Scenic Routes For Mountain Biking In Crete

Anyone who has tried mountain biking in Crete enjoyed the unique experience to be connected with the rich nature of the island. The varied terrain, the mountainous landscape, the countless canyons and caves, the countless kilometers of coastline, the rare ecosystems and various micro climates existing on the island, create the ideal conditions for nature activities in Crete. We collected and present you the best routes offered for mountain biking in Crete. Ride your bike along with your friends or family and explore the amazing island of Crete!

Discover The Villages Of Apokoronas, West Crete

If you have chosen to stay in Apokoronas, you will have the chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful routes for biking in Crete. This tour is a scenic route between the sunny coast and the wonderful slopes of West Crete.

Starting from Almyrida or Kalyves, you can ride your bike in the beautiful area of Apokoronas. You pass from numerous villages connected with narrow and scenic streets. The scenery offered to you during your cycling will make you feel unique emotions. You can make short stops to enjoy the pristine nature of the villages of Apokoronas. Xirosterni, Kefalas, Drapano, Kokkino Chorio and Plaka are only a few of the beautiful villages that you will discover.

The square of Plaka is ideal to have a coffee or refreshment under the shade of trees and the taverns of Almyrida for a delicious traditional Cretan meal.

Ride Your Bike To The Village Of El Greco

This biking route starts from the idyllic village of Fodele in Heraklion, which is a green oasis, full of flowers, colors and aromas. Passing the beautiful valley full of lemon and orange trees, you will be excited by the variety of the landscape! You keep riding and reach the village of Marathos. You can have a stop to rest, drink coffee and get a small taste of the wonderful pastries made in the village.

After a while, you continue your route, following the rural road to Fodele. You feel the unique magic of undiscovered Crete as soon as you find the Monastery of St. Panteleimon, which is located in a beautiful wild forest. During this route passing through plane trees you will be accompanied by the river of Marathos which flows in Fodele.

Your tour may end in Fodele, just outside the home of the famous Cretan painter El Greco, operating as a museum presenting copies of his works. It is also worth a visit to the Byzantine church of Panagia, located near the house and considered to have inspired the great painter. Before you take the way back, do not miss a lunch in a traditional tavern of the village.

Mountain Biking - The Slopes Of Psiloritis Await For You

Starting from Heraklion in the morning, you drive towards the plateau of Strouboula. You start your biking route in the foothills of Psiloritis, following a beautiful dirt path that gives you the opportunity to admire the geological peculiarity of this mountainous area with the variety of its landscapes. After a while, you pass Gonies, a historical village with many natural beauties, and follow an uphill path of great natural beauty, where you will find “Mitata”, small round stone houses built by the shepherds.

In the mountainous area of Fourni, you will see a small stone chapel of St. Iakinthos, patron of love. You continue your route in this magnificent place with the huge oak trees, pass the archaeological site of Zominthos and end up in the meadow of Koursona.

Finally, you reach the village of Anogia at an altitude of 750 meters. It is a special place inhabited by friendly people who remain faithful to their traditional way of life. Except from the excellent Cretan food that you will find in its traditional taverns and guest houses, there are beautiful traditional villas in Anogia to spend some nights.

Explore Lasithi Plateau On Your Bike

Lasithi plateau, in the hinterland of the island, is a dreamy destination for biking in Crete. Surrounded by the high mountains of Dikti and several smaller plateaus, it offers a really unique view. Its altitude varies from 800 to 850 m, and it is one of the few areas inhabited at such a high altitude in Mediterranean. The 18 villages of the plateau are built in the foot of the mountains around.

This route is ideal for mountain biking in Crete, as there are not big hills and it is easy for you to visit all the sights of the plateau. The most important sight is considered to be the cave of “Psixro”, near the village, known as Dikteon Andron. According to the myth, Zeus was born there and the cave has an important role in ancient worship. Also, according to tradition, in this cave, Zeus was united with Europe, giving birth to Minos.

These routes and even more, throughout Crete, combine quietness and tranquility with unparalleled and unspoiled beauty and compose an amazing, unforgettable scenery for the visitors.