​A challenging ride to the Byzantine castle at Angelokastro . . . . 

​

You wake up to the sounds of Arillas getting moving in the morning, the faint bark of a dog in the distance and maybe the call of the melon man plying his fare. Out of bed, open the blinds and it's another warm sunny day in the offing.



Get dressed, maybe a quick dip in the pool to wake up and then off for breakfast in the hotel or one of the cafe's in and around the village. Perhaps a ride down to the beach for coffee and a snack at George's on the seafront.

The group has agreed to meet on the seafront at 10am so you check your bike over, apply sunscreen and head off to meet everyone. The usual morning banter ensues and the bike maintenance/repair, by committee, is always good for a laugh.



Finally, by 10.15am everyone is assembled for the days outing of 35km to the Byzantine castle of Angelokastro. Your guide checks the bikes and makes sure that pumps, spare tubes etc. haven't been forgotten and makes sure that everyone has enough to drink on the ride.



The group heads off over the hill between Arillas and Agios Georgios and onto the beach road that runs along the long expanse of beach.  Time for a brief stop and an ice-cream on the beach before heading up and round the hairpin bends to the top of the hillside that has stunning views back towards Agios Georgios. From the top of the hill, its a quick ride down to Makrades for a well deserved lunch stop and a chance to have a look round the olive press museum.



From Makrades, its an easy ride to the small village of Krini where we approach the castle on the cliff top called Angelokastro. Riding down to the base of the castle, we leave our bikes in the car park next to the taverna and hike up the well-worn steps to the castle ramparts. The view from here is simply stunning and cameras are clicking everywhere. Looking down towards Paleokastritsa is probably one of the most beautiful views you will ever see and it is worth spending some time to enjoy it. It's then back down the steps to the taverna for a coffee, cold drink or to recharge the drinks bottles.



Next, we ride back up the fairly difficult winding road back to Krini and Makrades and over the hill to Vistonas where we head inland along the ridge towards Troumpetta. The views are stunning with the north of Corfu to the left and the Plain of Roper with Corfu Town in the distance to the right.

​

From Troumpetta it's an easy ride, mostly downwards through Agros and Dafni with the final run down to Arillas. 



It's then back to our hotel/apartment for a relaxing swim in the pool and a freshen up before meeting up again for early evening drinks in the bar, followed by an extremely well deserved evening meal in one of the excellent tavernas and restaurants in Arillas.



Eventually, it's off to bed for a good night's sleep.