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Cycle Routes |
Effort Rating - Challenging
The Pantokrator Challenge...
If you are a keen cyclist who likes the feeling of satisfaction that a good hill climb gives you, then the Pantokrator Challenge is for you.
Mount Pantokrator is the highest mountain on Corfu and is located on the North-East of the island, approximately 40km from Arillas. Depending on the information source, the summit of the mountain is said to be between 900m to over 1000m. At the top of the mountain is a 'welcome to the summit' sign which gives the summit height as 917m and this tallies with our GPS. From the summit there are wonderful, panoramic views over the whole of Corfu, as well as views across to Albania which lies a short distance from the island.
Leaving Arillas early in the morning, cycle the GPS route to Acharavi for a good breakfast at one of the many taverna's along the sea front or main street. When you are ready, go down to the beach for your start at zero metres.
Route from Arillas to Acharavi
Download the route for your GPS
Acharavi to
Pantokrator Summit
From a start on the beach in Acharavi, follow signs to Lafki and Pantokrator or, alternatively follow our GPS route.The road winds its way through the foothills and upwards towards the top round a series of hairpin bends. At the village of Lafki you should stop for refreshments at one of the tavernas before continuing.
NOTE: The climb becomes slightly easier after you have reached Lafki.
Turn
left at Petalia onto the narrow lane leading to the Pantokrator summit and put
on some warmer clothing if necessary. The road to the summit is rolling but very
steep on the last section.
When you reach the summit there is a small tourist café which you will find most welcome. At the summit you will see the obvious telecommunications station and less obvious monastery. The first monastery on the site was Angevin which was built in 1347 but then destroyed sometime around 1537. The current church on the site dates from around 1689, with the current facade built during the 19th century.
Route from Acharavi to Pantokrator
Download the route for your GPS
The return trip to Acharavi is a very enjoyable freewheel for the most part and then its back along the route to Arillas for a well deserved meal in one of the tavernas.
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