Bike and Sail Cruise 2025. Corfu - Athens

Kefalonia is the island of sailors and mountain climbers, Greeks and Venetians, winemakers and travelers. Here stands Enom – the tallest mountain of Ionic islands (1628 m), covered with unique pine trees. Those willing to make a pilgrim tour may get into the Saint Gerasim monastery. There you will find an ancient sycamore tree still standing, said to have been planted by the saint himself. His cave-cell is located under the building of the monastery. Then we shall go for Andrew the First-Called Apostle monastery, the museum with miracle-making icons of Stephano Tsagarol, the Monastery of Saint Crucifixion in Pessado and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary with benches. It is also possible to pop into the local winery, where six kinds of Kefalonian wine are being made out of Robola grape.

Another excursion will go to the famous Drogarati cave with stalactites, stalagmites and unusual acoustics, due to which Maria Kallas and Luchano Povarotti took the floor there once. Then the observation ground above the famous beach Mirtos awaits us, followed by a lunch in the picturesque nearby village of Agia Efimia. Our trip will end with the visit to the underground lake Melissani; the cave that once stood over it was destroyed during an earthquake. Now the lake is exposed to the sun, which creates beautiful light show on the water with colors ranging from sky-blue to intense dark-blue.

BALLENCED ROUTE OPTION

Cycling: ~49 km, circular route.

Route: Argostoli Yacht Marina → Melissani Lake → Return to the ship.

Elevation Gain Total: ~1444m.

Elevation Loss Total: ~1444m.

Estimated moving time: ~2h2min.

This is an optimal ride for non-professional cyclists.

CHALLENGING ROUTE OPTION

Cycling: ~80 km, circular route.

Route: Argostoli Yacht Marina → Melissani Lake → Myrtos Beach → Return to the ship.

Elevation Gain Total: ~900m.

Estimated moving time: ~3h20min.

This is a demanding ride in terms of distance and elevation.

Zakynthos is the only Greek island having international status of the natural wildlife preserve. The island has been called “The flower of Mediterranean East” for its beauty and balmy gardens. Mirror-like waters of Zakynthos may be seen on almost every postcard of Greece.

Yachts floating on the water surface appear to be suspended in the air. It would be a crime to visit and not to swim in this magical place! Once in Zakynthos town, one may go to the National Sea Wildlife Preserve or visit the temple of Saint Dionysus, the local winery and the olive oil pressing factory or walk along the coastal avenue – Strata Marina – the liveliest street in the town, filled with coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Cycling: ~32,5km. Circular route. 

Route: Zakynthos Marina → Gerakas National Park → Return to the ship. 

Elevation: ~353m.

Estimated moving time: ~1h20min.

Katakolo is a gateway for the archaeological site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Adjacent to the port is the sunken ancient city and port of Pheia. 

The small city itself is picturesque and offers a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and shops. And the view to the traditional lighthouse. Try kreokakavos, oktapodi or musaka in Olympia taverns. 

More gastronomy awaits you at the Magna Grecia farm. The property has an olive press museum and offers tastings and full lunches. 

Be sure to visit reconstructed interactive exhibits-replicas of the ancient greek inventions in Museum of Ancient Greek Technology in Olympia. Katakolon also features a similar museum. 

A short distance from the port of Katakolo, there are many diverse beaches, mostly sandy.

Cycling: ~67km, circular route.

Route: Katakolon Marina → Archaeological site of Ancient Olympia → Return to the ship.

Estimated moving time: ~2h40min.

Pylos is built amphitheatrically in the bay of Navarino, where the historic battle took place, and is defined by the Isle Sfaktiria. In Pylos there are many historical and natural attractions. Among them, Paleokastro, Niokastro,the cave of Nestor, the lagoon of Gialova, the bay of ​​Voidokilia - one of the most spectacular beaches and bays of Greece. The impressive ancient trees that dominate the Square of Trion Navarchon, downtown, combined with the breathtaking views of Sfaktiria Island create a separate idyllic atmosphere. Alternatively, you can visit Methoni castle to the south of Pylos. 

Very few towns in Greece gather this many myths.  Hercules, Odyssey, Jason. Trojan War, Argonauts, and Odyssey. Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and Hades. According to Homer, Pylos was the kingdom of Nestor.

Cycling: ~72 km, circular route.

Route: Pylos Marina → Polilymnio Waterfalls → Voidokilia beach → Return to the marina.

Estimated moving time: ~2h58min.

Gytheio is a quiet charming fishing town with authentic architecture and very few tourists. Gytheio is also a base for excursions to legendary Sparta and Mistras.

Fish taverns and beautiful mansions line up the port. Laconia region is famous for its citrus trees, figs, and tomatoes, as well as wine, ouzo, and tsipouro. Try ham in Mani peninsula villages and xoriatiko loukaniko in Sparta, which is a type of sausage. The former is also known for Mani Tower Houses, unique manors which look like fortresses. This place is surrounded by nice beaches. Mavrovouni is the most beautiful and longest beach close to Gytheio, where the sea turtles Caretta-caretta go to lay their eggs in summer.

Cycling: ~71km.

Route: Gytheio Marina → Diros Caves → Back to the marina..

Estimated moving time: ~3 hours.

Alternatively, you can opt for a route to Monemvasia -

132km round trip. 

Nafplio is famous for numerous fortresses, monasteries and the Medieval Old Town. It is a perfect start point to explore ancient Mycenae, Argos and Epidaurus.

Try delicious seafood in restaurants at the sea promenade, or taste trachanas soup and artichokes salad from famous Nafplion artichokes at the seaside taverns. Also you can try tsupuro and other drinks at Karonis distillery in downtown Nafplion. 

Enjoy an abundance of beaches to the south of Nafplio. 

Cycling: ~42km, circular route.

Route: Nafplio Marina → Ancient Mycenae→ Return to the marina.

Estimated moving time: ~1h44min.