Overview
A week of self-guided cycling in Corfu is one of the most exciting ways to explore this island idyll, the second largest in the Ionian archipelago. This is a moderate-level cycling holiday, using traditional, mountain or e-bikes, with cycling between 17 and 62km, including a few steep gradients of up to 900m. What’s never tiring is the views, as this small island boasts vast, varied landscapes that include the likes of Mount Pantokrator, Korission Lagoon, famous for its flamingos, and the plateau that dominates the north of Corfu. As well as the UNESCO Old Town of Corfu, and countless beaches for blissful cool downs.
- Old Town of Corfu, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Achilleion Palace
- Korission Lagoon
- Monastery of Theotokos of Paleokastritsa
- Mount Pantokrator (906m)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Corfu Town
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Corfu Town. Briefing with our local representative, either at the airport or at the hotel. Spend some time exploring the charming streets of Corfu Town, also known as Kerkyra, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront.
- Accommodation: Hotel City Marina in Corfu Town or similar
Day 2: Corfu Town – Paramonas | 32km
After breakfast, bicycles will be delivered to the hotel if rented. Begin your cycling journey southwards along the waterfront of Corfu Town, reaching the historic Kanoni Peninsula with its archeological sites and views of Mouse Island. Cross the footbridge to Perama and ascend to Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria. The route then takes you through traditional villages such as Agi Deka, Strongili, and Vouniatades, ending in the Paramonas/Skala area on the west coast, known for its sandy beaches and clear waters.
- Cycling for the day: 30km, ↑570m, ↓550m
- Accommodation: Paramonas Hotel in Paramonas or similar
Day 3: Paramonas circular route | 49km
Cycle south along the east coast, passing small seaside villages such as Boukari and Petriti. After a series of climbs, the route takes you to the picturesque inland villages of South Corfu, with views of the sea on both the east and west coasts. Descend towards Korission Lagoon, a protected area often home to flamingos, and take a break at the sandy Chalikounas Beach for a swim. Visit the remnants of Gardiki Castle before returning to Paramonas.
- Cycling for the day: 49km, ↑720m, ↓720m
- Accommodation: Paramonas Hotel in Paramonas or similar
Day 4: Paramonas – Liapades/Gardelades | 39km
Leaving Paramonas, cycle along the west coast, with spectacular views from the picturesque village of Pentati. Stop for a coffee while enjoying the view, then descend to Agios Gordios Beach for a refreshing swim. Continue inland to the villages of Sinarades, Pelekas, and Vatos. Cross the fertile Ropa Valley and ride through Kanakades before arriving at your accommodation in the Liapades/Gardelades area.
- Cycling for the day: 46km, ↑810m, ↓800m
- Accommodation: Villa Papoulas in Liapades or similar
Day 5: Liapades circular route | 35km
Start the day cycling to Paleokastritsa, where you may visit the historic Monastery of Theotokos. Climb the serpentine road to Lakones, offering stunning views of Paleokastritsa, before continuing to the village of Krini. Here, you can visit Angelokastro Castle, a Byzantine fortress with commanding views of northern Corfu. Follow a quiet mountain road to Vistonas and descend to Doukades before returning to Liapades.
- Cycling for the day: 35km, ↑890m, ↓890m
- Accommodation: Villa Papoulas in Liapades or similar
Day 6: Liapades – Sokraki | 17-57km
Today’s route takes you towards the mountainous region of northern Corfu. Ride through the fertile plains on the southern side of the mountain range to Ano Korakiana. From here, ascend a scenic serpentine road to the hilltop village of Sokraki, known for its charming atmosphere and panoramic views. Opt for a shorter ride or an extended loop that includes the Troumpetas Pass and scenic village roads.
- Cycling for the day: 17km, ↑430m, ↓70m (Optional extra: 40 km, ↑1000m, ↓630m)
- Accommodation: Sokraki Villas in Sokraki or similar
Day 7: Sokraki – Corfu Town | 43-62km
Challenge yourself with an ascent to Mount Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest peak at 917m. After enjoying panoramic views and visiting the monastery on the summit, descend along a scenic mountain road through Spartilas. Pass Ipsos and Agni beaches, perfect for a swim, before returning to Corfu Town. For a shorter option, skip Mount Pantokrator and take a gentler route back to town.
