Greece Biking
- Picture-perfect seaside Rethymno
- An unforgettable coast-to-coast ride
- Savor fresh seafood and other local delicacies
- Soak up sunny skies and diverse natural beauty
- A fascinating mélange of Greek, Turkish and Venetian cultural influences
The Mythical Magic of Crete
Crete is for riding - and for relaxing. There's no ride too challenging. Bike to the top of every climb or hop in the van. Crete gives you options. Ride coast to coast across the lower mountains. Or shuttle a bit and enjoy a leisurely descent. It's up to you. Pedal quiet roads at high speed or savor tranquil moments at ancient seaside cafés. Let the gods decide. Bask on the beaches or climb high above them and earn the dramatic views. Make it yours and only yours.
Day 1 Picture-perfect seaside Rethymno, shaped by Venetian and Ottoman cultures 
Enjoy an easygoing ride to the Aegean Sea or climb to traditional hamlets Stroll the narrow streets of Rethymno's old town - built by conquering Venetians, it's one of the best preserved on Crete.
Day 2 An unforgettable coast-to-coast ride between the island's two impressive mountain ranges Before entering the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, listen for the sound of kourtala (claps) as wind zips through high caves Ready to cool off? Dip into the clear blue Mediterranean Discover the inviting square, spring-fed waterfalls and ancient ruins of Argiroupolis.
Days 3-4 Savor fresh seafood and other local delicacies while overlooking the colorful Venetian port in Chaniá, whose history dates back to the Neolithic Age The Ottoman fortress of Aptera affords remarkable views of Kiliaris Valley and Souda Bay Sample organic olive oils at a family-owned farm before biking to the shoreline, sharing the road with flocks of sheep.
Days 5-6 Soak up sunny skies and diverse natural beauty Pedal on gently rolling terrain through groves of citrus and olive trees en route to the village of Mesklá Ready for a challenge? Ascend 2,500 feet for breathtaking views of Chaniá and the sea below 
A final spin on the rocky Akrotiri Peninsula reveals a hidden seaside Monastery.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
We're pleased to offer such a unique option for active travelers: the very best biking routes on Crete woven together with luxury hotels, superb cuisine and rich cultural experiences. Seasoned riders can opt for some challenging rides up from the coast - or you can take advantage of our extra van support by shuttling up the hills and enjoying a downhill spin on the other side. Either way, the views are breathtaking and you end up on the beach!- Regional Manager, Greece & Italy
Premiere Inns
Rimondi Estate
Rethymno (2 nights) This boutique hotel in the heart of old town blends Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles with ultra-modern luxuries. (pool)
Casa Delfino
Chaniá (3 nights) It's a short walk to the Venetian harbor from this Condé Nast Traveler editor's pick, an elegant 17th-century mansion that was once home to a ship captain and his family. (spa)
Slovenia & Italy Biking
The Julian Alps & Friuli's Collio Wine Region
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Czech Republic & Austria Biking
From Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov & the Danube
Classic:
Spain Biking New!
From Barcelona to the Pyrenees & Costa Brava
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 31, 37 miles
- 360 - 1480 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 42, 54 miles
- 230 - 1480 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 37, 45 miles
- 1080 - 4070 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 38, 67 miles
- 1085 - 3410 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 24, 40 miles
- 560 - 2790 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 10, 20 miles
- 600 - 1970 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Greece tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large biking tours, Europe At Large walking and hiking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
