Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete Tour by Exodus Adventure Travels

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Heraklion, Greece

Ends

Heraklion, Greece

Highlights

Cycle through the diverse history, culture, mountains, and beaches of Eastern Crete

Relax on golden beaches and sample the delicious local cuisine

Visit the important archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos

Itinerary

For those who dream of exploring Greece beyond the tourist tracks, "Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete" is a private 8-day bicycle tour designed for experienced travelers with a moderate fitness level. Starting and ending in Heraklion, you’ll pedal through picturesque villages, ancient sites, and along tranquil beaches, stopping in places like Knossos, Tsoutsouros, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, and Rethimno.

What truly sets this trip apart is the authentic local experience: most accommodations are family-run and traditionally Cretan, chosen for both comfort and location. Between rides, enjoy Greek meze and sample the island’s famous raki.

The USP is clear—exploring Crete’s unspoiled charm at your own pace, on two wheels, while enjoying genuine hospitality and the island’s quiet beauty. Perfect for those who want an active yet immersive holiday.

day 1 - Arrive in Heraklion

Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your first hotel. Take some time to explore Crete's biggest city with over 3,000 years of history. Visit the famous 'Koule' (castle) which dominates the port or the intriguing archaeological museum of Heraklion.

Overnight Atrion Hotel, Heraklion.

day 2 - Heraklion to Koutouloufari via Knossos

Soon after leaving Heraklion, you’ll reach Knossos. Known as the biggest and the most important Cretan archaeological site, Knossos is widely regarded as Europe’s oldest city. Here you can visit the Minoan Palace and surrounding remains before continuing to the traditional village of Koutouloufari.

Overnight Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Koutouloufari to Agios Nikolaos

Ride through spectacular mountain scenery, passing traditional villages like Vrahasi where it appears time has stood still. Visit the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli to taste the locally produced olive oil before continuing into the picturesque capital of Agios Nikalaos, Lasithi.

If you'd like to enjoy an extra day cycling, we recommend adding an extra night in Agios Nikolaos to explore Elounda & Spinalonga (one of the most famous locations on Crete - 32km ride).

Overnight Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra

Begin your cycle following the coastline before winding through the olive groves to reach the waterfront town of Ierapetra. Enjoy a swim in one of the golden beaches you’ll pass on todays ride. If time allows, you could also take a boat trip to the unique island of Gaidouronissi (book locally).

Overnight Astron Hotel, Ierapetra.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Ierapetra to Tsoutsouros

Today is a long but beautiful route following the coast and passing through the intriguing villages of Myrtos, Tertsa, and Keratokambos. Enjoy a well deserved rest on the beach in the tranquil town of Tsoutsouros.

Overnight Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Tsoutsouros to Agia Galini

You’ll be transferred to the start of today’s ride in Mesohori. Cycle among the olive trees and through small villages before reaching the highlight of today – The Palace of Phaistos; this is a Bronze Age archaeological site of major importance on Crete. Continue to the small seaside town of Agia Galini.

Overnight Petra Hotel, Agia Galini.

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Agia Galini to Rethimno

Begin with a transfer to Spili village where you’ll begin your ride. Pass through the mountain villages of Rethimno Province before reaching “Limni ton Potamon”, this is the “Lake of the Rivers”. Cross the dam for beautiful scenery and to sample the local tavernas. Continue your ride to Rethimno, a historical city founded by the Venetians with its “Fortezza” – the Venetian Era Citadel.

Overnight Ideon Hotel, Rethimno.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Depart Rethimno

Return to Heraklion airport.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations, Luggage transfers between hotels

Meals

All breakfasts

Others

Bike hireCar transfers as per the itinerary

What's Excluded

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