Kefalonia-explore the island by bike

Travel to Kefalonia, arriving at the airport or bus station, and connect to a transfer to your first accommodation in Mousata. Have your hire bike fine-tuned by a bike rental rep from the shop based in Argostoli, then relax by the pool or try your bike out on a short loop in lovely green surroundings.

Take off on a trip to Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, pedalling quiet rural roads to typical villages like Keramies, Metaxata and Kourkoumetata. Take a break when you reach Argostoli, catch your breath replenish your energy with a perfect Greek frappe. Chance of spotting sea turtles swimming round the fishing boats at the port, if you make it there early!

Cycle up to 200m to ride the mountain ridge above Argostoli and try not to be too distracted by the phenomenal views! Or stop for a breather and snap a few supreme shots of the south coast and the Greek isle of Zakynthos. The road from Lakithra leads down to the olive-tree studded Monastery of Agios Andrea, where you pick up a well-maintained dirt track riding uphill to Karavados and back to Mousata.

Challenge: 4 hours, 37 km / 23 mi, 600 m ascent, 600 m descent

Today you move into the island’s eastern sector, starting with a scenic stretch to Poros. Rolling along on a nearly flat road, you can concentrate on immense Ionian Sea vistas and spot the neighbouring island of Zakynthos. From pretty Pastra you start down toward the coast. Then opt for an extra short loop via the seaside resort of Skala, if you fancy a bit of beach time or a chance to marvel at mosaics from a Roman villa. The shorter route runs directly over to Katelios, a picturesque fishing village with an interesting sea turtle information centre. Passing an area spared in the dramatic 1953 earthquake, you glide happily back to Mousata.

Challenge: 48 - 56 km / 30 - 35 mi, 600 / 700 m ascent, 600 / 700 m descent

Cycle a cinematic panorama along the Bay of Argostoli the famous vista point overlooking Myrtos Beach. Stop along the way for a few fun pics of the village where film character Pelagia lived (played by Penelope Cruz in the movie ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’). From Myrtos Beach you cross the island bearing gradually south to emerge on the other side. The final slow descent dips down to the idyllic fishing village of Agis Efimia, where red-roofed white houses run right down to the water and local boats moor along the beach promenade.

Challenge: 46 km / 28,5 mi, 500 m ascent, 600 m descent

Today you take it easy, riding a lovely loop from Agia Efimia. Glide down to Karavomilos Bay and do a different sort of pedalling, in a little ‘kaiki’ boat on sky-blue Lake Melissani. Rolling among olive groves and vineyards you cycle uphill to the authentic villages of Poulata and Chaliotata, where you can savour an aromatic Greek coffee at a local café. On the section to Sami, stop off to see the dramatic formations which adorn huge natural cupulas at Drogarati Caves.

Still feeling energetic? Then opt for the extra loop to a perfect line of pristine sand edged with turquoise: Andisamos Beach. You’ll have to cycle 150m in ascent and descent, just the right amount to warm you up for a swim! This impossibly beautiful site was also a backdrop for scenes from the 2001 film 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin'. Since you certainly can just not get enough of splendid coastlines, the last section runs back along the Bay of Karavomilos to Agia Efimia.

Challenge: max. 35 km / 22 mi, max. 450 m ascent, max. 450 m descent

Get ready as today’s route is without a doubt the most impressive of your entire journey. Strike off cycling north to the tip top of the island and the fanciful fishing village of Fiscardo. Passing the Assos Peninsula, you can opt for a detour west to see its sturdy fortress. Then you take a cyclist’s dream of a road thrilling to stunning views from the clifftops. Pretty Fiscardo, the island’s darling, owes it claim to fame not just to its beauty, but also to its enormous good fortune being the only Kefalonian village to survive the 1953 earthquake. Here you have yet another film setting surrounded by dense cypress forests. Your return route goes via the east coast through a complete contrast of barren landscapes, tiny remote villages and -of course- absolute gob-smacking views to the island of Ithaka.

You may shorten the trip with 20 km in case you don’t drive all the way up to Fiscardo.

Challenge: 61 - 41 km / 38 - 25,5 mi, 1000 / 700 m ascent, 1000 / 700 m descent

It’s a demanding last day of cycling on Kefalonia and what a way to end the week! Take the coast road to Karavomilos then cycle up and up, winding among olive groves and vineyards to the authentic villages of Poulata and Chaliotata, with supreme views to the island of Sami.

Next a tough climb surges up to the col below Mt. Aenos, followed by an exhilarating descent into the Valley of Omala, Kefalonia’s chief wine-producing area. The internationally acclaimed Robola white wine is born here. Visit the local vintners’ coop to see how it’s made . . . and how it tastes! Be sure to stop in next door at the Monastery Agios Gerasimos. It’s beloved cathedral is the island’s main centre for the Greek Orthodox faith. Rolling down from Omala you come upon yet another fabulous lookout, the Byzantine Castle of St George.

Challenge: 43 km / 26,5 mi, 800 m ascent, 800 m descent

Plan for an early morning visit the local archaeological museum or relax with a coffee on the lively town square. A transfer is included from your hotel back to the airport.