/ Ilaria Cubalchini / to cycle
The most beautiful Greek islands to explore by bike and barge
The islands of Greece are scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas like fragments of an ancient mosaic, each with its own character, light, and captivating scents. There are over 6,000 islands and islets, only a few hundred of which are inhabited, and choosing where to start is never easy! From the countless Cyclades, passing through the Saronic Islands just a short ferry ride from Athens, all the way to the lush Ionian Islands: every archipelago has a personality all its own. And then there’s Greek cuisine, with its delicious traditional dishes that are, in themselves, a great reason to go. If you love island hopping by bike, you might also want to explore the most beautiful islands of Croatia — a similarly stunning destination for a bike and barge holiday. At Girolibero, we take you to explore these islands from a different perspective: here are our favorites to discover with an island-hopping bike and barge tour!
The Cyclades Islands, an archipelago waiting to be discovered
The Cyclades are an archipelago of over 200 islands, each with its own unique world of olive trees, small monasteries, fishing villages, and a warmth that immediately puts you at ease. Sifnos is home to perhaps the best-preserved Cycladic architecture: a continuous stretch of white houses alternating with churches and chapels, in a maze of cobblestone paths with sudden openings onto the surrounding vistas. Milos surprises with its catacombs (among the most important in the world) and with Tripiti, the site where the famous Venus was discovered, now on display at the Louvre. On Naxos, one of the most fertile islands in the Cyclades, legend has it that Zeus grew up there. Then there are Kythnos, famous since ancient times for its cheese and honey production; Serifos, with its deep valleys and dreamy beaches far from mass tourism; Syros, with its colorful houses and small coves; and Kea, with the natural harbor of Korissia and the white-sand beach of Otzias.
Discover the Cyclades and Saronic Islands
The Saronic Islands, through scents and history
Visiting the islands of the Saronic Gulf (also known as the Gulf of Aegina) means taking a journey through 5,000 years of Greek history, where Venetians, Romans, and others have left their mark. The main attractions of these islands are their scents: pomegranates, orange groves, pistachios, and spices greet every visitor. Poros, considered in ancient times to be the island of Poseidon, is home to the stunning Russian Bay with its turquoise waters. Spetses, dubbed “the spice island” by the Venetians, enchants visitors with its historic center. Among the most unique is Hydra, where cars are banned and about 500 donkeys remain the sole means of transportation to this day, lending the island a rare authenticity amid white cottages, vibrant bougainvillea, and narrow streets. Aegina completes the circle with its pistachios (considered among the best in the world!), horse-drawn carriages, and the majestic Temple of Aphaia — a true delight for the eyes and the palate. Discover it all with a bike-and-boat trip between Athens and the Gulf of Aegina, sailing from island to island.
The Ionian Islands, lands of myths and legends
The Ionian Islands, off the western coast of Greece, are a land of myths and legends, where pristine nature, turquoise waters, and coastlines lapped by the sparkling Ionian Sea reign supreme. Kefalonia, the largest of the group, enchants at first sight: rugged coastlines, the port of Fiskardo, and the Melissani Cave, with its millennia-old stalactites reflecting in an underground lake. Then there is Ithaca, the island of Ulysses, with its many gnarled olive trees, crystal-clear waters, and islanders of extraordinary hospitality. Meganisi looks like a painting: olive and pine trees dominate the landscape, the coastline is jagged like a fjord, and the picturesque villages can be counted on one hand. Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian Islands, still bears the marks of Byzantine, Venetian, and British rule, and in the evening, the taverns of Gaios offer a warm welcome. On Corfu, the Corfu Trail is one of Greece’s most famous hiking routes, winding through unspoiled landscapes, picturesque villages, and ancient monasteries all the way to the stunning white-sand beaches of the south. And then there are Lefkada, Missolonghi, Zakynthos, and many others. On the Gulf of Corinth and Ionian Islands cruise, you can discover many of these islands — one by one, at your own pace. Hop on board and discover the Ionian islands.
If you can’t wait to explore the Greek islands, check out our bike-and-boat tours that take you from one island to the next. Ionian Islands Bike and Barge self-guided or guided girolibero.com Athens and the Gulf of Aegina Bike and Barge guided girolibero.com Cyclades Islands Bike and Barge guided girolibero.com Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Islands Bike and Barge guided girolibero.com Ionian Islands for families Bike and Barge guided girolibero.com5 Travel tips
