8 Day Self-Guided Eastern Crete Cycling Tour in Greece

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - Heraklion

Arrival is at Heraklion Airport or port, and upon request, Greece by Bike can transfer you to your hotel. You have the day free to explore the city at will, perhaps visiting the famous Koules Castle dominating the port, or the Archaeological Museum. Heraklion is the largest city on Crete and the provincial capital. It has over 3,000 years of history, and you will leave wishing you had spent more time in its ancient lanes. Delivery of your bicycles and equipment takes place during the evening, and you spend the night in Heraklion.

Day 2: Heraklion - Knossos - Ano Hersonissos or Koutouloufari

Today you start your cycling trip and very soon arrive at Knossos. Not only the largest and most important of the Cretan archaeological sites, but also the greatest expression of Minoan architecture known to humanity, Knossos is an integral part of European history and is known as Europe’s oldest city. Once there, you can visit the Minoan Palace and the surrounding remains dating from 2000 to 1400 BC. You continue your ride and stop at the Cretan Aquarium, where you can experience the Mediterranean marine world with its hundreds of fascinating species. Finally, you arrive in either Ano Hersonissos or Koutouloufari, two traditional Cretan villages that, although having some tourism, have managed to retain their authentic character.

• Distance: 37 kilometers / 23 miles
• Elevation: 430 meters / 1,411 feet

Day 3: Ano Hersonissos or Koutouloufari - Agios Nikolaos

Get ready for a day in the saddle. Traveling through spectacular mountain scenery, you will pass traditional villages like Vrahasi, where time has stood still, before descending to Agios Nikolaos, the picturesque capital of Lasithi. On the way, you can visit the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli, where you can taste traditionally produced olive oil, visit the olive museum, and see an original olive mill from 1865. Upon arrival in Agios Nikolaos, you can walk around the lake, stroll around the old port, and explore one of the loveliest towns in eastern Crete.

• Distance: 41 kilometers / 25.5 miles
• Elevation: 591 meters / 1,939 feet

Day 4: Agios Nikolaos - Ierapetra

Today you begin your cycling ride following the coast and then winding your way through olive groves, eventually reaching your destination in Ierapetra, an important town on the southeastern Cretan coast. Swim at one of the golden beaches you pass, or continue into the town center with its cafés and restaurants.

• Distance: 37 kilometers / 23 miles
• Elevation: 462 meters / 1,516 feet

Day 5: Ierapetra - Tsoutsouros

This is your longest day and highest climb. However, there are so many amazing places along the way that you will find yourself stopping regularly, with plenty of good excuses for a short rest. You will have a great day. The route is mainly coastal and passes through beautiful villages such as Myrtos, Tertsa, and Keratokambos, eventually ending in the tranquil town of Tsoutsouros. This day is a mixture of coastal landscapes, picturesque villages, and quiet roads.

• Distance: 57 kilometers / 35.4 miles
• Elevation: 860 meters / 2,822 feet

Day 6: Tsoutsouros - Phaistos - Agia Galini

You will start the day with a transfer by vehicle to an altitude of 500 meters in the mountains and, optionally, a few kilometers closer to the final destination at Mesochori. Stronger cyclists can start earlier, adding an extra eight kilometers to the day’s ride. Otherwise, you can begin after the transfer for a gentler start. You will ride among olive trees on the plateau and pass through small villages before reaching the highlight of the day, the Palace of Phaistos, a Bronze Age archaeological site of major importance. Continuing your journey, you will arrive in Agia Galini, a small seaside town on the hilly Cretan coast.

• Distance: 65 kilometers / 40.4 miles or 73 kilometers / 45.4 miles
• Elevation: 620 meters / 2,034 feet or 740 meters / 2,428 feet

Day 7: Agia Galini - Rethymno

This is the last day on your bicycles. Unless you insist, they will transfer you to one of two mountain villages to avoid a steep 500-meter climb. They will leave you at the summit or take you on to Spili village to shorten the route. Passing through the mountain villages of the Rethymno Province, you will reach the artificial lake Limni ton Potamon, meaning Lake of the Rivers. Crossing the dam provides a great opportunity to stop and enjoy the scenery or visit a local taverna.

You then continue to Rethymno, the capital of the province, founded by the Venetians. Wandering through the old town, you will soak up the atmosphere of its noble past. No visit is complete without a walk around the Fortezza, the Venetian-era citadel. Small shops, bars, and tavernas complete the experience, and do not forget to taste the raki once again with Greek meze.

• Distance: 32 kilometers / 19.9 miles or 47 kilometers / 29.2 miles
• Elevation: 585 meters / 1,919 feet or 760 meters / 2,493 feet

Day 8: Departure

Greeks do not like to say goodbye. Instead, they prefer to say “Eis to epanidein,” which means that they hope to see you again sometime.

About the tour

You will begin in Heraklion, the capital, and you will follow the coast passing through Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Palaiochora, and finally Rethymno. On the way, you will visit the most important archaeological sites of Crete, Knossos and Phaestos, the impressive remains of the Minoan civilization, which flourished about 4000 years ago. In addition, you will have the chance to relax by the beach, taste the local food in the numerous tavernas and restaurants, but mostly just immerse yourself in Cretan hospitality.

This tour is of moderate difficulty. It is created for recreational cyclists; however, you must have a standard or good level of fitness to feel comfortable. The daily distance is around 50 kilometers (31.1 miles) and the daily total climb averages no more than 600 meters (1969 feet) except one day (860 meters / 2822 feet). Of course, in case you need help, they provide 24-hour telephone support so they will step in and help.

Bike rental

• Trekking bike: 100 EUR per week
• Road bike: 140 EUR per week
• E-bike: 290 EUR per week
• Τandem: 270 EUR per week
• Helmet: 10 EUR per week
• GPS device upon request: 80 EUR per week