CRETE SELF-GUIDED
bike tours on Greece’s largest island
BIKE TOURS EAST TO WEST
HERAKLEION TO HANIA
The East-West route starts in Herakleion in the east and ends in Hania in the west. Choose this route if after the bike tour you want to take one-day hikes in the Samaria Gorge or Imbros Gorge or a multi-day hiking tour along the car-free Libyan Sea coast. Hania is the most convenient departure point for these hikes with a local guide or self-guided.
BIKE TOURS WEST TO EAST
HANIA TO HERAKLEION
The West-East route starts in Hania in the west and ends in Herakleion in the east. Choose this route if you want to go to Santorini after the bike tour because only Herakleion has boats to Santorini. In high season there is also air service. Although the West-East rides cover the same terrain as the East-West rides, the ascents are a bit harder when biking eastward.
With its breathtaking mountains and seascapes, Crete is a dynamic destination for cyclists accustomed to ascents. As Europe’s most southern terrain, Crete makes a desirable cycling destination during winter months when colder temperatures prevail in the rest of Europe.
Due to its extensive road network Crete offers a variety of overnight destinations and cycling road choices, not simply the standard routes we have posted in the East to West or West to East itineraries. We work with you to choose the optimum route for your travel schedule and cycling ability.
Crete was the first civilization on European soil with its ancient Minoan palace cities that you can bike to, such as, Knossos, Phaestos or Malia. There are unheralded ruins of equal interest, such as the mysterious Armeni Minoan cemetery and Fourni in Arhanes. Crete is celebrated for its indigenous cuisine that epitomizes the healthy Mediterranean diet. Look in the Extras tab about signing up for a Cretan cooking class or wine tasting, an ancient tradition extending back to the Minoan era. There are wineries to visit throughout the island.
Before or after your self-guided tour, we recommend booking the Athens Add-on that immerses you in the culture of Athens and the Attica region with exciting activities: Historic Central Athens bike tour (90% traffic free), Acropolis & Acropolis Museum with professional guide, Temple of Poseidon coastal cycling, Attica wine tasting, Temple of Artemis.
Details
| Dates | choose your dates |
| Duration | 7 nights/8 days OR 9 nights/10 days. |
| Add-ons |
yes, Libyan Sea Coast Hiking tour, Athens Day Tours – see Add-On tab |
| Arrival City | Athens or Herakleion or Hania |
| Arrival transfer | yes, depending on Itinerary. For Athens, see Extras tab |
| Tour Start Point | Athens or Herakleion or Hania |
| Tour End Point | Athens or Herakleion or Hania |
| Minimum Age |
18 |
| Total Mileage | For 10 day tour: 307 km, 190 miles between destinations plus 461 km, 286 miles of optional routes within each destination. For 8 day tour: 213 km,132 miles between destinations plus 381 km, 236 miles of optional routes within each destination. |
| Highest Elevation |
890 meters, 2920 feet at Tzermiado (10 days); 711 meters, 2332 feet at Therisos Gorge Loop |
| Rating | Advanced. See Rating System |
Itinerary East to West
Below is the 10 day East-West itinerary starting in Tzermiado and 8 day East-West in red starting in Arhanes. The tour can be adjusted to add or subtract days or substitute overnight destinations, as these examples indicate: Opt to split in half the long 94 km, 58 mile route from Rethymno to Hania by staying at the sea in Georgiopoli or in traditional Vamos village. We strongly recommend opting to stay 2 nights in Hania — Crete’s most romantic city — and cycle the next day up the utterly awesome Therisos Gorge. Lots of possibilities!
If you travel to Crete by sea via an overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens’ port), you will travel with the bikes. If you travel to Crete by air or by sea from a port other than Piraeus, the bikes will be waiting for you in Crete.
