Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages

Cor3VL CyclingSelf guided Corfu
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8 DAYS
LEVEL 3

HIGHLIGHTS

 - The Old town of Corfu
 - Cycling through stunning lonely landscapes
 - The olive-groves with the centennial olive trees
 - Beautiful traditional villages
 - Swimming on peaceful beaches with crystalline waters
 - On spring time, discovering the wild indigenous flora

This is an 8-days self-guided cycling adventure on Corfu, an island near the coast of Epirus on the northwestern edge of Greece. Homeland of the legendary Phaeacians where the adventures of Odysseus were finished and his hosts organized finally his return trip to Ithaca. Corfu has not been affected by the earthquakes that devastated the rest of the Ionian Islands; so it preserves almost intact its traditional villages and its medieval main town. Since the 19th century the island has become the favorite destination of people that love the sun, including kings. The empress Elisabeth of Austria and the German emperor Wilhelm enjoyed Corfu's picturesque landscapes and mild weather. Its endless nature offers the ideal conditions for long cycling tours.
- During this holiday, you have the opportunity to explore the biggest part of the island of Corfu at your pace, cycling about 30km to 60km per day, far from the main roads with traffic, following an itinerary mapped on the GPS by our team! We provide a road book and the gpx files of the rides.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome on Corfu!

Arrival on Corfu, transfer to your hotel in Kerkyra, capital of the island. 1 overnight

Day 2: Kerkyra city and Achilleion. Cycling towards the south

Early in the morning, you will meet in your hotel our contact person who will provide you your bicycles, all necessary equipment, maps and answer to your questions. Today you visit Kerkyra, the island's capital. Three thousand years of history! You will discover some of the main highlights of Corfu, such as the district of Kanoni on the ancient acropolis hill with excellent view to Pontikonisi ("Mouse Island") and “Mon Repos”, a former king’s villa. After visiting the small monastery of Vlacherna, you cross the dam that separates the lagoon of Chalkiopoulos from the sea and you continue via secondary roads towards Achilleion, the Lustschloss ("pleasure palace") of empress Elisabeth of Austria, with panoramic view to the city. You continue cycling towards the south, passing several villages, until you arrive at Boukaris, a peaceful small fishing port. 2 nights in Boukaris
- Ride D2, Kerkyra – Achilleion – Boukaris: approx. 33km, ↑630m ↓630m, moderate

Day 3: The hilly landscape and the main villages of the South

During today’s cycling tour you will discover the picturesque south of Corfu. In a hilly landscape surrounded by the sea, you will pass by traditional villages and small fishing ports, visit Lefkimi, a small provincial town with its own character, and reach the southernmost edge of Corfu, Kavos, before you return to Boukaris and your hotel on an alternative road.
- Ride D3, Boukaris – Lefkimi – Kavos – Kritika, circular: approx. 48,5km, ↑745m ↓745m, moderate

Day 4: Cycling along the west coast, between mountain and sea

You leave Boukaris, first cycling along the east coast northwards till Mesoggi. You cross the island from east to west and reach Chalikounas, a sandy beach between the sea and the lagoon of Korissia. Now you are on the west coastal road and go northwards till Agios Gordios. Via a panoramic road that passes by Sinarades, a lively traditional village, you arrive at Ermones. A shorter variant bypasses the lagoon. 3 nights in Ermones
- Ride D5, Boukaris – Chalikounas – Pentati – Sinarades – Ermones: approx. 46km,↑780m ↓780m, moderate or Boukaris – Pentati – Sinarades – Ermones : approx. 39,5km,↑740m ↓705m, moderate

Day 5: From the plain to the mountain: The lonely villages at the foot of Mt Pantokrator

A circular hike in the north-east of the island. Across the plain, olive groves and traditional villages perched on the slopes of the mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the island, the sea and the mainland coast! First, you cross the plain of Ropas; you continue through a hilly landscape, planted with olive trees, and you pass by the villages of Temploni, Poulades, Gazatika and Korakiana to arrive at Ipsos, a seaside resort on the east coast (swimming possible). Passing Agios Markos, you arrive at Ano Korakiana, one of the most beautiful villages of the island, located on the slopes of Mt Koraki. You continue towards Skripero, to return to Ermones by quiet paths. Alternatively, a longer route through the mountain villages is also possible: At Ano Korakiana, a narrow road climbs in several bends to Sokraki, a village located on a pass that overlooks the south and north of the island. Passing Zygos and Sgourades, you continue to Spartilas at the foot of Mt Pantokrator. At Sgourades, the road branches off to the summit and the monastery of Pantokrator. From Spartilas, an extraordinary panorama opens up over the east coast and the city of Kerkyra; a spectacular road descends towards the Sea of Corfu. Shortly before the beach of Ipsos, you take the secondary road to Ano Korakiana, which passes the traditional village of Agios Markos.
- Ride D5, Ermones – Ipsos – Ano Korakiana, circular: approx. 48km, ↑695m ↓695m, moderate or Ermones – Ano Korakiana – Sokraki – Spartilas, circular: approx. 62,5km, ↑1330m ↓1330m, moderate to strenuous

