Ionian Islands Bike & Boat

Head to the west of Greece for a leisurely, bike and boat cycling holiday around the Ionian Islands, from Corfu down through the Ionian Sea to Kefalonia and back. Along the way moor in picture-perfect ports, enjoy wonderful cycle trips along quiet lanes to charming villages and stunning beaches. Discover delightful, hidden corners of old Greece on the islands of Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Paxos.

Your home for your Greek odyssey is the charming two-masted Panagiota, with her sun deck, shaded rear deck, spacious saloon and en suite, air conditioned cabins. Her friendly crew include cycle guides and a cook who’ll create tasty Greek specialities for you to enjoy on board after a day in the saddle.

Ionian Islands Bike & BoatPanagiota - your home for the week

Each day tends to consist of either a cruise, followed by a guided cycle ride or the other way round. The highlights of this wonderful adventure are many and varied but stand-outs include the challenging but scenic ride from Nidri to Lefkas followed by a refreshing swim from the boat at a secluded beach, spending the night moored in the charming, colourful little port of Fiskardo on Kefalonia, cycling through mythical and unspoilt Ithaca and al-freso dining on board the Panagiota with a cold glass of something nice, watching the sun sink slowly into the Ionian.

You’ll cycle a total of 125-odd miles during the trip over varied terrain. Each island is different, but they all include some hills so a fair level of fitness is required to enjoy this holiday. As well as regular bikes, e-bikes are also available and will take the sting out of the climbs but numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Ionian Islands Bike & Boat

Head to the west of Greece for a leisurely, bike and boat cycling holiday around the Ionian Islands, from Corfu down through the Ionian Sea to Kefalonia and back. Along the way moor in picture-perfect ports, enjoy wonderful cycle trips along quiet lanes to charming villages and stunning beaches. Discover delightful, hidden corners of old Greece on the islands of Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Paxos.

Your home for your Greek odyssey is the charming two-masted Panagiota, with her sun deck, shaded rear deck, spacious saloon and en suite, air conditioned cabins. Her friendly crew include cycle guides and a cook who’ll create tasty Greek specialities for you to enjoy on board after a day in the saddle.

Ionian Islands Bike & BoatPanagiota - your home for the week

Each day tends to consist of either a cruise, followed by a guided cycle ride or the other way round. The highlights of this wonderful adventure are many and varied but stand-outs include the challenging but scenic ride from Nidri to Lefkas followed by a refreshing swim from the boat at a secluded beach, spending the night moored in the charming, colourful little port of Fiskardo on Kefalonia, cycling through mythical and unspoilt Ithaca and al-freso dining on board the Panagiota with a cold glass of something nice, watching the sun sink slowly into the Ionian.

You’ll cycle a total of 125-odd miles during the trip over varied terrain. Each island is different, but they all include some hills so a fair level of fitness is required to enjoy this holiday. As well as regular bikes, e-bikes are also available and will take the sting out of the climbs but numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Itinerary

You’ll cover a total of 125-odd miles by bike during the trip and cycle over varied terrain. Each island is different, but they are typically quite hilly so a good level of fitness is required to enjoy this holiday. As well as regular bikes, e-bikes are available and will take the sting out of the climbs but numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

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Day 1 : Arrive Corfu town

On arrival in Corfu Town make your way to the harbour and check-in on-board the Panagiota from 2pm. After you’ve settled into your cabin the rest of the day is yours to explore the historic island capital. Later, over a leisurely meal, you can get to know your fellow passengers and hear more about the coming week from the crew and guides. We remain at our mooring in Corfu Town, Marina Gouvia, overnight.

Day 2 : Corfu – Sivota – Parga - Lefkas Island
18 miles/28 kms

After breakfast we slip our moorings and cruise across to the pretty harbour town of Sivota on the Greek mainland. From here our first bike ride leads us on a scenic route south along the coast and across undulating countryside to the picturesque coastal town of Parga. Here we re-board the Panagiota for an enjoyable afternoon cruise to the bustling yachting town of Nidri on the island of Lefkas. After dinner take a wander along the waterfront perhaps stopping at one of the cosy bars for a nightcap.

