Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete

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8 Days from

USD 2,099

Incl. taxes Excl. flights

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Trip Code :

C07CT

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

Cycle through the diverse history, culture, mountains, and beaches of Eastern Crete
Relax on golden beaches and sample the delicious local cuisine
Visit the important archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos

Key Information

Management by your local Headwater appointed agent
Headwater Navigation App
Countries visited: Greece

What's Included

7 nights accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations
All breakfasts
Bike hire
Luggage transfers between hotels
Car transfers as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Visas or vaccinations
Lunches & dinners
Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)
Upgrade to e-bike

6 Days of Cycling

Day 2

37 km / 23 miles

Day 3

41 km / 25.5 miles

Day 4

37 km / 23 miles

Day 5

57 km / 35.4 miles

Day 6

65 km / 40.4 miles

Day 7

32 km / 19.9 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return to Heraklion airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Atrion Hotel, Heraklion

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.

Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari

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.

Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos

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.

Astron Hotel, Ierapetra

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.

Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros

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.

Petra Hotel, Agia Galini

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.

Ideon Hotel, Rethimno

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.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete

6 Days of Cycling

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

Greece

Vaccination

Greece

Atrion Hotel, Heraklion

Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari

Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos

Astron Hotel, Ierapetra

Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros

Petra Hotel, Agia Galini

Ideon Hotel, Rethimno

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Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete