Current as of: March 12, 2025 - 23:37
Current as of: March 12, 2025 - 23:37
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Crete is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece – and rightly so! Eastern Crete in particular has retained its genuine character and style and holds its place as the ‘quieter’ side of the island. With plenty to see and many local tavernas to enjoy, don’t forget to sample the national drink Raki alongside your delicious Greek meze.
This trip offers a unique experience to explore Crete in the best way, on two wheels! You’ll cycle the islands spectacular coastline, passing through the intriguing villages of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Rethimno. With important archaeological sites to visit and tranquil golden beaches to relax on, there’s heaps to admire in between your rides.
The accommodations on this trip are mostly family-run and traditionally Cretan. While Crete is typically home to more simple accommodations, these have all been chosen for their great location, services, and comfort.
Highlights
Adult min age: 16
Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your first hotel. Take some time to explore Crete’s biggest city with over 3,000 years of history. Visit the famous ‘Koule’ (castle) which dominates the port or the intriguing archaeological museum of Heraklion.
Overnight Atrion Hotel, Heraklion.
Soon after leaving Heraklion, you’ll reach Knossos. Known as the biggest and the most important Cretan archaeological site, Knossos is widely regarded as Europe’s oldest city. Here you can visit the Minoan Palace and surrounding remains before continuing to the traditional village of Koutouloufari.
Overnight Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari.
Ride through spectacular mountain scenery, passing traditional villages like Vrahasi where it appears time has stood still. Visit the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli to taste the locally produced olive oil before continuing into the picturesque capital of Agios Nikalaos, Lasithi.
If you’d like to enjoy an extra day cycling, we recommend adding an extra night in Agios Nikolaos to explore Elounda & Spinalonga (one of the most famous locations on Crete – 32km ride).
Overnight Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos.
Begin your cycle following the coastline before winding through the olive groves to reach the waterfront town of Ierapetra. Enjoy a swim in one of the golden beaches you’ll pass on todays ride. If time allows, you could also take a boat trip to the unique island of Gaidouronissi (book locally).
Overnight Astron Hotel, Ierapetra.
Today is a long but beautiful route following the coast and passing through the intriguing villages of Myrtos, Tertsa, and Keratokambos. Enjoy a well deserved rest on the beach in the tranquil town of Tsoutsouros.
Overnight Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros.
You’ll be transferred to the start of today’s ride in Mesohori. Cycle among the olive trees and through small villages before reaching the highlight of today – The Palace of Phaistos; this is a Bronze Age archaeological site of major importance on Crete. Continue to the small seaside town of Agia Galini.
Overnight Petra Hotel, Agia Galini.
Begin with a transfer to Spili village where you’ll begin your ride. Pass through the mountain villages of Rethimno Province before reaching “Limni ton Potamon”, this is the “Lake of the Rivers”. Cross the dam for beautiful scenery and to sample the local tavernas. Continue your ride to Rethimno, a historical city founded by the Venetians with its “Fortezza” – the Venetian Era Citadel.
Overnight Ideon Hotel, Rethimno.
Return to Heraklion airport.
This lovely hotel is just a short walk from Heraklion’s vibrant centre and seafront promenade. Relax in the hotel’s inner courtyard, TV room, lobby bar, or elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean and traditional Cretan dishes.
Set in the picturesque village of Koutouloufari, this family run group of apartments benefit from an outdoor swimming pool and an onsite restaurant serving traditional Greek cuisine.
Located in a quiet corner of Agios Nikolaos, these lovely apartments are just a couple of minutes’ walk from the town centre and the nearest beach. Built in a traditional Cretan style, these family-run apartments are very comfortable and spacious.
Perched on the water’s edge, this traditional hotel has a spectacular view of Ierapetra bay and is just a 5 minute walk from the town centre with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Just 350 yards from Tsoutsouros beach, Apollon Apartments offer a comfortable stay with a continental breakfast. Some rooms also include a balcony or terrace with sea views.
Just a short walk from the beach and the picturesque port of Agia Galini, this family-run hotel is traditionally Cretan with comfortable rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast is served daily in the dining room and on the balcony.
Surrounded by an idyllic landscape just 800m from the beach, this family-run hotel has an inner courtyard and outdoor swimming pool for all guests to enjoy. Mediterranean dishes are served in the main restaurant for breakfast and dinner.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +02:00)
Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.