The seven main islands of the Ionian region, called the Eptanissa by the Greeks, stand apart from other Greek islands. Due to the higher than average rainfall, the landscape is rich with lush olive groves and forests filled with pine and cypress trees, unlike the arid rocky terrain common elsewhere.
The combination of mountains, stunning coastlines and fertile interiors make them an attractive proposition for an island hopping tour on two wheels rather than by boat, the more common method of travel between the islands.
A charming weeklong bicycle tour is one that takes in three of the lesser-known islands, starting and ending from Lefkada and taking in Kefalonia and tiny Ithaca on the way.
Greek Island Hopping
Often overlooked by many visitors, Lefkada is a good starting point for a bicycle tour with some easy gradients along the eastern coast. The popular resort of Nidri offers a tranquil yet bustling haven for a first night stop with a wide choice of restaurants overlooking the many smaller islands like private Skorpios owned by the Onassis family.
A tough but optional climb to the famous white church at the top of the island allows a spectacular vista over the many smaller islands beyond. Rest in a mountain taverna before heading back down to windy Vassiliki to catch the ferry to Kefalonia.
Visit Kefalonia
The largest of the Ionian islands, odd shaped Kefalonia covers 781 sq. km and, despite its lack of ancient buildings, most of which were flattened by the 1953 earthquake, is nevertheless awesome due to its rugged beautiful mountains towering over some of the most stunning coastline in the Mediterranean.
Myrtes beach is probably the most dramatic of all in Greece and is unspoilt due to its inaccessibility 500m below the coast road.
Spend two nights on the island and take in the best of the hills and tranquil scenery by cycling from the northern harbour town of trendy Fikardos to Sami, via Myrtes beach and the popular caves of Drogarti and Melissani.
Sami itself is a little disappointing, despite the locals claim to fame (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed there), but the cycle touring in the area is breathtaking from every vista.
Discover Ithaca
Take the ferry from Sami and an entirely different experience awaits on Ithaca, the home of Odysseus. This tiny, narrow, rocky island with an hourglass figure can be cycled from end to end in one day but the cyclist needs to take time to appreciate Ithaca’s magic.
Start at Vathi, the harbour town capital situated at the end of a sheltered horseshoe bay; it has a subtle colonial elegance unlike any other thanks to the Venetians. Stay a night before heading north along the only main road to Frikes via Stavros Those with energy can try the challenging ascent to Mount Neritos, which is rewarded by breathtaking views looking down on Vathi, some 800m below. The ferry from Frikes marks the end of the tour and a celebration back at Nidri.
Best Times for Island Hopping in Greece
Avoid the intense heat of summer due to risks of dehydration.
April - June and Sept - November are ideal.
To get there, fly to Preveza on the mainland and onwards to Lefkada (40 minutes by taxi)
Greek Island Cycle Tour
Whether the goal is to reach the highpoint on every island or just to revel in the tranquillity of the Greek islands, the Ionians offer a charming mix for all abilities of cyclists. Just be sure to practice changing a bike tire before the trip.
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