- Cycling for the day: 62m, ↑950m, ↓1400m or 43 km, ↑530m, ↓950m
- Accommodation: Hotel City Marina in Corfu Town or similar
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned 2/3-star hotels and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel City Marina (Corfu Town)
- Paramonas Hotel (Paramonas)
- Villa Papoulas (Liapades)
- Sokraki Villas (Sokraki)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is graded moderate, with cycling distances ranging from 17-62km with steep gradients on some days. The route mainly follows quiet roads (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available from April until October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
The best time for cycling in the region is between April-June when nature is at its best and in September-October, when the seawater temperatures are still pleasant. Summer months are very hot, so we recommend cycling early to avoid the heat.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
Our recommended airport for this tour is Corfu (CFU).
Bus line 15 connects Corfu Town with the airport in both directions. For more information and tickets, visit Corfu City Bus.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights in en-suite rooms
- 7 breakfasts
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Luggage transfer when changing hotels (one piece of luggage per person, maximum 25kg)
- Digital information pack including maps and GPX tracks
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and any additional land transfers; supplement for transfers between 9pm and 8am
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Climate crisis resilience tax (2 – 5eurs per room per night)
- The use of air-conditioning may be charged additionally at the accommodations
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplement
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights in Corfu available on request
- Supplement applies if you arrive/depart between 21:00 h and 08:00 h
- Bike rental
Bike rental
All our bike rentals come fully equipped with the gear you’ll need for a safe and enjoyable adventure. This includes helmets (provided free with each rental), saddles, patch kits, tool kits, pumps, locks, water bottles, maps, and pedals (specific pedals available upon request). If you have specific equipment needs or prefer to bring your own shoes and pedals, just let us know!
Note: Some images shown below may differ, but the quality of the bike will remain the same.
Trekking Bikes
Model: Cube Nature
Bike Details:
The Cube Nature is perfect for both commuting and weekend adventures, offering the freedom to explore comfortably and reliably. It comes equipped with 24 wide-ranging Shimano gears to tackle any route with ease. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes ensure safe stopping in all weather conditions, while the SR Suntour suspension fork smooths out rough road surfaces for added comfort.
Specifications:
- Frame: HPA, High Performance Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour NEX HLO, 63mm, Lockout
- Crankset: Shimano FC-T801
- Cassette: Shimano CS-HG31, 11-34T
E-bikes
Model: Cube Touring Hybrid ONE 500
Details:
The Cube Touring Hybrid ONE 500 is designed for convenience, comfort, and performance. Its classically understated Easy Entry frame integrates a Bosch Performance motor and PowerTube 500 battery seamlessly, making it sleek and efficient. The Efficient Comfort Geometry ensures every ride is enjoyable, while the 63mm suspension fork adds comfort on rough roads. Practical features like a semi-integrated carrier, full-length mudguards, a lighting system, and a kickstand make this e-bike ready for any adventure.
Specifications:
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500
- Motor: Bosch Drive Unit Gen 3 (75Nm) Cruise (250Watt)
- Cassette: Shimano CS-HG201, 11-36T
- Crankset: ACID E-Crank, 40T, 170mm
Mountain Bikes
Model: Cube AIM SL
Bike Details:
The brand-new Cube Aim SL is designed to handle any adventure with confidence. It features 100mm of RockShox Judy Silver TK Coil travel with a lockout mechanism for smooth, controlled riding. Equipped with strong Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, a tapered head tube, and 2.25-inch grippy tires, this bike ensures full control on all terrains. Its wide-ranging Shimano 2×9 gears offer the perfect ratio for any trail. Additionally, the frame includes internal cable routing, allowing for a future dropper post upgrade.
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium Lite, AMF, Double Butted
- Fork: RockShox Judy Silver TK Coil, 100mm, Lockout
- Crankset: Shimano FC-MT101, 36x22T
- Cassette: Shimano CS-HG201, 11-36T
