BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Greece: Crete

Crete, the central island in the eastern Mediterranean, boasts unique fauna, and "flowers of Crete" – a springtime miracle. Although it is the biggest Greek Island, it is very narrow. You can stand at heady heights and see the Mediterranean in both directions. From turquoise bays and beautiful beaches that enjoy 340 days of sunshine a year, you will ride deep into the land: Here, 1000 years before the classical Hellenistic tradition evolved, the famous Minoan culture built astonishing palaces, developed a commercial empire, and established the oldest known alphabet. They developed profound arts and skills, and now the Iraklion Museum of Archaeology is considered one of the most important in Europe.

Conquerors of many ilks have since wanted to exploit the island’s key location for their purposes. Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Veniceans, Turks, and lately British and Germans have all fought for a stronghold here. Most have left their mark on the landscape, the dominant ones being architects from Venice. The proud people of Crete fought against them all, knowing they had little chance of victory, or even of survival. The remote villages in the mountains present music, legends, and traditions that are strongly related to heroic events from the past. Come to cycle through these enchanted villages, to challenge the gorges and the mountains, or to relax with an unbelievable view from a mountain to the sea. Come to taste typical Cretan cuisine, to smell the heady fragrance of endless carpets of flowers in the meadows, to explore the incredible wall paintings in palaces that did not lose their royal impression through the passing of 3600 years; to adore the Griffon soaring over your head - and yes – to swim in the deep, crystal clear water of the Mediterranean. This is a life-time experience – a phenomenal combination of vacation and adventure.

“…some of the most scenic bike routes I’ve ever ridden. Cuisine was consistently excellent – one of the highlights.” “…one of the best bike trips I've ever taken.” – Barry Anderson, Crete, 2005

Tour Details

Day 1:
Pickup in Iraklion (a.k.a. Heraklio or Heraklion) early afternoon for transfer to Hania (a.k.a. Chania), or meet in Hania at 5:00pm.

Special points:
•The old city of Chania by night.

Lodging: Kalives Beach, Hania

Day 2:
Kalamy or Kalives (near Hania) to Hora Sfakion, crossing western Crete from the Aegean coast in the north to the Libyan Sea in the south (58km). The first 15 kilometers are relaxed, flat and lightly rolling, followed by a steep 17km climb to 700 meters in Askifou. Cycle the level valley of Askifou for ten kilometers, then climb slightly before enjoying 12km of uninterrupted descent all the way down to sea level. Enjoy lunch in a taverna at Askifou, Petres or Goni. BD

Special points:
1. The tremendous differences of style of living between coastal region and mountains, north and south, rural and urban settlements.
2. The mountainous valley of Askifou.
3. The Impros Gorge (cycling of an hour along the edge or hiking for two hours inside the ravine).
4. The view of the wild drop of the “Lefka Ori” mountains into the southern coast.

Lodging: The Iligas Hotel in Chora Sfakion

Day 3:
Hora Sfakion to Moni Preveli, along the savage southern coastline. 73 kilometers, curving along the coastline, with ups and downs. The major ascents - from Argules (50 A.S.L) to Ano Rodakino (200 A.S.L) - three kilometers, the Kastri mountain (250 meters on 3km) the Koutzifou - (a wild ascent of 300 meters vertical on 2km). Lunch is in the traditional village of Rodakino. BL

Special points:
1. The unbelievable views of the sea from every hill, every bay, every cape.
2. The Venetian fortress of Frangokostelo.
3. The ancient chapels and churches along the way, specially at Vouvas, Nomikiana and Argules.
4. The bridge between Ano Rodakino and Kato Rodakino.
5. The cycling through the gorges of Koutzifou (uphill) and Kourtaliotiko (downhill).
6. The story of the monastery Moni Preveli.
7. The outlet of the Kissanos Creek and the Megalopotamos at the palm beach.

