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 $ 3815 £ 2012 $ 3,482 € 2304 kr 353579 ₪ 9472 ¥ 397953 Mex$ 42465 NZ$ 4169 NOK 27462 zł 10024 S$ 3441 kr 27401 $ 2,557 $ 4146 £ 2187 $ 3,784 € 2504 kr 384272 ₪ 10294 ¥ 432497 Mex$ 46151 NZ$ 4530 NOK 29845 zł 10894 S$ 3740 kr 29780 $ 2,779 Single $ 828 £ 437 $ 756 € 500 kr 76732 ₪ 2056 ¥ 86361 Mex$ 9215 NZ$ 905 NOK 5960 zł 2175 S$ 747 kr 5946 $ 555 $ 828 £ 437 $ 756 € 500 kr 76732 ₪ 2056 ¥ 86361 Mex$ 9215 NZ$ 905 NOK 5960 zł 2175 S$ 747 kr 5946 $ 555 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 $ 844 £ 445 $ 771 € 510 kr 78266 ₪ 2097 ¥ 88088 Mex$ 9400 NZ$ 923 NOK 6079 zł 2219 S$ 762 kr 6065 $ 566 $ 993 £ 524 $ 907 € 600 kr 92078 ₪ 2467 ¥ 103633 Mex$ 11059 NZ$ 1086 NOK 7151 zł 2610 S$ 896 kr 7136 $ 666 Single room $ 1225 £ 646 $ 1,118 € 740 kr 113563 ₪ 3042 ¥ 127815 Mex$ 13639 NZ$ 1339 NOK 8820 zł 3220 S$ 1105 kr 8801 $ 821 $ 1391 £ 734 $ 1,269 € 840 kr 128909 ₪ 3453 ¥ 145087 Mex$ 15482 NZ$ 1520 NOK 10012 zł 3655 S$ 1255 kr 9990 $ 932 Additional activity (Athens bike Bike, Athens foodies tour, or mythological walk): $ 116 £ 61 $ 106 € 70 kr 10742 ₪ 288 ¥ 12091 Mex$ 1290 NZ$ 127 NOK 834 zł 305 S$ 105 kr 833 $ 78
April - June & October July - September Standard room $ 1109 £ 585 $ 1,012 € 670 kr 102820 ₪ 2754 ¥ 115724 Mex$ 12349 NZ$ 1212 NOK 7986 zł 2915 S$ 1001 kr 7968 $ 744 $ 1308 £ 690 $ 1,194 € 790 kr 121236 ₪ 3248 ¥ 136451 Mex$ 14560 NZ$ 1429 NOK 9416 zł 3437 S$ 1180 kr 9395 $ 877 Single room $ 1805 £ 952 $ 1,647 € 1090 kr 167275 ₪ 4481 ¥ 188267 Mex$ 20090 NZ$ 1972 NOK 12992 zł 4742 S$ 1628 kr 12963 $ 1,210 $ 2037 £ 1074 $ 1,859 € 1230 kr 188760 ₪ 5057 ¥ 212449 Mex$ 22670 NZ$ 2225 NOK 14661 zł 5351 S$ 1837 kr 14628 $ 1,365 Deluxe room $ 1242 £ 655 $ 1,133 € 750 kr 115097 ₪ 3083 ¥ 129542 Mex$ 13823 NZ$ 1357 NOK 8939 zł 3263 S$ 1120 kr 8920 $ 832 $ 1441 £ 760 $ 1,315 € 870 kr 133513 ₪ 3577 ¥ 150269 Mex$ 16035 NZ$ 1574 NOK 10370 zł 3785 S$ 1299 kr 10347 $ 965 Single room $ 1970 £ 1039 $ 1,798 € 1190 kr 182621 ₪ 4892 ¥ 205540 Mex$ 21933 NZ$ 2153 NOK 14184 zł 5177 S$ 1777 kr 14153 $ 1,321 $ 2186 £ 1153 $ 1,995 € 1320 kr 202572 ₪ 5427 ¥ 227994 Mex$ 24329 NZ$ 2388 NOK 15733 zł 5743 S$ 1972 kr 15699 $ 1,465 Additional activity (Guided kayak tour, sunset wine tour, or culinary Caldera walk): $ 248 £ 131 $ 227 € 150 kr 23019 ₪ 617 ¥ 25908 Mex$ 2765 NZ$ 271 NOK 1788 zł 653 S$ 224 kr 1784 $ 166
3-star 4-star Standard room $ 1143 £ 603 $ 1,043 € 690 kr 105890 ₪ 2837 ¥ 119178 Mex$ 12717 NZ$ 1248 NOK 8224 zł 3002 S$ 1031 kr 8206 $ 766 $ 1970 £ 1039 $ 1,798 € 1190 kr 182621 ₪ 4892 ¥ 205540 Mex$ 21933 NZ$ 2153 NOK 14184 zł 5177 S$ 1777 kr 14153 $ 1,321 Single room $ 1739 £ 917 $ 1,587 € 1050 kr 161136 ₪ 4317 ¥ 181359 Mex$ 19352 NZ$ 1900 NOK 12515 zł 4568 S$ 1568 kr 12488 $ 1,165 $ 2798 £ 1476 $ 2,554 € 1690 kr 259353 ₪ 6948 ¥ 291901 Mex$ 31148 NZ$ 3058 NOK 20143 zł 7353 S$ 2524 kr 20099 $ 1,875 Deluxe room $ 1341 £ 707 $ 1,224 € 810 kr 124305 ₪ 3330 ¥ 139905 Mex$ 14929 NZ$ 1466 NOK 9654 zł 3524 S$ 1210 kr 9633 $ 899 $ 2070 £ 1092 $ 1,889 € 1250 kr 191829 ₪ 5139 ¥ 215903 Mex$ 23039 NZ$ 2262 NOK 14899 zł 5438 S$ 1867 kr 14866 $ 1,387 Single room $ 2070 £ 1092 $ 1,889 € 1250 kr 191829 ₪ 5139 ¥ 215903 Mex$ 23039 NZ$ 2262 NOK 14899 zł 5438 S$ 1867 kr 14866 $ 1,387 $ 3394 £ 1791 $ 3,098 € 2050 kr 314600 ₪ 8428 ¥ 354081 Mex$ 37783 NZ$ 3709 NOK 24434 zł 8919 S$ 3062 kr 24380 $ 2,275 Additional activity (Kaiki cruise to Rhenia & Delos, Jeep Safari in Mykonos, or a cooking class in a traditional Mykonian house): $ 182 £ 96 $ 166 € 110 kr 16881 ₪ 452 ¥ 18999 Mex$ 2027 NZ$ 199 NOK 1311 zł 479 S$ 164 kr 1308 $ 122
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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