Day 3 : Lefkas Island
21 miles/35 kms

The day starts with a ride out to a nearby waterfalls where, depending on water levels, you could even take a refreshing morning dip, before heading into the island’s hilly interior. Today’s ride will definitely get the blood pumping but there’s no rush so take your time and stop to admire the marvellous views whenever you please. Climb up past Sivros and then freewheel down to the picturesque harbour town Sivota on the southern coast of Lefkas. Re-board the Panagiota for a short cruise to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia and the pretty town of Fiskardo. We moor for the night at the pretty town quay, lined with colourful, inviting tavernas.

Day 4 : Kefalonia Island
25 miles/39 kms

After breakfast we leave Fiskardo and climb an impressive mountain before setting out with our bikes along the western coasts which offers stunning views over the Assos peninsula and the famous Myrtos beach. We then turn inland and cross the island to visit the caves of Melissani and marvel at the crystal clear blue waters, from a rowing boat. We then re-board the Panagiota in the port town of Sami for a short trip across to the island of Ithaca. We moor for the night in the delightful little town of Vathy.

Day 5 : Island of Ithaca
13 to 17 miles/20 to 28 kms

Ithaca is a real treat – a hilly, beautiful island off the tourist trail that will give you a taste of old Greece. On the easier ride we cycle through ancient olive groves passing some idyllic beaches before meeting the boat at Frikes. If you fancy taking on a true hill-climb then you might like to join the group pedaling to higher elevations from where you can enjoy beautiful views across this sparsely populated island. In the late afternoon we cruise across to the island of Meganisi where we moor for the night in the tiny village of Vathi.

Day 6 : Islands of Meganisi and Paxos
10 miles/17 kms

Today’s ride leads us around the serene and peaceful island of Meganisi where we get a real sense of traditional island life. In Spartochori we take a swim stop at the beach before returning to the Panagiota for a leisurely cruise north to the island of Paxos. We arrive in Gaios a charming town with a natural harbour and moor up for the night.

Day 7 : Paxos Island – Corfu
14 miles/23 kms

Paxos is the smallest of the main Ionian islands and boasts an abundance of pretty olive groves and perfect beaches with crystal clear water. This morning’s ride tours the island stopping at a fantastic beach for a last swim in the warm, blue Ionian. Then it’s back to the boat for an afternoon cruise back to Corfu Town to complete your Ionian odyssey. A farewell dinner on-board at the Panagiota’s home port is always a memorable experience that rounds off the holiday nicely.

Day 8 : Corfu Town - end of trip

After breakfast on-board it’s time to disembark, by 9am, and head for home or your next adventure.

Bikes

Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21-24 speeds. The bikes come equipped with a pannier.

Electric bikes are also available.

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. A very limited number of helmets are available on board and must be pre-booked at the time of booking. It is mandatory to wear a helmet.

Accommodation

Panagiota (comfort)

The Panagiota is a charming, two masted motor yacht with 10 air-conditioned cabins all of which have ensuite shower/wc.

Four of the cabins are located on the above deck with doors that open out to the fresh air. These cabins all have a small (french) double-bed with an additional single bunk above.

Below deck there are six more cabins; two triple cabins have a small (french) double-bed with an additional single bunk above, two triple cabins have a small (french) double-bed with an additional ground level single bed and two double cabins feature a small (french) double bed on its own. All cabins have a mirror and hairdryer.

For safety reasons the cabins cannot be locked. The crew is on the boat 24/7 and controls who comes on board.

Cabin share option for single travellers, subject to availability

Other facilities on board include an attractive and spacious saloon with well-stocked bar where meals are served. Outside there is a sun-deck with plenty of mats for sunbathing. There is also a swim ladder that makes getting back on board after a swim easy.

On-board payments: Cash only accepted, no debit/credit cards.

The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

Getting there

Fly to Corfu Airport and then take a taxi the 2.5kms to Corfu Town harbour where the Panagiota is moored.

Research flights from the UK here

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