Overview
Cycling in Kefalonia is an epic way to explore the largest Ionian Island, which has both coastal and mountainous terrain, so it will push you a bit. The rewards are many, however, including an ascent towards Mount Aenos, the tallest mountain at 1,628m, which is protected by a national park of the same name. Based in three different places, for eight days in total, follow trails along Kefalonia’s limestone cliffs, cooling down at blissful beaches such as Myrtos or Antisamos and seeking out ancient sites and a vast array of remote villages. All in all, it feels like a gift from the gods. There is also an option to rent e-bikes.
- Myrtos Beach
- Skala
- Mount Aenos
- Argostoli
- Agia Efimia
- Robola Vines
- Fiskardo
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moussata
Arrive at Kefalonia Airport or bus station where you are met by our driver for a complimentary transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding area by bike or relax by the hotel swimming pool. Moussata is a typical Greek village, nestled between Mount Ainos and the Ionian Sea.
- Accommodation: Diana Studios or similar in Moussata
Day 2: Argostoli loop | 43km
Cycle from Moussata to Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, passing through rural areas and the villages of Keramies, Metaxata and Kourkoumelata. In Argostoli, we recommend a stop at the harbour, where loggerhead sea turtles are often seen during the nesting season (late May to early August). Continue towards the south coast with views of Zakynthos, then cycle to Agios Andreas Monastery before returning to Moussata.
- Cycling for the day: 43km ↑420m ↓420m
- Accommodation: Diana Studios or similar in Moussata
Day 3: Skala loop | 42-50km
Today’s route is circular one, running along the east coast. After Pastra there is the option to make a short detour to a Roman Villa on the outskirts of Skala. Discovered in 1956, the site contains well-preserved mosaics. Alternatively, follow the route to the fishing village of Katelios, where the Environmental and Cultural Centre is worth a visit, especially to find out more sea turtles. From Katelios, cycle back to Moussata for the evening.
- Cycling for the day: 42-50km ↑550m ↓650m
- Accommodation: Diana Studios or similar in Moussata
Day 4: Moussata – Agia Efimia | 49km
Begin along the Bay of Argostoli, heading towards Myrtos Beach. We recommend making a stop at the viewpoint overlooking the beach, known for its steep limestone cliffs, white pebble shore and turquoise waters. From Myrtos Beach, cycle through traditional villages to continue on to the fishing village of Agia Efimia, your base for the next three nights. Agia Efimia is a traditional fishing village with a peaceful harbour to explore.
- Cycling for the day: 49km ↑600m ↓750m
- Accommodation: Poseidon Apartments or similar in Agia Efimia
Day 5: Sami loop | 35km
Head out on a relaxed ride in the area around Agia Efimia, following the coast along Karavomilos Bay to Melissani Lake. We recommend a boat tour on the lake in a traditional kaiki (payable locally). Continue downhill through olive groves and vineyards to Poulata and Chaliotata then, on the way to Sami visit Drogarati Caves, known for their large chambers and formations of stalactites and stalagmites. End the day at Antisamos Beach, one of Kefalonia’s most well-known swimming areas, before pedalling back along the bay to Agia Efimia for the evening.
- Cycling for the day: 35km ↑450m ↓450m
- Accommodation: Poseidon Apartments or similar in Agia Efimia
Day 6: Fiscardo loop | 41/61km
Today is one of the most impressive routes of the tour. Start by cycling towards Assos Castle, one of the largest in Greece, located on a 170m-high rocky hill and enclosed by a 2,000m-long defensive wall. Continue on to Fiscardo, a historic harbour village at the northern tip of the island, surrounded by cypress forest. Here you can opt to detour west to explore the ruined basilica and take in the views. Fiscardo retains its original Venetian architecture and is one of the few villages that survived the 1953 Ionian earthquake largely intact. Return to Agia Efimia via the east coast passing tiny villages with great views.
- Cycling for the day: 41km ↑700m ↓700m or 61km ↑1,000m ↓1,000m
- Accommodation: Poseidon Apartments or similar in Agia Efimia
Day 7: Agia Efimia – Argostoli | 43km
Cycle along the coast to Karavomilos, followed by a long ascent to Mount Aenos. Descend into Omala Valley, the island’s main wine-producing area. Most vineyards and wineries are located near Agios Gerasimos Monastery, located between Fragata and Valsamata. Continue downhill to Argostoli and explore Plateia Valianou, the town’s central square. Continue on to Argostoli for your final night.
- Cycling for the day: 43km ↑800m ↓800m
- Accommodation: Mouikis Hotel in Argostoli
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast, a transfer to Kefalonia Airport is included in your booking.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs 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 natural adventures. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view standard hotels
- Diana Studios (Moussata)
- Poseidon Apartments (Agia Efimia)
- Mouikis Hotel (Argostoli)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse 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 on route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or you can pre-order a packed lunch at your hotel. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your accommodation or restaurants in the village near your hotel.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is graded moderate as it involves cycling in hilly terrain and is suitable for fit and frequent cyclists. Daily distances range between 35-65km, with some steep or prolonged ascents reaching up to 500m. Most cycling is on tarmac, with short unpaved sections around Karavados. In and around Argostoli, some brief sections follow main roads with traffic (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to follow the trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from April to October.
The best time to travel is from June to September when weather conditions are generally stable. Daytime temperatures range from from 22–24C in May and October, rising to 28–32C in July and August. Heatwaves are possible in summer, particularly in August, although there is often a cooling sea breeze along the coast. For more details visit our blog Best time to go to Greece.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Kefalonia Airport (EFL).
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Arrival and departure transfers from/to Kefalonia Airport
- Luggage transfers between accommodations (one piece person, max 20kg)
- Bike delivery to the first accommodation
- Detailed tours materials in digital format (route notes, maps and GPS tracks)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- 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. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights along the route are bookable on request.
Bike rental
Hybrid trekking bike Ideal – KTM with alu frame and 28″ wheels, helmet, lock, pump, puncture repair kit including spare inner tube, rear luggage rack with panniers, bottle holder (no bottle).
E-bike with alu frame and 28″ wheels, helmet, lock, pump, puncture repair kit including spare inner tube, rear luggage rack with panniers, bottle holder (no bottle).
