Hike & E-Bike Southern Crete

Day 1: Chania
Day 2: Chania - Paleochora Anydroi Gorge, 6 mi. (10 km) by E-bike | 4 mi. (6.5 km) hike
Day 3: Paleochora - Sklavopoula - Krios - Paleochora, 27 mi. (43 km) by E-bike
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) hike
Day 6: Boat trip to Elafonisi - Chania, 11 mi. (17 km) by E-bike
Day 7: Return journey to Chania

* 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: Arrival in Chania
Individual arrival in Chania and transfer to your hotel. Nestled on Crete’s northwest coast, Chania is a charming and atmospheric city—an ideal starting point for your journey. Check-in begins at 3 pm. After check-in, take a leisurely walk through the enchanting Venetian Old Town or unwind at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers and guides. After dinner, the guides will provide an overview of the upcoming week and all the planned activities. (D)

Day 2: Chania - Paleochora  Anydroi Gorge, 6 mi. (10 km) by E-bike | 4 mi. (6.5 km) hike 
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Chania and transfer to Paleochora by bus, where you'll settle into your new hotel before beginning your first e-bike ride. Your tour leads to the Monastery of the 99 Priests, where you will hear the story about John the Hermit and the Holy Fathers. Enjoy lunch in Azogires, paired with a visit to the fascinating open-air folklore museum. Continue with a scenic two-hour hike offering panoramic views as you make your way through the Anydroi Gorge to a secluded sandy beach—perfect for a refreshing swim. Return to your hotel by transfer bus or, optionally, by e-bike. In the evening, join your guide for a stroll through Paleochora before enjoying dinner on your own at a local taverna. (B & L)

Day 3: Paleochora - Sklavopoula - Krios - Paleochora, 27 mi. (43 km) by E-bike
Look forward to an extended bike tour through the fascinating mountain world of southern Crete! Take your e-bike to Sklavopoula, where your first order of business is a visit to a small 13th-century church with original wall paintings to admire. From here, continue cycling through picturesque countryside, and stop for a leisurely lunch break before continuing to Krios beach. Enjoy swimming in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and a coffee break before heading back to Paleochora. In the evening, dine at a restaurant of your choice. Your guides will be happy to recommend particularly good places. (B & L)

Day 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 in 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, and 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. (B & L)

Day 5: Samaria Gorge, 10 mi. (16 km) by foot
A visit to Samaria Gorge is a must while traveling 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. (B & L)

Day 6: Boat trip to Elafonisi - Chania, 11 mi. (17 km) by E-bike
Today promises to be an adventure-filled day! After breakfast, check out of your hotel and set off on an unforgettable journey aboard a privately chartered boat to the natural paradise of Elafonisi. Here, you’ll discover exotic beaches with white and pink sand and shimmering turquoise waters on both sides of the peninsula—scenery reminiscent of the Caribbean. The area is also a sanctuary for various rare species, including the endangered Caretta sea turtles. With all this natural beauty, Elafonisi is the perfect place to spend some time swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a coffee or a cool drink. Afterwards, your boat will bring you back to Paleochora for lunch, before your transfer to Chania. Once checked into your hotel, you’ll join a guided city tour and later conclude your eventful day with a special farewell dinner. (B, L & D)

Day 7: Return journey to Chania
Time to depart! After breakfast, check out of the hotel and return home or extend your holiday in Crete on your own! If you are returning home today, there is a shared transfer to Chania Airport or the ferry port. We recommend booking a flight that departs after 12 noon to ensure a stress-free journey home. (B)

Looking for more?  View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, & news, or look at our full list of tours & trips in Europe.

Extensions

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.

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, a furnished balcony, and air conditioning, as well as a bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. A flat-screen TV is also available.