Lodging: Monolia Apartments and Studio, Plakias-Rethimno

Day 4:
25-minute transfer to Spili. 42km. An easy ride from Spili to Sivas down to the Messara Valley, followed by some hill riding. Between Spili (400m) and Kissou-Kambos (450m), there are five kilometers of moderate uphill riding to the village of Akoumia, then a great descent to the Akoumianos River Valley and a shallow climb to the village of Nea Kria Vrisi (450m). There follows an extraordinary 11-kilometer ride between two mountains - all the way down to the marina of Agia Galini. East of here, you will ascend to Agia Paraskevi then descend back to the coast at Timpaki. Then it’s a flat, coastal ride until you climb to lunch at Kamillary and your inn in Sivas. BLD

Special points:
1. The Middle-ages “Lions –Fountain” in Spili.
2. The mountain road from Spili to Agia Galini.
3. The picturesque town of Agia Galini.
4. The villages of Kamillary and Sivas.

Lodging: Shivas Village Hotel, Sivas

Day 5:
Relaxing round Shivas. Shivas Hotel is located on a hill, a ten-minute ride from the sea, a 15-minute ride from Festoes (one of the most important Minoan Palaces in Crete and the site of the discovery of the “Festos Disk”), a 20-minute ride away from Gortyn (the roman-time capital of Crete, and the site of the famous “Gortyn-Laws” Odeon where a full-size detailed Law Codex of 2,600 years ago is presented), a 20-minute ride away from Vori (where a fantastic ethnographic museum is located), and 25 kilometers north of the Lybian Sea resort of Kalai Limanes. A variety of self-guided options are available from here, and depending on your choice, you will be supplied with literature, maps, and transportation. Lunch is on your own. B

Suggested options:
1. A visit to Festoes and Gortyn (an hour for each).
2. A visit to the museum of Vori (two to three hours including the ride).
3. Checking Matala’s beach reputation as the best in Crete (anywhere from ten minutes to all day long).

Lodging: Shivas Village Hotel, Sivas

Day 6:
Cross Crete to the north again, 54km, from Agii Deka to Archanes, starting with relaxed nine-kilometer ride along the Messara Valley (100m), then a gradual 28-kilometer climb through Loures, Atsipdes, Ano Akria, Mades, and Metaxochory, to cross the continental divide. This ride becomes very challenging, and the peak at Choudessy is 528m ASL. Lunch will be a picnic near the Epanossifi monastery. BLD

Special points:
1. The villages in the remote mountains.
2. The Venetian castle at Kastelli.
3. The isolated monastery of Moni Epanossify.
4. The village of Archanes. This village has been granted with a very important European prize for preserving traditional architecture.

Lodging: Villa Archanes

Day 7:
Following Zorba the Greek. 60km round-trip ride in the hilly district of wine, raisins, vines, vineyards and…the birthplace of the famous Nikos Kazantzakis. Apart from the descent to Agia Irini (nine wonderful kilometers) and the climb from Scalani to Mirtia (eight kilometers of a moderate but enduring ascent) – this is a moderately rolling ride between 300 and 450m ASL. BD

Special points:
1. The ride downstream along the Sillamianos Brook – a plethora of sights and smells!
2. The Nikos Kazantzakis museum at Mirthos.
3. The wall paintings in the Byzantine churches of Agia Marina.
4. Vines, vineyards, and wine cellars.
5. Knossos archeological site.

Lodging: Villa Archanes

Day 8:
Transfer from Lasithy Plateau to the unique and beautiful valley of Agios Nickolaos, then an easy ride round the valley and out of mountains eastward towards the enchanted capital of eastern Crete. Have lunch in one of the village restaurants in Agios Konstandinos. At day’s end you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice, in Agios Nickolaus or Iraklion, or the airport in Iraklion. It is recommend that you stay an extra night if you can, to enjoy Iraklion’s famous museums or market.

Special points:
1. The unique plateau of Lasithi with its peculiar windmills.
2. The Dicteon Cave.
3. The unique descend to the coastal plain.
4. The town of Agios Nikolaos.

Route Notes: Most of the route is paved, but there are some short gravel stretches. There are hills, and “rewards”. Relaxed riders are assisted with van support on longer climbs.