Hike & E-Bike Southern Crete
Greece Bike Tours
Explore the Island of Crete by electric bike, on foot & by boat!
Overview
You will be forgiven for thinking you have landed in paradise on this multi-adventure tour. Hike, bike, and boat your way around idyllic southern Crete. A shimmering jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, this small Greek Island is brimming with natural beauty, authentic Greek culture, and island hospitality.
Discover a different corner of Crete each day. Your guide will show you the best spots and reveal the stories behind the island and its people.
Find yourself exploring the mountains of Paleochora, dotted with secluded mountain villages, tiny churches, and ancient sites. Dance to the rhythm of traditional Greek music, satisfying your appetite on many homemade Cretan dishes served in the local taverns. Boat the aquamarine waters in search of the rare Caretta Turtle before plunging into the sea for a swim.
The many bays and coves dotted around the island are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing after a day of hiking and biking.
Highlights
- Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
- Cretan cuisine
- Traditional Greek dancing
- Samaria Gorge hiking
- Elafonisi National Park
- 13-century church frescos
- Mountains of the Island of Minos
- Heraklion, the capital of Crete
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Itinerary
Day 1: Heraklion/Ano Chersonissos
Day 2: Heraklion - Knossos - Rethymnon - Paleochora
Day 3: Anydroi Gorge, 11 mi. (18 km) by e-bike | 4 mi. (6.5 km) hike
Day 4: Ancient Lissos, 17 mi. (28 km) by e-bike | 2.8 mi. (4.5 km) hike
Day 5: Samaria Gorge, 10 mi. (16 km) by foot
Day 6: Sklavopoula - Paleochora - boat trip to Elafonisi, 10.5 mi. (17 km) by e-bike
Day 7: Sougia, 9 mi. (15 km) by e-bike & boat excursion
Day 8: Paleochora - Chania
Day 9 Chania - Heraklion* All distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday.
Day 1: Heraklion/Ano Chersonissos
Arrival Heraklion, the capital of Crete. A transfer from Heraklion airport or the ferry port to Ano Chersonissos (approx. 30 km east of Heraklion) can be arranged on request for a supplement (see pricing). Check begins at 3 pm. After check-in you can enjoy the grounds of the Village Heights Resort, relax or take a swim in the resort pool. If you don't arrive with enough time to explore the historical city of Heraklion, tomorrow will bring opportunity to visit some of the city's noteable highlights. In the evening, you'll enjoy a lavish dinner at the hotel tavern with your guides and fellow tour participants. After dinner, the guides will give a tour presentation.
Dinner includedDay 2: Heraklion - Knossos - Rethymnon - Paleochora
This morning you'll visit the Archealogical Museum of Heraklion where you can observe unique collections of Minoan art from the Neolithic Period (7000 BC). You'll also visit the Palace of Knossos, located just outside the city. This important archeological site is was once the center of ancient Minoan civilization. Also on the agenda today is a visit to the port of Rethymnon where you'll have a late lunch and time to explore before a transer to Paleochora. Dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner includedDay 3: Anydroi Gorge, 11 mi. (18 km) by e-bike | 4 mi. (6.5 km) hike
After breakfast, your first bike ride takes you to visit the 99 Holy Fathers Monastery and hear the story of St. John the hermit and the Holy Fathers. A one-hour hike will follow. On the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy beautiful panoramic views. When you reach the village of Anydroi, you can try delicious Cretan dishes for lunch. After lunch is a hike through the Anydroi Gorge until you reach a secluded sandy beach. Here the blue seas lure you in for a swim before you head back to the hotel via transfer bus. In the evening, your tour guide will invite you to join a guided tour through Paleochora. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Breakfast & lunch includedDay 4: Ancient Lissos, 17 mi. (28 km) by e-bike | 2.8 mi. (4.5 km) hike
Today’s tour combines biking, hiking, and boating. You'll experience unforgettable nature throughout this tour. The tour begins from the charming mountain village of Azogyres. Along the way, you'll stop to visit a 13th-century Byzantine church and for a delicious lunch at a great mountain tavern. Here, you can enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine, including a homemade chestnut stew. You'll leave here, then be transferred to the starting point of today's hike through beautiful landscapes along the E-4 track through the ancient city of Lissos to Aklepios—the ancient sanctuary of the god of healing. Next, you will take a chartered boat to a cave, where you have the chance to swim in the glistening waters before your return to Paleochora.
