Lots of tourists come to Zakynthos and huddle along the northern beaches. Few venture into the green mountainous area which is almost half the island. Cyclists choosing this tour desire serene, uncrowded roads with magnificent panoramas of the island and surrounding sea. This area of Zakynthos is green, green, green with the aromatic smells of pristine nature.

To avoid the toughest climbs, a bus deposits us some 500 meters high to the adorable mountain village of Agios Leon. We'll linger a little to set up our bicycles, and meanwhile have a cool frappe at a kafeneion. We then plunge westward along a mountain ridge that takes us through several other traditional mountain villages. The views on this ride are simply stunning. Eventually, after about 20 km, we'll reach the most northern tip of the island, Cape Skinari, where we'll hop off our bikes and take a small boat to the dazzling Blue Cave.

Lunch is by the sea in a traditional fish taverna. From Cape Skinari, we'll pedal along the coast which promises dazzling views of emerald, jade and turquoise waters. After today's cycling, you can boast that you have seen the untouched areas of Zakythos the natural way - by bicycle.