Day 1: Tzermiado — starting point for 10 day tour
The Lassithi Plateau, one of the highest farming areas in Greece, once had 20,000 windmills which only several generations ago were still in use, which gives you an idea of how traditional this region is. Today’s ride calls for an ascent of 2283 feet 695 meters to the plateau. 30 km, 18.60 miles. In the afternoon ride the short Lassithi Loop to get a feel of the plateau, stopping at Lassinthos Eco Village and at Diktion Cave. 25 km, 15 miles.
Day 2: Tzermiado
Crete has four Minoan palace cities and one of them, Malia, lies south of Tzermiado at the sea. The famous Malia bee pendant seen in the Herakleion Archaeology Museum comes from this site. It is not a long ride, only 54 km, 32 miles but it has a 3,000 foot descent/ascent to the coast. Stop for lunch in Krasi, known for fresh drinking water springs.
Day 3: Arhanes Start of 8 Day Tour, days are in red. Day 1: Arhanes
Cycle west, over mountain ridges on back roads with goats and donkeys. Listen for the cheery sound of their bells. En route to Arhanes make an optional 4 km detour to the Nikos Katzantzakis Museum, home of the author of Zorba the Greek. In Arhanes, you will admire the traditional architecture of the “arhontiko,” the preserved old villas. Arhanes See the Extras tab for a cooking class or wine tasting. 44 km, 27 miles
For the 8 day tour, depending on your arrival time, the Arhanes Loop is a warm up ride through the region’s wine country. Arhanes is known for its food and wine — see Extras tab for a cooking class or wine tasting. Option for short loop 24.50 km, 15 miles or long loop 46 km, 28.50 miles.
Day 4 Day 2: Arhanes
Bike a back road to reach Knossos, the capital of the peaceful Minoan Empire. Admire King Minos’ throne; a replica was made for the chief judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. 25 km 15 miles To avoid Herakleion’s urban traffic, we recommend taking at taxi or bus from Knossos to Herakleion Archaeology Museum with its famed Minoan frescos and the enigmatic Phaestos disc.
Day 5 Day 3: Zaros
Today you plunge into the interior of central Crete to Zaros located in the Psiloritis Mountains at 1394 feet 425 meters. Zaros is known for its bottled mineral water, fresh trout and the E4 (European) hiking path. En route don’t miss the Monumental Olive Tree at Panasos. Optional afternoon hike in the Rouvas Gorge. 55.52 km, 34.50 miles
Day 6 Day 4: Zaros
Descend south to the sea with many attractions in between. Stop at Gortys, Roman ruins regarded as Europe’s first parliament. Across the street is an olive tree embedded with a Roman column. Swim at Matala beach, famous for its caves that hippies used to sleep in the 60s and 70s. Stop at Phaestos, one of four Minoan palace cities in Crete. 80 km, 49 miles (option to bypass Matala for a shorter ride).
Day 7 Day 5: Rethymno
Back country roads, lots of climbing, breathtaking scenery characterizes on today’s ride. The final destination is Crete’s best kept secret, Rethymno, a Venetian era city with an Ottoman overlay. You must visit the Fortezza, the grand Venetian-era fort overlooking the city. Stroll Rethymno’s car-free alley-like streets or along its fourteen kilometer sandy beach. 73.80 km, 45 miles
Day 8 Day 6: Rethymno
A bike ride into the low portions of the Psiloritis Mountains. Option #1 Melidoni Cave Loop. Cycle up to Melidoni Cave and learn its tragic history. Lunch on the seacoast at Panormos Beach. 65.60 km, 40.70 miles Option #2 Arkadi Loop. Cycle up to Arkadi Loop and learn the tragic history the people there suffered too. En route visit the Homer in Crete museum. Lunch at Margarites village known for its pottery shops using techniques from 2000 years ago. 64.40 km, 40 miles
OPTION. Instead of biking Rethymno to Hania on Day 9/Day 7, add a day to your tour you by stopping halfway between the two cities to over night either at the seaside town of Georgiopoli or in the traditional village of Vamos. Adding an extra day also splits the 84 km ride in half.