Breakfast & lunch includedDay 5: Samaria Gorge, 10 mi. (16 km) by foot
A visit to Samaria Gorge is a must while travelling in Crete. Today, you'll take a challenging hike through this Gorge while taking in views of the mesmerizing landscape. There is about 1,200 meters of elevation along this hike, and it will take close to 6.5 hours. The day begins with a transfer bus to the starting point at the Samaria Gorge's top end. You'll have a replenishing picnic in the canyon, and the destination is the pleasant village of Agia Roumeli, lying at the lower end of the Samaria Gorge. Here, you will enjoy a late lunch in a tavern. You may also swim here before the charter boat takes you back to Paleochora. Dinner is to be arranged individually today.
Breakfast & lunch includedDay 6: Sklavopoula - Paleochora - boat trip to Elafonisi, 10.5 mi. (17 km) by e-bike
Today is also filled with adventure and memorable scenery. After a late breakfast, a transfer shuttle will take you to Sklavopoula. Here, you will visit a small, well-preserved church from the 13th-century, containing frescos picturing the torments of hell. Next, you'll bike through tranquil landscapes with a midday break before you head back to Paleochora. Here, you'll take a chartered boat to visit Elafonisi—a picturesque island with stunning, white beaches and turquoise waters. Elafonisi is the Carribean, with dunes, junipers, and water lillies decorating the beaches. Enjoy a swim, relax on the beach, or try some cold drinks or coffee. You may even see endangered Caretta Turtles!
Breakfast & lunch includedDay 7: Sougia, 9 mi. (15 km) by e-bike & boat excursion
Today is more relaxed, with a transfer bringing you to the mountaintop village of Prodromi. From there, you'll begin your bike ride downhill to Sougia. In Sougia, a charter boat will bring you to a bay. Next, you'll enjoy a barbeque lunch in a hidden forest utopia. You can relax or swim for a while before the boat brings you back to Paleochora. Tonight, you'll appreciate an authentic Greek evening, including live music and traditional Cretea dishes. Remember: Syrtaki was first danced on Crete!
Breakfast, lunch & dinner includedDay 8: Paleochora - Chania
This morning, you'll enjoy breakfast and have the opportunity to swim before a transfer brings you to a rural village in the mountains. Here, you'll delight in a traditional lunch in a local tavern before you head towards the spectacular city of Chania. After check-in at the hotel, you'll have the chance to go on a guided tour of the city to explore the celebrated Venetian harbor and the old town.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day 9 Chania - Heraklion
Afer breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel. You have the choice to do a collective transfer to Hereaklion airport, but if you take advantage of this transfer, do not book flights before 1:00 pm.
Breakfast includedLooking for more? View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, & news, or look at our full list of tours & trips in Europe.
THREE-DAY PRE OR POST-TOUR EXTENSION IN ATHENS
The 2004 Olympics changed the face of the bustling metropolis of Athens. Large parts of the city center have been converted into pedestrian areas and a generous archaeological park has been created, which extends from the Acropolis to the ancient Agora and Kerameikos, the old pottery and cemetery district. Unforgettable is a walk through the many winding streets of the Plaka, the charming old quarter, where you can buy not only souvenirs of all kinds but should also make yourself comfortable in one of the countless cafes.
Includes:
2 nights in a 3-star or 4-star hotel in the center of Athens
Daily breakfast
Taxi transfers: airport - hotel/hotel to ship or ship to hotel/hotel to the airport
Entrance to the Acropolis Archaeological Park (incl. Acropolis)
1 dinner in the Tavern TO KAFENEION (without drinks) in the old town of Plaka
1 guided city tour of your choice: Either ATHENS BY E-BIKE, ATHENS FOODIES TOUR, or MTHOLOGICAL WALK in Athens. Activities are +-3-4 hours. Offered in the morning with an English-speaking guide. If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €70 per person per activity.
All state taxes
Excludes:
- Travel to and from Athens
- Meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees to sights & attractions
- Activities other than those mentioned under included services
Hotels used for this extension package are either the 3-star Hotel Pan (or similar) or the 4-star Hera, Elia Ermou (or similar) all located in Athens.
