BIKE on KRETA

General

Crete, Greece's largest island, is an ideal destination for cyclists who love challenging climbs, beautiful nature and a touch of culture. The island is about the size of a quarter of the Netherlands.

The island offers routes for both beginners and advanced riders, with options ranging from Quiet rides through olive groves to challenging mountain tours. The diversity of routes makes it suitable for a wide range of cyclists. Thanks to its mild climate, you can almost year-round cycling, although it can be very hot in summer.

For cyclists, the route to Crete's highest point; the observatory of Skinakas highly recommended. Gravel lovers can visit the Amari Valley, where you will find quiet roads and gravel paths. Mountain bikers will find their challenge in the Psiloritis Mountains Whether the White Mountains with rugged, technical trails. The dirt roads are often narrow or rocky, so experience is a plus.

There are also plenty of special historical sites to visit, such as the palace of Knossos or charming villages where the smell of local food meets you. The infrastructure is not always ideal when you want to hit the road by road bike. Still, there are more than enough beautiful routes on good roads.

After a drive, you can enjoy local specialities such as dakos or stews. Bring plenty of water and bars on your rides, as provisions are sometimes scarce along the way.

Crete offers an authentic experience. Whether you come for the mountains, the culture or just to enjoy cycling!

Why go on a cycling holiday in Crete?

Crete is a truly unique destination. Although motorists sometimes drive fast on the coast and around cities, you imagine yourself more inland on car-free roads where cycling is fantastic. Crete's rugged landscape and rich culture attract especially adventurous cyclists who love unique routes and challenge.

Discover Crete's diverse landscapes

Crete, Greece's largest island, offers a breathtaking array of landscapes perfect for cyclists of all kinds. In the west of the island lies the impressive Lefka Ori, or the White Mountains, with peaks rising to 2,453 metres. Steep, rocky trails and the famous Samaria Gorge make this area a mecca for mountain bikers, who embrace the challenge of rugged terrain. Here you will experience real adventure, with technical trails that take you deep into the mountains.

In the heart of Crete lies the Ida Mountains, with the majestic Psiloritis, the highest point on the island. Cyclists often come here to put their climbing skills to the test, with long, tough climbs that reward with panoramic views. This area is popular with both cyclists and mountain bikers, who enjoy the variety of routes ranging from asphalt roads to more adventurous gravel tracks.

On the eastern side of the island is the Dikti Mountains, which is known for its beautiful Lassithi plateau and traditional villages. This is the area for gravel riders seeking quiet, little-travelled roads and trails, perfect for long trips through the interior. It is an ideal place to enjoy the scenery without the hustle and bustle of tourism.

Besides the mountainous areas, Crete also offers valleys full of olive groves and picturesque coastlines, where the roads are often quiet and the landscape stretches out to the sea. Gravel lovers will find the perfect mix of asphalt and gravel here, while cyclists can explore the quiet but challenging roads along the coastline.

The best travel period for a cycling holiday in Crete

Spring (March to May): Spring is ideal for cycling in Crete. Temperatures are between 15°C and 25°C, and nature is at its best, with flowers in bloom. This is the perfect period to enjoy long rides with pleasant weather conditions and fewer tourists.

Summer (June to August): Summer can be hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures rising above 35°C. It is best to cycle early in the morning or later in the evening.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers mild temperatures of 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for longer drives. Nature changes to beautiful autumn colours, and calm returns to the island after the tourist season ends.

Winter (December to February): Winter is mild, with temperatures between 10°C and 18°C. It is a quiet period for cycling tours, especially along the coast or through the interior. In the mountains, it can be colder and sometimes rainy.

Suitable accommodation and bike rental

Renting a road or mountain bike can be done at Cycling Crete, for example. You can also go here for maintenance of your own bike, should anything happen along the way. And who can tell you more about suitable routes than a local? Check out the website of Cycling Crete for plenty of route tips and more information on bike rental.

Hotels usually allow you to take your bike with you to your room or leave it in a secure storage area. Check this well in advance to make sure that your bike can be taken safely. You can of course be sure of this when you book a specific bicycle-friendly hotel, such as Martinbike hotel.

These climbs are not to be missed in Crete

Climb to Skinakas observatory

Length: 46 kilometres
Altimeters: 1932 metres
Average gradient: 4%.
Starting point: Gazi
Description: This climb leads you to Crete's highest point. The observatory of Skinakas is 1743 metres above sea level. At the top, you will enjoy stunning views of Ida. Although the climb is very long, the difficulty is not too bad as it does not get very steep anywhere. The last few kilometres are the steepest. This climb is very central on the island.

Climb to Kallikratis

Length: 6.7 kilometres
Altimeters: 740 metres
Average gradient: 9,8%
Starting point: Kapsodasos
Description: This climb is known for its many hairpin bends. Through as many as 27(!) hairpins, you will reach the top after about 7 kilometres. The climb is really tough, soon after the start you will feel your calves. Fortunately, it becomes false flat after about 5 kilometres. There you get ready for the final stretch.

Travel tips

Best destination: There are two airports in Crete; Chania in the northwest and Heraklion (capital) on the northeast side. Stay in the Chania region to explore coastal routes or the White Mountains and the impressive Samaria Gorge. Also, Chania is a beautiful Greek coastal town where you can immerse yourself in the culture. Stay in the Heraklion region as the perfect base for various climbs in the area, such as the famous climb to Skinakas. The region around Agios Nikolaos in the south is somewhat flatter, offering more leisurely routes.
Traffic information: Crete is increasingly emerging as a destination for cyclists, although cycling culture on the island is not as established as in some other European countries. Nevertheless, Crete has much to offer for cyclists, gravel riders and mountain bikers alike, and the island is an excellent choice for an active cycling holiday. The local cycling culture is mainly aimed at tourists, as the Crete people themselves usually do not cycle much, but there is a growing interest in cycling by the tourism industry. The island has a network of paved roads and gravel paths that range from coastal routes to challenging mountain passes. The landscape is diverse, from coastline to rugged mountains, providing a wide range of routes for different types of cyclists. This attracts both cyclists and gravel riders.
Bike rental: You can cycle in most major cities on Crete. Note that in high season you need to book in time.
Culinary: Crete's culinary culture is famous for its fresh, local ingredients and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. The island is known for dishes such as moussaka, dakos (a salad of toasted bread with tomatoes, olives and feta), and lamb with stamnagathi (lamb with a wild herb). Olive oil plays a central role in Cretan cuisine, as do locally produced wines and cheeses. Many dishes are prepared with vegetables, herbs and spices grown on the island itself. After a long bike ride on the mountainous roads or along the coast, you can unwind at a local tavern, enjoying the authentic flavours the island has to offer.