West Crete Mountain biking Adventure
A Cretan mountain bike odyssey
8 days / 7 nights MTB Tour of Crete
Starting from the verdant mountainous landscapes of the North, to the rugged beauty of the South, this active cycling adventure encompasses the best features of Crete, and some of its best kept secrets.
Take a ride through the unique biodiversity, history, and culture of the mythic island. Enjoy swimming from the most beautiful beaches of the south, indulge the fabulous local cuisine, and let your mind bask in the free-flowing and serene Cretan nature, as you pedal through its splendorous landscapes.
Joyride cycling Crete has selected the best destinations, routes, and services for you, and we are confident that you’ll want to come back for more.
Tour Includes
- Accommodation *
- Meals: breakfasts, launch brakes on riding days and two dinners, welcome & farewell.
- Group transfers, from & to airport and all necessary transportation during tour.
- Tour guide(s), number depends on group size.
- Support vehicle, bike service & maintenance.
- Boat trips (Paleochora - Agia Roumeli - Sfakia).
- Mountain Bikes.
- Insurance, limited to bike riding, covering 3rd party damages.
- Water, fruits & powerbars for the ride.
- Non-Riders Welcome!
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival Day
Airport – Panormos
Welcome to Crete, an extraordinary island, a miniature continent, home of the Minoans, Europe's earliest civilization.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport of Heraklion, or Chania, to the picturesque coastal village of Panormos, near the city of Rethimnon. There you will meet your guides and support team for a bike adjustment, ensuring the perfect fit.
In the evening, we will have our welcome dinner, where we can all meet each other and discuss the itinerary, details of the routes, locations of our tour, the nature and culture of the island, and any other inquiries you should have.
Day 2 – A Gorgeous Ride!
Cycling 60 km with 1450 m of elevation.
Panormos to Rethimno.
We start our ride from Panormos, heading South-West through Margarites gorge to the foothills of Psiloritis. Crossing the E4 trails along the gorges of Eleftherna and Gipofarago (the gorge of voltures), we reach the little verdurous plateau of Arkadi Monastery. Here we will have a short lunch break and visit to this unique historic monastery, designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument.
We then continue our journey towards Patsos lake, heading East into the gorge of Mili, riding the single-track that takes us to the coast near the city of Rethimno, where we'll stay overnight.
Throughout the day, the rich biodiversity of Crete shall be revealed to us, introducing the unique variety of Cretan landscape to which we shall become accustomed to.
Day 3 – Water ways, Springs, Rivers and Lakes
Cycling 50 km, climbing 1100 m of elevation.
Rethimno to Vamos
We leave Rethimno climbing the E4 route to the South that takes us to the fresh water springs of Argiroupolis, crossing an area full of streams and vegetation.
From there we head West to the natural lake of Kournas, where we will have our lunch break by its enchanted shore, surrounded by the peaks of the mountains.
We will then continue North-West to reach Apokoronas, one of the greenest regions of Crete. We will stay overnight in Vamos, a small traditional village situated a short distance from the North coast, with a stunning view of the White Mountains.
Day 4 – Roots of White Mountains
Biking 55 km with 1300 m of elevation.
Vamos to Chania
Today we will roam the foothills of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). We cross the lush Apokoronas valley, heading South-West, through an area full of streams, forest tracks, and olive groves.
From the springs of Stilos, we climb to Samonas, immersed in the magnificent view of the Cretan coast line and mountains.
Reaching our peak point at the roots of the Lefka Ori, we enter the stunning Therissos Gorge, following the riverside all the way to the picturesque old city of Chania.
Day 5 – Crossing to the Beautiful South
60 km bike ride with 1400 m of elevation
Kissamos to Paleochora
After a brief shuttle from Chania to Kissamos, we start our ride towards the beautiful South. We will climb through the gorge of Milia towards the White Mountain passage in Topolia.
Milia, situated in the midst of the unique chestnut forest of Crete is an authentic 17th century mountain settlement which has been transformed into and eco-friendly tourist complex, bestowing a harmonious symbiosis with the natural environment. A glorious location boasting exceptional rugged beauty in the area of Kissamos.
Placed among plane trees, chestnut trees, and mountain tops reaching the skies, the area overwhelms visitors with its unique diversity.
From there we take a long descent to the coastal settlement of Paleochora, following the curving rivers through the mountains and green canyons. A longer alternative route would take us down to Elafonisi, one of the most iconic beaches on the island. Passing by kedrodasos, (rare cedar forest)and climbing the passage of Sklavopoula (at 650m Altitude), we will be rewarded with a scenic and fast descent to the coast, through Sarakina gorge.
Day 6 – Into the deep Blue
Boat trip to Samaria & Chora Sfakion, 35 km biking, 500m of elevation
Paleochora to Plakias
Today we will have diverse ways of traveling. We start our day with a boat trip from Paleochora to Agia Roumeli, following the magnificent coastline, along Sougia and Loutro, and arriving at the exit of the famous Samaria gorge.
A short stopover of about an hour will allow us a closer look into the most extraordinary gorge of Crete,longest in Europe or a dive in the crystal clear, deep blue waters of the Libyan southern sea.
Jumping back onto the boat, we will reach Chora Sfakion, the central village of the Sfakia region.
We start our cycling trip here, heading East along the hills located upon the lacy coastline, reaching Frangokastelo, a Venetian Castle, famous for the meta physical phenomenon of Drosoulites and then riding to the coastal village of Plakias.
Day 7 – Coasting the tropical zone
50 km bike ride with 1200 m of elevation
Plakias to Agia Galini
For the final cycling route, we will explore some of the most anticipated coastal lines of Crete. From Plakias to the tropical palm forest beach of Preveli, a very important natural paradise full of rare local species of fauna and flora.
The lacy gravel roads will then lead us to Triopetra, a long sandy beach with the impressive rocks rising from the seabed, riding through some of the hidden gems in the south coast. We will indulge ourselves with a dive in the fresh turquoise water before we continue our ride towards Agios Pavlos for lunch break over the impressive sand dunes of the small bay.
Our final destination will be the fishing port of Agia Galini, a picturesque fishing village by the Libyan Sea that evolved into a popular tourist destination in the ‘70s-‘80s and still maintains the nostalgic atmosphere of that time.
In the evening we shall have our farewell dinner, resuming our top experiences and indulging in the delicious tastes offered by the sea laying before our eyes.
Day 8 – Departure day, a farewell
Agia Galini to airport
With our minds full of vivid experiences it is time to a farewell. You may choose to departure or keep feeding your adventurous spirit, exploring further the island.
We will say goodbye with a little symbolic gift from Crete, to keep your memories alive, confident that your heart is touched by the extraordinary beauty of it.
A shuttle will be ready to take you to the airport at a convenient time.
Non-Riders Welcome! You may still explore, discover, sight see, relax, eat & drink and taste the adventure!
There is flexibility in the options and routes, please feel free to discuss them with us.
* Accommodation is on double share rooms, single rooms available upon request. Luxury hotels available on demand
Please note, this page is still under development. It will soon be updated with more details about this MTB Adventure in Crete.
Contact us for more information, best dates and pricing.