Day 6: In the footsteps of Ulysses; panoramic hike through magnificent landscapes

A circular ride in the northwestern part of the island. You arrive at an area, often identified as a "Homeric landscape", a place described in the Odyssey, where Ulysses escaped from the storm. You cycle on panoramic paths, through magnificent landscapes and beautiful traditional villages. Several chapels, two monasteries, even a castle await you to discover them! And one of the most beautiful panoramas of Corfu. Passing through the beautiful traditional villages of Giannades, Marmaro and Kanakades, you arrive at the main road that connects Kerkyra to Paleokastritsa: You cycle towards Paleokastritsa, to arrive at the junction to Lakones; From here there is the possibility to visit the Monastery of Paleokastritsa (beautiful landscape, interesting monastery, links to Homer's Odyssey, very touristy; 8km, round trip, ↑150m ↓150m). You ride up to Lakones, a traditional village that offers extraordinary views of the small green peninsulas and picturesque coves of Paleokastritsa. The road continues to Makrades, with the possibility of another detour: you can choose the road to Krini and continue to the fortress of Angelokastro, which can be visited; it offers panoramic views (3km, round trip, ↑100 ↓100m). Just before Vistonas, a small, traditional, very beautiful and solitary village, you can make a small detour to a fantastic viewpoint, perhaps the most spectacular on the island: you can see the Bay of Agios Georgios Pagon with its long sandy beach, the peninsula of Porto Timoni with the village of Afionas and in the background the Diapontia islands, the north-western tip of the Greek territory. You cross Vistonas and continue on the ridge of Troumpetas, which offers panoramic views to the south and north. Take a secondary road that goes down to the very beautiful village of Doukades. Shortly before the village, you can make another detour that is worth it, to the chapel of Saint Simeon (fantastic panorama towards the plain, the mountain and the Bay of Liapades, 3km, round trip, ↑100 ↓100m). Crossing the plain of Ropas, you return to Ermones.
- Bike ride D6, Ermones – Lakones – Vistonas, circular: approx. 43.5km, ↑825m ↓825m, moderate - or (with all the detours) Ermones – Paleokastritsa – Lakones – Vistonas, moderate: approx. 56km, ↑1130m ↓1130m, medium

Day 7: The center of the Corfu; through beautiful traditional villages and centuries-old olive groves, from the west coast to Kerkyra

Today you will cross the center of the island towards the east coast: it is a hilly landscape, planted with olive trees, with several traditional villages of particular beauty, each one with its own character and history. You pass through Vatos on the slope of Mount Saint George and Pelekas, located on a small green mountain; you continue towards the traditional villages of Varypatades, Kalafationes, Kouramades and Kastellani, surrounded by centuries-old olive groves. You pass through a shady forest, the villages of Afra and Evropouli, then Potamos and follow its river towards the east coast and the city of Kerkyra. Through side streets and through the traditional and protected neighborhood of Mantouki, a former fishing village facing the harbor, you arrive at the old town, where you started your tour almost a week ago. In the afternoon, there will be time to continue the visit of the city. Overnight in Kerkyra
- Ride D7, Ermones – Kouramades – Afra – Kerkyra: approx. 36.5km, ↑740m ↓776m, moderate

Day 8: Farewell!

Transfer to the airport or holiday's extension
 

CYCLING
- 6 rides of 30km to 60km, moderate
- Visit of the town of Corfu by bicycle and on foot

SERVICES INCLUDED
- Transfers from/to the airport (d1, d8)
- Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
- Bike rental + equipment from d2 to d7 (6 days)
- 7 nights in hotels/guesthouses of ** or ***
- Breakfast
- Road book incl. GPS tracks
- VAT 24%
- Professional liability insurance

NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to/from Greece and Corfu
- Meals other than breakfast
- Personal travel insurance
- Things NOT described at the list with included services

NOTE
According to the season and the availability, modifications can be made, but without altering the character of the tour.

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  • Corfu
 
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
  • Cycling on Corfu: Through olive groves and traditional villages
European Regional Development Fund
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