Overview
Discover by bike the island of Kefalonia (Cephalonia), the largest and most enticing of the Ionian Islands off Greece’s western coast. Breathtaking mountains, Mediterranean oak forests and vineyards, mysterious caves, lovely beaches and dizzyingly high cliffs dropping down to glittering azure seas invite endless exploration.
You will spend the first three nights of your 8-day cycling on Kefalonia island in Moussata, a charming village located on the southern slope of Mt. Ainos, following by three nights in the lovely idyllic Agia Efimia on the east coast of the island. The last night is in Argostoli, the lively capital of Kefalonia, where you may encounter the local philharmonic orchestra playing traditional Ionian Island songs.
- Myrtos Beach
- Mount Aenos
- Countless villages (said to be 365)
- The lively town square of Argostoli
- Vineyards of unique Robola Vines
- Rural landscape in the North
- The beautiful village of Fiskardo
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mousata
When you arrive at Kefalonia airport or bus station, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Time permitting, afternoon cycle trip in the hotel’s vicinity or relax at the swimming pool.
- Accommodation (Days 1-3): Felix Residence in Mousata (optional upgrade: Leivatho Hotel****)
Day 2: Loop Ride to Argostoli | 43km
The trip today begins with cycling to Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. On your way to Argostoli, pedal through the rural landscape scattered with characteristic villages like Keramies, Metaxata and Kourkoumetata. Once in Argostoli, relax on a seaside terrace with a typical Greek frappé. In the harbour, you will be able to see loggerhead sea turtles laying their eggs in the warm sand of the island’s beaches. The season begins in late May or late June, and nesting continues until early August. Enjoy some splendid views to the south coast and Zakynthos before pedalling to Agios Andreas’ Monastery and back to Mousata.
- Cycling for the day: 43km ↑420m ↓420m
Day 3: Loop Ride to Skala | 42-50km
Today’s trip takes you along the east coast. It is well worth making a short detour to explore the Roman Villa, situated on Skala’s outskirts. The roman mansion was discovered during excavations in 1956 and is famous for its remarkably well-preserved mosaics. The shorter route takes you directly to the picturesque fishing village Katelios to visit the Sea turtle information centre. From Katelios you cycle back to Mousata.
- Cycling for the day: 42-50km ↑550m ↓650m
Day 4: Karavados to Agia Efimia | 49km
Today you ride the scenic route along the Bay of Argostoli. On your way to the most iconic beach in Kefalonia – Myrtos Beach, make sure to stop at the famous viewpoint to enjoy the dramatic view. These marvellous limestone cliffs steep down to the bright white sand made by millions of white small pebbles, and the turquoise water. From Myrtos Beach, continue to the idyllic fishing village Agis Efimia and your accommodation for the next three nights.
- Cycling for the day: 49km ↑600m ↓750m
- Accommodation (Days 4-6): Poseidon Apartments in Agia Efimia
Day 5: Loop Ride to Sami | 35km
Spend the day cycling in the surroundings of Agia Efimia. Ride along Karavomilos Bay and visit Melissani Lake. Hop on a small boat called kaiki and pedal on the sky-blue lake (not included) – the water is so clear the boats look like they are floating on air. Cycle downhill to Poulata and Chaliotata past olive groves and vineyards and visit the Drogarati Caves with its remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Relax at the lovely Antisamos Beach, arguably one of the most favourable destinations for swimming and sunbathing in Kefalonia.
- Cycling for the day: 35km ↑450m ↓450m
Day 6: Loop Ride to Fiscardo | 41-61km
Today’s route will be the most impressive one. Cycle to the Assos Castle, one of the largest in Greece, standing on the top of a 170m high rocky hill and protected by a 2,000m long wall. Optional detour to Assos. Ride to the historic harbour village of Fiscardo, situated at the northern tip of the island, and surrounded by a dense wood of cypresses. The village retains much of its original Venetian architecture, making it undeniably the island’s prettiest village.
- Cycling for the day: 41-61km ↑700-1,000m ↓700-1,000m
Day 7: Agia Efimia to Argostoli | 43km
Easy cycling along the coast to Karavomilos followed by a demanding climb to the saddle of Mount Aenos. Descend to the valley Omala, the island’s primary wine region. Most vineyards and wineries are clustered around St. Gerasimos. Visit the monastery founded by Saint Gerasimos, the protector saint of Kefalonia, situated near Fragata and Valsamata. From Omala you cycle downhill to Argostoli. Visit the large and pleasant square, Plateia Valianou, where locals come to chat and eat at the many restaurants, and musicians stroll the streets singing kantades accompanied by guitar and mandolin.
- Cycling for the day: 43km ↑800m ↓800m
- Accommodation: Hotel Mouikis in Argostoli (optional upgrade: Kefalonia Grand Hotel)
Day 8: Departure
On your departure day, you may have time to visit the archaeological museum of Argostoli. Departure transfer to the airport.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in nice 2/3-star hotels (optional upgrade) in double or twin private en-suite rooms. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view standard hotels
- Felix Residence in Mousata
- Poseidon Apartments in Agia Efimia
- Hotel Mouikis in Argostoli
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a property of equal standard. We will provide full accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
- Leivatho Hotel**** in Avithos
- Kefalonia Grand Hotel**** in Argostoli
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a property of equal standard. We will provide full accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis. Picnic lunches are optional at an extra charge and can be ordered locally, or products for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some days, you have the option of having your lunch in the local taverns along the way. You can have dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurants.
Difficulty and terrain
Biking in hilly areas for the fit and frequent cyclist. The daily distances vary between 35 and 65 km, but you will encounter some steep or extended climbs up to 500 m. You will be cycling mostly on tarmac, some short distances on unpaved roads (only around Karavados). In and around Argostoli some short sections on major traffic roads (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the path through the 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.
When to go
This trip is available from May until end-October. In the summer months, it gets very hot, especially in August, though there is always a sea breeze.
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.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Kefalonia (EFL).
Inclusions
Included
- 3 overnights in Mousata
- 1 night in Argostoli
- 3 overnights in Agia Efimia
- 7 breakfasts
- Arrival and departure transfers from/to Kefalonia Airport
- Luggage transfer when changing hotels (one piece of luggage per person, max 20 kg)
- Bicycle delivery at first accommodation if renting bikes from us
- Detailed digital holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the info pack is emailed to you before departure and no printed documents are mailed or provided on-site.
- 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 on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- Single room supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- 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)
- Twin rooms available upon request
- Bike & e-bike rentals
- Upgrade to 4-star hotels in Avithos (Days 1-3) and Argostoli (Day 7) – rates may vary and will be confirmed upon request
- Extra nights are available upon request
Rental Bikes
- Hybrid trekking bike Ideal – KTM with alum frame and 28″ wheels, helmet, lock, pump, puncture repair kit including spare inner tube, rear luggage rack with panniers, bottle holder (no bottle), computer.
- E-bike with alum frame and 28″ wheels, helmet, lock, pump, puncture repair kit including spare inner tube, rear luggage rack with panniers, bottle holder (no bottle), computer.
Gallery
