From sea to sky

To download this route go to cyclist.co.uk/ 125kefalonia or scan the QR code. Take the coast road from Skala north to Poros, skirt the port and follow the blue signs for Argostoli (make sure you research the Greek spelling too). Climb up through the village of Tzanata, then at the main junction turn right, signed Pirgi. Ride on through Agios Nikolaos and Digaleto, then just after kilometre 30 take the sharp left signed Ainos. Follow the road up past the old Nato base to the top of Mount Ainos (around 9km later) and then return the way you came.

Follow signs to Sami, stopping in at Contessina restaurant if you fancy good food and a sea view. Hug the coast, heading north, to Agia Effimia, picking up signs to Argostoli. Just before kilometre 84, take the right signed Mirtos, the steep descent to Myrtos beach (there are lots of different spellings here). Climb back up and follow the coast road 25km south to Argostoli. From here head back east, following signs for Skala on a road that runs through Leivathos, Vlachata and back to where Thomas is still playing backgammon.