Shore Excursions In Corfu: Mountain Biking And Mouse Island | Travel Research Online

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Shore Excursions In Corfu: Mountain Biking And Mouse Island

There are few things that can beat biking with friends, whether old ones or new ones. When the weather is good, as it always seems to be in Corfu, and you add that gorgeous island landscape into the mix, you have a day that feels like you’re pedaling through paradise — and indeed that’s how I felt as we pedaled well-maintained bikes along roads without a lot of traffic.

We cycled up and down easy-rolling hills. © 2014 Avid Travel Media
We cycled up and down easy-rolling hills. © 2014 Avid Travel Media

With a group of 8 others, I pedaled past the gorgeous country side, old olive groves, and ancient towns. The weather, even in early November, was sunny and warm. We started our ride in Dassia, where we were outfitted with well-functioning bikes, helmets, and water.

Exhilarating downhills. © 2014 Avid Travel Media
Exhilarating downhills. © 2014 Avid Travel Media

Along the backroads, our guide informed us about what we were seeing, including the picturesque village of San Marcos. This old Venetian settlement has carefully restored stone houses and a Byzantine chapel. We continued on to Ano Korakiana, one of the most colorful villages in Corfu, where we stopped at a traditional bakery for a taste of old-style bread.

Pedaling on, we reached the foothills of Mount Pantokrator for stunning views of the island’s inner plains. Next came Kato Korakiana, where we stopped for refreshments and fresh fruit before returning to Dassia by way of the coastal road. This was a really fun way to spend a day and to meet new people who enjoyed being outdoors and getting a little exercise.

 

Feeling good after a great ride in Corfu. © 2014 Avid Travel Media
Feeling good after a great ride in Corfu. © 2014 Avid Travel Media

The locals told us we could not say we had visited Corfu until we had at least gazed upon Mouse Island. They claimed that the cute little island was synonymous with Corfu. With some imagination it’s easy to see how the island got its name: The white staircase that leads to the monastery resembles a mouse’s tail, at least from our vantage point, where this picture was taken.

Mouse Island in Corfu. © 2014 Avid Travel Media
Mouse Island in Corfu. © 2014 Avid Travel Media

You can travel by boat to get to Mouse Island, but we only had time to admire the island from the shoreline. Travelers who have been there highly recommend it, however. For us, next time.


An avid traveler and an award-winning journalist, Ralph Grizzle produces articles, video and photos that are inspiring and informative, personal and passionate. A journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ralph has specialized in travel writing for more than two decades. To read more cruise and port reviews by Ralph Grizzle, visit his website at www.avidcruiser.com.

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