FOUR-DAY PRE OR POST-TOUR EXTENSION IN SANTORINI OR MYKONOS
SANTORINI: Enjoy the dreamy Aegean Sea island of Santorini with this four-day extension program. This offers you the ability to enjoy organized activities such as a kayaking tour through the caldera or a wine tour at sunset, as well as individual leisure activities. The selected hotels are directly connected to the island's public transportation system, so you can easily reach all the island's major attractions
MYKONOS: This four-day extension program in Mykonos is a great extension to your tour. Take time to explore Mykonos further with additional activities to choose from.
Includes:
- 3 nights' accommodation in Santorini or Mykonos (similar hotels will be booked depending on availability)
- Daily breakfast
- Taxi transfers between Santorini Airport/Santorini ferry port & your hotel (SANTORINI)
- Taxi transfers between Mykonos Airport/Mykonos Ferry port & your hotel (MYKONOS)
- Santorini: Guided kayak tour, sunset wine tour, or culinary Caldera walk. (One is included in tour price, you decide!). If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €150 per person per activity.
- Mykonos: Kaiki cruise to Rhenia & Delos, Jeep Safari in Mykonos, or a cooking class in a traditional Mykonian house. (One is included in tour price, you decide!). If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €110 per person per activity.
- Information booklet with details about leisure activities in Santorini
- All land taxes
Excludes:
- Journey to/from Santorini/Mykonos
- Beverages
- Lunch & dinner
- Entrance fees to sights & attractions
- Activities other than those mentioned under included services
Map
Accommodation
Ano Chersonissos: Village Heights Resort Space, comfort, freedom and a breathtaking mountain world awaiting you in your first accommodation in Crete. Enjoy a wonderful stay at the Village Heights Resort located in the countryside, 30 km east of Heraklion. A beautiful landscape surrounds the resort creating a vibe of tranquility and relaxation. All rooms have a fully equipped kitchenette, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, pool and bathroom towels, Cretan welcome amenities.
Paleochora: Hotel Relax Just 50 meters from Pachia Ammos Beach in Paleochora and 100 m from the center, Hotel Relax awaits you with an outdoor pool, a spacious sun terrace and a rooftop garden with sea views. Relax offers nice apartments with free Wi-Fi and a furnished balcony and air conditioning, as well as a bathroom with shower and hairdryer. A flat-screen TV is also available.
Chania: Hotel Porto Veneziano In Chania, you will stay at the Porto Veneziano Hotel. A private balcony overlooking the old Venetian harbour of Chania and the hotel’s eco-friendly equipment (Coco-Mat) are just some of the things that make this hotel special. The delicious breakfast made from Cretan recipes will also give you a great taste experience. Free Wi-Fi is available. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hotel.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 8 nights (1 night in a double room at the Village Heights Resort), 6 nights in a double room at the Relax Hotel in Paleochora, 1 night in a double room at the Porto Veneziano Hotel in Chania)
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 4 dinners
- Bottled mineral water & soft drinks during activities described
- Electric bike rental
- English-speaking tour guide
- Guided tour of Arhaeological Museum of Heraklion & Knossos
- Guided city tours of Rethymnon and Chania
- Guided cycling tours & hikes as per program
- Maps with an overview of bike tours
- Escort vehicle on all bike tours
- All minibus transfers during the trip
- Private boat charter on 4 days
- Traditional Greek evening with dinner and live music
- Entrance for group visits to museums & archaeological sites
- Free hotel wifi
What’s Not Included
- Travel to Crete
- Meals not mentioned
- Alcoholic beverages
- Beach towel - please bring your own
- Entrance for individually visited sights
- Entrance fee for sights not included
- Tips for tour guides & staff
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
September 7 & September 21, 2024
A minimum of 8 people is required to confirm a departure for the price listed. The maximum number of participants is 12. Custom dates can be arranged for groups of 6-10 people on request.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
May June & September Twin/double $ 3840 £ 2022 $ 3,467 € 2304 kr 353230 ₪ 9376 ¥ 392417 Mex$ 42731 NZ$ 4206 NOK 27541 zł 10108 S$ 3423 kr 27566 $ 2,526 $ 4173 £ 2197 $ 3,768 € 2504 kr 383892 ₪ 10190 ¥ 426481 Mex$ 46440 NZ$ 4571 NOK 29932 zł 10985 S$ 3721 kr 29959 $ 2,745 Single $ 833 £ 439 $ 752 € 500 kr 76656 ₪ 2035 ¥ 85160 Mex$ 9273 NZ$ 913 NOK 5977 zł 2194 S$ 743 kr 5982 $ 548 $ 833 £ 439 $ 752 € 500 kr 76656 ₪ 2035 ¥ 85160 Mex$ 9273 NZ$ 913 NOK 5977 zł 2194 S$ 743 kr 5982 $ 548 A minimum of 8 people is required to confirm a departure for the price listed. The maximum number of participants is 12.
