Crete Cycling Tour

Your journey begins in Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete and a city layered with over 3,000 years of history. After arrival and transfer to your hotel, take time to explore this dynamic port city where Minoan legends, Venetian walls, and modern life intertwine.

Stroll down to the Venetian harbor, where the impressive Koules Fortress guards the waterfront—a sentinel since the 16th century. Just a few steps away, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Minoan artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into Europe’s earliest advanced civilization.

In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner in the old town, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. Enjoy classic Cretan dishes, local wine, and a toast to the start of this cycling adventure.

Overnight in Heraklion
Meals included: Welcome DInner

We saddle up and leave the bustle of Heraklion behind, heading south through olive groves and quiet rural roads toward one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites—the legendary Palace of Knossos.

Believed to be the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization, Knossos is a place of myth and mystery. You’ll explore the ancient ruins where the stories of King Minos, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur come to life. With its vivid frescoes, complex architecture, and intriguing history, it’s a highlight not just of Crete, but of the ancient world.

After soaking in this powerful site, we continue our ride eastward, with the Aegean Sea sparkling below and the Dikti Mountains rising in the distance. The terrain begins to roll gently upward as we approach the traditional hillside village of Koutouloufari, perched above Hersonissos. With its narrow stone alleys, blooming bougainvillea, and peaceful vibe, it’s a perfect place to unwind and reconnect with the slow pace of local life.

In the evening, you can explore the cobbled streets, enjoy a glass of local wine, and dine in one of the village tavernas offering home-cooked Cretan dishes with a view of the sea below.

Overnight in Koutouloufari
Meals included: Breakfast

Cycling Details:
Distance: 23 mi / 37 km
Elevation gain: ~500 m
Surface: 100% paved (rural roads, light city traffic out of Heraklion)
Difficulty: Moderate

Today’s ride is a beautiful shift from sea to summit as we head deeper into the Cretan countryside, cycling through landscapes that have barely changed in generations. We leave Koutouloufari and begin a gradual climb through the mountain villages of Lasithi, where whitewashed homes, stone courtyards, and friendly greetings from locals set the tone for the day.

One highlight along the way is the village of Vrahasi—a place that feels suspended in time. With its tight alleys and terraced hillsides, it’s a picture of quiet, traditional Cretan life.

Midway through the ride, we’ll stop at the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli, a family-run olive oil producer where you can taste extra virgin olive oil straight from the source, learn about the harvesting process, and maybe even pick up a bottle to take home.

As we descend toward the coast, the Bay of Mirabello comes into view—one of the most picturesque coastal settings in all of Greece. Our destination is Agios Nikolaos, a charming seaside town built around a saltwater lake, lined with fishing boats, waterfront cafés, and boutique shops. You’ll have the evening free to enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe or take a stroll along the marina as the sun dips behind the mountains.

Overnight in Agios Nikolaos
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling Details:
Distance: 25 mi / 41 km
Elevation gain: ~600 m
Surface: 100% paved
Difficulty: Moderate with a few sustained climbs

Leaving the elegance of Agios Nikolaos behind, the route hugs the coastline before turning inland through endless olive groves and sun-drenched valleys. The scent of herbs lingers in the air as you pedal through small farming hamlets where time moves slowly, and the sea glimmers just beyond the hills.

The ride gradually opens up again to the southern shores of Crete, leading into Ierapetra, the southernmost city in Europe. This low-key waterfront town blends island charm with lively local life. Along the way, golden beaches beckon for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea, a perfect mid-ride reward.

With time to spare in the afternoon, you might consider a short boat trip to Gaidouronissi—a protected island just off the coast, known for its cedar forest, white sand, and turquoise waters. It’s an optional excursion, but an unforgettable way to round out the day.

Overnight in Ierapetra
Meals included: Breakfast

Cycling Details:
Distance: 23 mi / 37 km
Elevation gain: ~450 m
Surface: 100% paved
Difficulty: Moderate

The route follows the southern coastline, weaving between the sparkling Libyan Sea and rugged hills dotted with olive trees and citrus groves. It’s a longer ride, but one of the most visually rewarding of the journey.

Pass through Myrtos, a postcard-perfect fishing village where blue shutters and bougainvillea spill across stone houses. Stop here for a coffee or quick swim before continuing through Tertsa and Keratokambos, remote villages known for their laid-back pace and panoramic sea views.

The terrain rolls and climbs gently, occasionally hugging cliffside roads that offer sweeping vistas across Crete’s untouched southern coast. A final descent brings you into Tsoutsouros, a peaceful, unspoiled beach village far from the crowds. Here, you can kick off your shoes, walk along the sand, and let the rhythm of the sea slow everything down.

Overnight in Tsoutsouros
Meals included: Breakfast

Cycling Details:
Distance: 35 mi / 57 km
Elevation gain: ~800 m
Surface: 100% paved
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (due to distance and rolling terrain)

After a restful night by the sea, we set out with a short transfer to Mesohori, repositioning us for one of the most scenic inland rides of the tour. The landscape here is pure southern Crete—rolling hills, endless olive groves, and sleepy villages tucked into the folds of the land.

This region feels ancient and sacred, and nowhere is that more evident than at the Palace of Phaistos. Standing on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Messara Plain, this Bronze Age site was once a powerful Minoan center, second only to Knossos. With fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere, Phaistos invites quiet exploration and a deep connection to Crete’s mythic past.

From there, the route continues through undulating terrain, passing fertile fields and hilltop chapels, eventually dropping down to the southern coast and the charming town of Agia Galini. Known for its colorful houses built into the hillside and boats bobbing in the harbor, it’s the perfect spot to relax with fresh seafood and toast to another unforgettable ride.

Overnight in Agia Galini
Meals included: Breakfast

Cycling Details:
Distance: 40 mi / 65 km
Elevation gain: ~850 m
Surface: 100% paved
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

A short morning transfer takes us inland to the mountain village of Spili, famous for its cool springs, shaded square, and 25 lion-head fountains gushing with crystal-clear water. It’s the perfect place to begin the final ride of the tour—an inspiring route through the green heart of Crete.

The road meanders through peaceful mountain villages, surrounded by pine forests, orchards, and open skies. Not far from the route lies “Limni ton Potamon”—the Lake of the Rivers, an artificial reservoir nestled between hills. Crossing the dam is a scenic highlight, offering panoramic views and a great spot to stop at a local taverna for coffee or lunch.

The final stretch descends gently toward Rethymno, a jewel of Crete’s northern coast. With its Venetian harbor, cobbled alleys, and the imposing Fortezza, the old town is the perfect place to wind down your journey. Lose yourself in the alleys, sip a drink at a seaside café, and soak in the energy of this beautiful coastal city.

Overnight in Rethymno
Meals included: Breakfast

Cycling Details:
Distance: 20 mi / 32 km
Elevation gain: ~400 m
Surface: 100% paved
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

After a week of riding through Crete’s majestic landscapes, ancient ruins, vibrant villages, and coastal gems, it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the old town of Rethymno—perhaps one last walk along the harbor or a quiet moment at a café under the Venetian arcades.

We’ll arrange your transfer back to Heraklion Airport, ensuring a smooth return journey. Whether you’re heading home or off to your next adventure, you’ll carry with you memories of sunlit rides, olive groves, sea breezes, and Cretan hospitality.

It’s not just the distance you’ve covered—it’s the stories you’ve gathered, the flavors you’ve tasted, and the rhythm of Crete that now rides with you.

Meals included: Breakfast