Day 9 Day 7: Hania
The ride to Hania passes the Minoan cemetery at Armeni with its fascinating tombs of unknown origin. Halfway en route is the gorgeous sea at Giorgiopoli (Georgetown). Also option to detour to Ancient Aptera and Kouli Fortresss. The final leg entails a climb over Malaxa village at 1500 feet high. 87 km, 54 miles
Day 10 Day 8: Departure
There are daily flights from Hania to Athens Airport, including ones that leave early enough to enable you to make a connecting flight home. Overnight ferries to Piraeus depart at 9:00 pm. Leave your bikes and gear at the hotel.
OPTION Day 10 Day 8: option to stay another night in Hania.
Optional extra day cycling in Hania: Ascend from sea level to 1860 feet through the enchanting Therissos Gorge road. On the way back stop at a family winery for lunch, or visit a delightful botanical park created by two brothers when their cherished olive fields burned down. Stroll Hania’s beautiful harbor with Venetian architecture. Take time for shopping in Hania – handmade knives or gold jewelry. 51 km, 31.60 miles
Itinerary
Below is our standard West to East itinerary, but it can be adjusted to add or subtract days or substitute overnight destinations, as these examples indicate: Opt for additional cycling days with an overnight in charming little Vamos located between Hania and Rethymno. In Vamos, you can experience a traditional Cretan cooking class.. Or spend two nights in Zaros and on the second day, cycle a loop to Roman ruins, the Minoan palace city of Phaestos and seaside Matala made famous by Joni Mitchell in her song Cary. Consider overnight in Axos with engaging agro-tourism activities at Enagron.
If you travel to Crete by sea via an overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens’ port), you will travel with the bikes. If you travel to Crete by air or by sea from a port other than Piraeus, the bikes we will be waiting for you in Crete with a CycleGreece agent. Leave your luggage in the hotels and it will be transferred to your next destination.
Day 1: Hania
On arrival by air or sea, a CycleGreece agent meets you with your bikes. You are in the area of Akrotiri peninsula, so go cycle there! Descend the stone step path to Catholikon, an abandoned monastery. After exploring Akrotiri, take a back road route to enter the city of Hania. Stroll Hania’s beautiful harbor with Venetian architecture. Roam the car-free old city and its Jewish quarter with finely preserved synagogue. 56 km, 35 miles , (13 km shorter when arriving by air)
Day 2: Hania
Ascend from sea level to 1860 feet through the enchanting Therissos Gorge road. On the return route stop at a family winery for lunch and wine tasting, or visit a delightful botanical park created by two brothers when their cherished olive fields burned down. Take time for shopping in Hania for handmade knives and gold jewelry. 51 km, 31.60 miles
Day 3: Rethymno
The halfway point en route to Rethymno is the seaside town of Giorgiopoli (Georgetown) whose most alluring feature is its beautiful beach. If you have time, you might want to take a dip. Start swooning when you reach the old car-free city of Rethymno with its dreamy Venetian-Ottoman appearance. Be sure to walk up to the towering Fortezza fortress. 78 km, 48.50 miles
Instead of biking Hania to Rethymno on Day 3, if you want a shorter “smell the roses” tour and an overnight in a traditional village, you can opt to bike Hania to Vamos and continue the next day to Rethymno. This option allows a detour to Ancient Aptera and Koules Fortress.