Extra Options
Transfers
Please request a transfer when booking. The final price is based on the number of people sharing the transfer and is to be paid directly to the driver. Once we have a final number, we can then confirm the price. Only available on official arrival & departure days. Private transfers & transfers on any other day pricing on request.
Price is shared, is per group, & is one way on request Extra nights
On request Extensions
3-star 4-star Double room $ 850 £ 447 $ 767 € 510 kr 78189 ₪ 2075 ¥ 86863 Mex$ 9459 NZ$ 931 NOK 6096 zł 2237 S$ 758 kr 6102 $ 559 $ 1000 £ 526 $ 903 € 600 kr 91987 ₪ 2442 ¥ 102192 Mex$ 11128 NZ$ 1095 NOK 7172 zł 2632 S$ 892 kr 7179 $ 658 Single room $ 1233 £ 649 $ 1,114 € 740 kr 113451 ₪ 3011 ¥ 126037 Mex$ 13724 NZ$ 1351 NOK 8846 zł 3246 S$ 1100 kr 8854 $ 811 $ 1400 £ 737 $ 1,264 € 840 kr 128782 ₪ 3418 ¥ 143069 Mex$ 15579 NZ$ 1534 NOK 10041 zł 3685 S$ 1248 kr 10050 $ 921 Additional activity (Athens bike Bike, Athens foodies tour, or mythological walk): $ 117 £ 61 $ 105 € 70 kr 10732 ₪ 285 ¥ 11922 Mex$ 1298 NZ$ 128 NOK 837 zł 307 S$ 104 kr 838 $ 77
April - June & October July - September Standard room $ 1117 £ 588 $ 1,008 € 670 kr 102719 ₪ 2726 ¥ 114114 Mex$ 12426 NZ$ 1223 NOK 8009 zł 2939 S$ 996 kr 8016 $ 734 $ 1317 £ 693 $ 1,189 € 790 kr 121116 ₪ 3215 ¥ 134553 Mex$ 14652 NZ$ 1442 NOK 9443 zł 3466 S$ 1174 kr 9452 $ 866 Single room $ 1817 £ 956 $ 1,640 € 1090 kr 167110 ₪ 4436 ¥ 185649 Mex$ 20216 NZ$ 1990 NOK 13029 zł 4782 S$ 1620 kr 13041 $ 1,195 $ 2050 £ 1079 $ 1,851 € 1230 kr 188573 ₪ 5005 ¥ 209493 Mex$ 22812 NZ$ 2246 NOK 14703 zł 5396 S$ 1828 kr 14716 $ 1,348 Deluxe room $ 1250 £ 658 $ 1,129 € 750 kr 114984 ₪ 3052 ¥ 127740 Mex$ 13910 NZ$ 1369 NOK 8965 zł 3290 S$ 1114 kr 8973 $ 822 $ 1450 £ 763 $ 1,309 € 870 kr 133381 ₪ 3540 ¥ 148178 Mex$ 16135 NZ$ 1588 NOK 10400 zł 3817 S$ 1293 kr 10409 $ 954 Single room $ 1983 £ 1044 $ 1,791 € 1190 kr 182441 ₪ 4843 ¥ 202681 Mex$ 22070 NZ$ 2173 NOK 14225 zł 5221 S$ 1768 kr 14238 $ 1,304 $ 2200 £ 1158 $ 1,986 € 1320 kr 202371 ₪ 5372 ¥ 224822 Mex$ 24481 NZ$ 2410 NOK 15779 zł 5791 S$ 1961 kr 15793 $ 1,447 Additional activity (Guided kayak tour, sunset wine tour, or culinary Caldera walk): $ 250 £ 132 $ 226 € 150 kr 22997 ₪ 610 ¥ 25548 Mex$ 2782 NZ$ 274 NOK 1793 zł 658 S$ 223 kr 1795 $ 164
3-star 4-star Standard room $ 1150 £ 605 $ 1,038 € 690 kr 105785 ₪ 2808 ¥ 117521 Mex$ 12797 NZ$ 1260 NOK 8248 zł 3027 S$ 1025 kr 8256 $ 756 $ 1983 £ 1044 $ 1,791 € 1190 kr 182441 ₪ 4843 ¥ 202681 Mex$ 22070 NZ$ 2173 NOK 14225 zł 5221 S$ 1768 kr 14238 $ 1,304 Single room $ 1750 £ 921 $ 1,580 € 1050 kr 160977 ₪ 4273 ¥ 178836 Mex$ 19474 NZ$ 1917 NOK 12551 zł 4606 S$ 1560 kr 12563 $ 1,151 $ 2817 £ 1483 $ 2,543 € 1690 kr 259097 ₪ 6877 ¥ 287841 Mex$ 31344 NZ$ 3085 NOK 20201 zł 7414 S$ 2511 kr 20220 $ 1,853 Deluxe room $ 1350 £ 711 $ 1,219 € 810 kr 124182 ₪ 3296 ¥ 137959 Mex$ 15023 NZ$ 1479 NOK 9682 zł 3554 S$ 1204 kr 9691 $ 888 $ 2083 £ 1097 $ 1,881 € 1250 kr 191639 ₪ 5087 ¥ 212900 Mex$ 23183 NZ$ 2282 NOK 14942 zł 5484 S$ 1857 kr 14956 $ 1,370 Single room $ 2083 £ 1097 $ 1,881 € 1250 kr 191639 ₪ 5087 ¥ 212900 Mex$ 23183 NZ$ 2282 NOK 14942 zł 5484 S$ 1857 kr 14956 $ 1,370 $ 3417 £ 1799 $ 3,085 € 2050 kr 314289 ₪ 8342 ¥ 349156 Mex$ 38020 NZ$ 3743 NOK 24505 zł 8994 S$ 3046 kr 24527 $ 2,247 Additional activity (Kaiki cruise to Rhenia & Delos, Jeep Safari in Mykonos, or a cooking class in a traditional Mykonian house): $ 183 £ 97 $ 166 € 110 kr 16864 ₪ 448 ¥ 18735 Mex$ 2040 NZ$ 201 NOK 1315 zł 483 S$ 163 kr 1316 $ 121
