Wonderful coastal ride on Crete

Rethymno - Heraklion

Country

Greece

Region

Crete

Distance

84km

Time

1 day

Elevation

1090hm

Difficulty

Medium

Contributor

Roger S.

Short Description

Embark on a mesmerizing cycling adventure along the Cretan coastline, as we pedal our way from the charming town of Rethymno to the vibrant city of Heraklion. The scenic route unfolds like a postcard, offering breathtaking views of the shimmering Aegean Sea and quaint villages nestled against olive groves. The journey spans approximately 80 kilometers, with picturesque rest stops in coastal tavernas for a taste of local cuisine. As you approach Heraklion, the ancient Venetian walls and the iconic Koules Fortress come into view, creating a seamless blend of history and nature. This day trip promises an unforgettable fusion of culture, exercise, and Mediterranean beauty.

It is possible to take the bike on the bus (you need to take off the wheels, so it fits into the compartment.) when there aren’t so many travelers. I did the tour in January with almost no tourists on Crete. During that time, the main road was super easy to take, since there wasn’t a lot of traffic. I don’t know how it works out in tourist peak season.

Route overview

Insights

Adjustability route

The bus stops a few times between Heraklion and Rethymno, where you can hop on and off.

Recommended time of year

All year

Anything to consider?

On smaller roads, be aware of stray dogs.

Travel to start

Bus to Rethymno

Travel from finish

Bus from Heraklion

Highlights

The coastal road

Food

Easy to get

Road Surface

Mostly good
Reommended Bike Type

Recommended Bike Type

Road bike
Stage

Stage