Day 4: Rethymno
A bike loop in the lower hills of the Psiloritis Mountains. Visit Melidoni Cave and learn its poignant history. Visit a family owned olive oil farm for olive oil tastings. Visit the ceramics village of Margarites, one of four centers in Crete practicing ancient pottery techniques. Visit a Mycenae-style tomb. Lunch on the seacoast at Panormos. 67.70 km, 42 miles
Day 5: Zaros
Back country roads, lots of climbing, breathtaking scenery characterizes today’s ride. Very little traffic as you head upward and inward into the Psiloritis Mountain region — don’t miss the Monumental Olive Tree in Panasos. This day’s climbing is the specific case where the East to West route is easier. There likely won’t be enough time today to take an hour hike in the Rouvas Gorge, but consider it before you set off tomorrow. 77.20km, 48 miles
Instead of biking Rethymno to Zaros on Day 5, if you want to split up the mileage and visit Spili to enjoy its fountain with water spewing from the mouths of 19 lions heads, you can opt to bike Rethymno to Spili. Continue the next day Spili to Zaros.
If you opt to spend a second night in Zaros, the next day an inviting bike ride awaits you to the Matala caves, Minoan Phaestos and the Roman ruins of Gortyna. 78.50 km, 48 miles
Day 6: Arhanes
After so much climbing, it is now time to descend into lower terrain. Head for Arhanes, a town anyone with taste and class will admire,especially its traditional architecture of the “arhontiko,” the preserved old villas. Located only 15 km south of Herakleion, Arhanes is famous for its local cuisine and wines. See the Extras tab for a cooking class and wine tasting. 49.50 km 30.80 miles
Day 7: Arhanes — end point for 8 day tour
Bike a back road to reach Knossos, the capital of the peace Minoan Empire. Admire King Minos’ throne; a replica was made for the chief judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. 25 km 15 miles by bike but to avoid Herakleion’s urban traffic, we recommend taking at taxi or bus from Knossos to Herakleion Archaeology Museum with its famed Minoan frescos and the enigmatic Phaestos disc. There’s likely time for an afternoon Arhanes loop 24.50 km, 15 miles
Day 8: Tzermiado
Head east, over mountain ridges, cycling on back roads with goats and donkeys. Listen for the cheery sound of their bells. En route make an optional 4 km detour to the Nikos Katzantzakis Museum, home of the author of Zorba the Greek. Tzermiado is the largest village on the Lassithi Plateau, one of the highest farming areas in Greece that once had 20,000 windmills, in use only a generation or so ago. 44 km, 27 miles
Day 9: Tzermiado — end point for 10 day tour
Make a grand loop of the plateau, stopping at Lassinthos Eco Village and at Diktion Cave to marvel at the gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. Cretans believe Zeus was born in this cave. 25 km, 15 miles Consider visiting the Minoan palace city of Malia, if you are up for an almost 3,000 foot descent/ascent to the coast. Stop for lunch in Krasi, known for fresh drinking water springs. 54 km, 32 miles
Day 10: Departure
A thrilling descent of 2283 feet 695 meters from the mountainous Lassithi region to the coastal areas near Herakleion. A CycleGreece agent meets you at the end of the ride to transfer you to either your Herakelion hotel or the airport or the port, depending on your itinerary. Leave the bikes with the agent.
There are daily flights from Hania to Athens Airport, including ones that leave early enough to enable you to make a connecting flight home. Overnight ferries to Piraeus depart at 9:00 pm. Leave your bikes and gear at the hotel.
5 nights Guided Libyan Sea Coast Hiking Add-On
Day 1: Omalos Afternoon one hour transfer from Hania to Omalos, the entry to Samaria Gorge.
Day 2 Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli
A steep wooden staircase takes us to the beginning of the astounding Samaria Gorge, said to be Europe’s longest gorge. A descent through this national park may well be the highlight of your trip. Wildlife unseen elsewhere, cold fresh water mountain springs, narrow cliff walls 3 meters (10 feet) wide in places and the abandoned Samaria village are a few of the marvels that make this ravine Crete’s most beloved hiking trail. 18 km, 11 miles. 4-5 hours walking
Day 3: Loutro
We hike from Agia Roumeli to Loutro, two towns accessible only by foot or boat. At Agia Pavlos we stop to swim, get a bite to eat, jump off the big boulder into the sea, and inspect St. Pauls’ pastel pink Byzantine church. As a car-free village on the sea, Loutro is very quiet and serene. 10 km, 6.2 miles, 5 hours.