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
On this electric bike tour the difficulty level of the bike routes will totally depend on you! with an electric bike, you decide the amount of assistance you want or need. The routes have a length of 10-20 mi. (17-33 km) through hilly or mountainous areas. There are however no time constraints. The bike route entails an elevation of 1,000-2,300 feet (300-700 m) and though there are some longer climbs, on an electric bike, they will not be a problem. Most of the roads you will traverse are asphalted and very quiet.
The hiking tours require a high level of fitness from participants. The routes have a length of 3-10 miles (4.5-16 km) and lead through mountainous areas. However, there are no time constraints. The hikes will mostly lead through gorges or along well-developed trails. Your tour guide will tell you each day what the requirements are for the planned tours.
Airport Info
Fly to Heraklion or Chania International Airports.
Local Travel
Transfers to/from Heraklion airport are available for a supplement. We highly recommend booking a transfer since travel to and from the airport can be complicated with public transportation.
Climate
The weather in Crete is characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The climate of Crete is a temperate Mediterranean climate. This is a perfect year-round destination. Do check local conditions before your arrival. A good website to visit to research regional weather conditions including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and other weather-related facts is weatherbase.com.
Day of Rest
You can take a half or full day off any time to swim or explore on your own.
Recommended
We strongly recommend that you bring good hiking boots. Flip-flops or similar shoes are not suitable for the hikes offered. It is obligatory to wear a safety helmet on all cycling tours and we recommend that you bring your own (well-fitting) helmet. A very limited number of rental helmets are available (on request). It is also recommended you bring a small backpack for hiking tours and a beach towel.
Remarks
Lunch is included on all days with activities and is served either in traditional Cretan restaurants with local dishes or as a barbeque en route. Two dinners are also included in your tour price. For those evenings when dinner is not included you can visit one of the beautiful taverns in Paleochora where traditional cuisine can be tasted and enjoyed. Your tour guide will be happy to recommend restaurants for these days if requested.
Important to know
Travel Documents:
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. The U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information for US citizens. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is essential to research before you travel, as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
We recommend you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
See the day-to-day details for some suggestions for extending your stay in Chania or pre or post tour extensions!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cycling Greece.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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