes you towards Poros. You peddle via a scenic road, without considerable height differences, whilst enjoying breathtaking views over the Ionian sea towards neighbour island Zakynthos. At the village of Pastra, you descend towards the coast. You can opt for a short extra loop via the seaside resort Skala where you can relax a bit on the sandy beach and visit the mosaics from a Roman villa.

The shorter route takes you directly to the pretty fishing village of Katelios where you may visit the Sea turtle information centre. You pass an area where there are still houses from before the major earthquake dating back to 1953. From Katelios you cycle back to Karavados, the final stretch via a good dirt road.

You cycle towards Argostoli and follow the scenic route along the Bay of Argostoli until the most famous viewpoint of Myrtos Beach. On your way, you pass the village where Pelagia lived (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin). From Myrtos Beach you make an island crossing and cycle through numerous traditional villages before making your descend towards the idyllic fishing village Agis Efimia, your second location of this tour.

An easier tour today in the surroundings of Agia Efimia. You can cycle along Karavomilos Bay and visit Melissani Lake. With a small boat (in Greek: Kaiki) you peddle on the sky-blue lake. Via olive groves and vineyards, you ascend to Poulata and Chaliotata, authentic villages where you can sip a Greek coffee in a local café. Then you descend to Sami and may visit the Drogarati Caves on your way down. From Sami, you can make an optional loop to the lovely beach of Andisamos. To reach this beach, you will have to ascend and descend 150m. Andisamos beach was the setting for part of the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin in 2001. Along Karavomilos Bay cycle back to Agia Efimia.

No doubt today’s trip is the most impressive one. You cycle to the utmost northern fishing village of Fiscardo. The route passes from Assos peninsula with its fortress (optional detour to Assos). Then you follow the great coastal road with some tremendous views of the cliff coast to Fiscardo. This is the prettiest village of the island because it is the only village that survived the 1953 earthquake. Besides, it is surrounded by a dense wood of cypresses. Pelagia and Captain Corelli drove this way on their moped. From Fiscardo you continue the route through the inland. You come through the bare landscape, just a few tiny villages and splendid views on Ithaka. The last km is a spectacular descend to Agia Efimia. You may shorten the trip with 20km in case you don’t drive all the way up to Fiscardo.

Your trip on Kefalonia ends with a demanding day, but it is worth the effort! From your accommodation, you cycle along the coast to Karavomilos. Then you ascend through olive groves and vineyards to the villages Poulata and Chaliotata offering great views on Sami. Then a climb follows until the saddle to Mt. Aenos. After the saddle, you speed up and descend to the valley Omala, the most important area for the wine producers of Kefalonia. Here originates the Robolla wine, a white wine that is internationally known. At the local wine cooperation, you can see how the wine is produced and you can also taste. In this fertile valley of Omala, there is the important Monastery Agios Gerasimos, located next to the winery. Here you will find the cathedral, the centre of Greek orthodox Kefalonia. From Omala you cycle downhill and come along the Byzantine fortress of Saint George along your way to Argostoli.

On your departure day, you may have time to visit the archaeological museum of Argostoli or relax with a drink in the lively town square. You will be taken from your hotel to the airport for your outbound flight.