Day 4: Loutro
We hike the glorious Aradena Gorge, finishing at Marmara Beach with a sea transfer back to Loutro. It is one of Crete’s most deepest gorges reaching 140 meters, 460 feet in depth with nearly vertical limestone and dolomite walls in many places. 14.50 km, 9 miles
Day 5: Hora Sfakia
Hike Loutro to Hora Sfakia town with pit stop at Sweetwater for a swim in the springs. 7.5 km, 4.6 miles. Visit to Frankocastello Castel. Dinner at local taverna
Day 6: depart
Ascend Imbros Gorge 6 km, 3.8 miles, then transfer to Hania Hania where the tour ends. Dinner on your own.
Cost
1860 euros per person for 1-2 persons based on double occupancy
1600 euros per person for 3-4 persons.based on double occupancy
400 euros single supplement
Inclusions
- 5 nights in local hotels, simple furnishings — a worthy exchange to be amidst an undeveloped coast and minimal tourism — ample hospitality
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner with local wine
- Local bilingual hiking guide
- Daily luggage transfers
- All sea transfers
- Samaria Gorge entry fee
Exclusions
- Air or sea transfer from Crete to Athens
- Alcoholic beverages (other than house wine)
- Travel insurance — see Extras tab
Cost in euros based on double occupancy
| 1-2 riders |
10 days 2850 euros per person 8 days 2220 euros per person |
| 3-4 riders |
10 Days – 2700 euros per person 8 Days – 2100 euros per person |
| Single Supplement | 10 Days – 900 euros per person 8 Days – 750 euros per person |
The above costs are based on the two standard Itineraries (East-West, West-East). Cost may vary if Itinerary varies.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodations: 3-4 star hotels, primarily family owned and operated, ranging from boutique restored mansions to harbor front hotels. Tasteful, clean, air-conditioned, private bath, abundant hospitality, comfort. All accommodations are standard doubles with option for upgrade. All accommodations serve breakfast, usually buffet style. Tour prices are based on double occupancy. See Accommodations tab to request more info about tour’s accommodations
Arrival Transfer: for East to West itinerary, Day 1 transfer from Herakleion to bike start point (Hersonissos) to Tzermiado) or to Arhanes. Option to transfer on Day 1 directly to hotel on any itinerary.
Luggage transfers: All luggage transfers based on selected itinerary (cost may change depending if itinerary changes)
Bikes: Specialized road bike. Triple chain ring, 27 gears, carbon fiber fork. Carbon bikes are available as an upgrade for 50 euros a day. Electric bikes are available as an upgrade for 50 euros a day. Regular pedals or toe clips on request. You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals and shoes. See Our Bikes and Our Gear
Bike gear: 2 water bottles, helmet, handlebar pouch, lock, rear rack on request. For hygienic purposes we encourage you to bring your own helmet.
Bike tools: hand pump, patch kit, tire irons, spare tube, multi-tool. One set per group.
Color copies of Distance Elevation Profiles
Bike Routes Options (1) RideWithGPS tour routes to upload to your iphone or Android with voice narration – bike mount given on request (2) GPX tracks to download to your device – bring your own bike mount
Meals: Breakfasts are included at each hotel.
Maps of the region
Trip packet: useful and interesting information about the region
CycleGreece jersey: short sleeved, rear pockets, locally made
CycleGreece lite backpack: 17” x 13”, 43cm x 33cm
Gratuities, tips and 24% VAT taxes
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
• International airfare to/from Greece
• Arrivals to or departures from Crete
• Departure transfers to port or airport arranged for a fee
• All meals except breakfasts
• Private licensed guide at Knossos – see Extras tab
• Travel insurance – see Extras tab
TAKE NOTE
- Participants are required to sign our Waiver
- Participants are required to agree to the Booking Agreement
- Travel Insurance is required as a condition for participation in a CycleGreece tour
Electric Bike
Carbon Road Bike
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is required to participate in a CycleGreece tour. For comparative rates see Insure My Trip. Contact us to receive a policy quote. Cost of coverage depends on various factors including your state of residence, your age, your days of travel. Travel insurance is not provided for flights booked using frequent flyer mileage. Some policies require booking within 15 days of paying your trip deposit, such as, cancel for any reason or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Airport Transfer on Arrival to Athens
- Private transfer from Athens Airport to Athens hotel. You are met at the arrivals exit by one of our team holding a sign with your name on it. We wait for you regardless of how late your plane may arrive. No waiting in taxi or bus lines. 170 euros per transfer for up to 8 persons.
Athens Hotel
- If you stay in Athens pre or post tour, we can recommend a hotel and book your room. We patronize a range of Athenian hotels in different neighborhoods and different budgets.
Private Archaeology Guide
- Visiting famous ancient ruins without a professional guide is like watching a movie with the sound turned off! The guides we work with make the archaic stones and temples come alive. Three hour tour with licensed guide to Knossos and Herakleion Archaeology Museum. 190 euros per group, excluding 20 euros entry fee per person.
Traditional Cretan Cooking Class
- Learn to make such Cretan delicacies as lemonmint tzatziki, vine leaves stuffed with bulgar, or chicken with olives, raisins & onions in orzo. Participation in meal preparation and, of course, eating! 4 hours. From 80 euros per person to 150 euros per person depending on location and number of participants.
Wine Tasting
- Experience the passion and expertise of a family run winery serving organic wines. Choice of wine tasting alone, wine with cheese platter, light lunch, full lunch. All choices include tour of the winery. Costs range from 7 euros per person to 35 euros per person. Contact us for details.
Samaria Gorge Guided Day Hike
- Descend Greece’s most famous gorge that is a national park with a local guide who shows you its secrets and charms. Cost is 440 euros per couple. Inclusions: skilled guide, transfer from Hania hotel to park entry, Samaria entry fee, picnic lunch, sea transfer to Hora Sfakia, land transfer to Hania hotel, port or airport. Also ask about guided day hike to Imbros Gorge.
Accommodations
An indicative hotel for Crete self-guided tour is Kalimera Arhanes located in the traditional town of Arhanes, famed for its food and restored villas known as arhontiko.
We select the accommodations for guided tours based on quality, comfort, cleanliness, hospitality, location and charm. Most of the hotels on this tour are family owned and operated.
Hotels are included in the tour cost based on double occupancy. A single room entails an additional cost. Standard double rooms are provided but upgrade options are available.
All hotels are dependent on availability. In the event of no occupancy, we patronize comparable accommodations in the same location.
Request Accommodations offered for the Crete Self-Guided tour
Self-Guided tours require a deposit of 400 euros per person with the balance due 90 days prior to departure.
To make payment, we must first set up your online account. Once your itinerary and cost are finalized, go to the Book Now link which takes you to the secure Aegea Booking page to input your credit card information via PayPal. You may pay with a major credit card or Visa or Mastercard debit card or a PayPal account if you have one. You have the option to pay in euros other currencies. We pay all bank service fees although your credit card company may charge you a foreign transaction fee.
Alternatively, if you are reluctant to pay online, we can take your credit card information by phone. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for us to call you. We can also give you our bank account details if you opt to pay by bank wire transfer which usually has lower fees than those charged by a credit card company .
See details in the Booking Agreement which you must agree as a condition to participation in a CycleGreece tour. Participants are also required to sign a Waiver & Release of Liability.
Crete Self-Guided Photo Gallery
Pre & Post Tour Add-Ons
Monumental Olive Trees
Other Self-Guided Tours
Request Distance Elevation Profiles for the Crete Self-Guided Tour
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