Hellas Bike

A mix of nature and culture expects us on this trip. We reach ancient Aptera via a scenic ride starting from the Plateau of Malaxa. Nowhere else on Crete will you find as much concentrated history in one spot: Minoan walls, Doric fortifications, a Greek amphitheatre, impressive Roman cisterns, a Byzantine monastery and a Turkish castle. After a relaxed visit to the past we cruise down into the lush area of Apokoronas to the Springs of Stylos, where we can enjoy lunch under fragrant eucalyptus trees. Sleepy mountain villages which are connected by narrow winding lanes and easy natural roads make a perfect scenery for our afternoon until we reach the North coast in Kalives, where we can enjoy a beautiful beach and the clear Mediterranean Sea.

A medium tour suitable for active adults and teenagers in "normal" condition. Expect firm country roads, some gravel passages and some steeper & faster downhill parts.
Elevation Gain: 610m Elevation Lost: 1444m Min Elevation: 1m Max Elevation: 480m

From our starting point on 750m we enjoy a breathtaking view of the North coast and of the highest peaks of the White Mountains. A first short - but thrilling - downhill ride per bike will bring us to the entrance of the Jungle Trail. An adventurous 1,5 hours walk trough a subtropical "jungle" with pools, ropes and steps shows us a completely new and unexpected sight of Cretan nature. We finish this fun tour with another bike ride through a labyrinth of small lanes - asphalt and dirt roads.

Suitable for active adults and kids from 9 years of age
Distance: ~ 23 km Walking: ~ 1 hour Elevation Gain: 270m Elevation Lost: 930m Min Elevation: 30m Max Elevation: 755m

Our most demanding Level 1 tour starts at the Gulf of Kissamos and crosses from the North to the West Coast via a steady uphill strech until we reach the small pass at Lousakies. We bike along the spectacular West Coast which impresses us with almost unreal colours of emerald and turquoise. Cycling high above the coastline we enjoy breathtaking views down to inaccessible beaches and crashing white surf.

At lunchtime we relax in the little-known bay of Sfinari where we are rewarded with warm Cretan hospitality, healthy local specialities and a dip into the waves. The afternoon etappe challenges our leg muscles once more with uphill passages through remote mountain scenery and flower-filled villages until we gain the second pass of the day. Turning north again we are finally free-wheeling downhill, crossing the narrow gorge of Topolia, we speed down right to the sands of Mithimna Beach at the North Coast. Now we have truly encircled the most northwestern corner of Crete on bike.This tour is suitable for regular cyclists who are well used to mountainous terrain and have a good level of fitness. Expect altitude gains of 600-800 altimetres. Minibus will follow cyclists throughout the tour, so there is always the chance to hitch a ride if things should be too tough.

This newly created medium tour reveals all the treasures of GAIA - the mystical Mother Earth - that has provided so much for Crete. We start our cycling tour with unforgettable views, mountain panoramas of the giant range of the White Mountains, rolling silvery hills covered by millions of olive trees, friendly villages and glimpses of both wild and gentle shorelines.

Our stop in Noxia puts us in touch with earth and Cretan Art. GAIA, yet again. Handmade ceramics have become a rare art in Crete. Noxia is the only village in the whole province of Chania where traditional potters are still at work. Master Panaiottis may even give you the chance to try your skill with wet clay yourself! During our rest in the village kafenion we can watch local life going its century old pace. The final kilometers bring us back to the north coast at the picturesque fishing port of Kolymbari.If you like cycling at a steady rhythm with moderate downhills and sensible uphills - 'Cretorama' is an unforgettable experience for the true cyclist and Crete-lover.

The starting point for this very easy bestseller tour is a colourful church sourrounded by giant plane trees in the lush, green valley of Meskla. Our trip leads us at a leisurely speed into a Cretan version of the Garden of Eden. Grapes, mulberries, oranges, lemons, figs, kiwis, lotos-fruit and avocados ask to be sampled. The ride through flower-scented villages and a stop in a small kafenion make this trip a truly remarkable experience.a very easy tour suitable for all ages. We bike on smooth straight roads with easy downhill passages. Service van follows the group. Coffee or snack stop halfway.

Elevation Gain: 110m Elevation Lost: 320m Min Elevation: 10m Max Elevation: 225m suitable for: parent & kid tandem, baby seats

We start our downhill ride from the middle of the island through a bizarre landscape with picturesque gorges right down to the south coast. With clear weather we can even spot the southernmost point of Europe, the Greek island of Gavdos. After our lunchtime break in the white village of Paleochora and a rest on its sandy beach we are ready for the afternoon experience of unspoilt villages in Crete's most remote corner. A speedy downhill through the imposing Sassalos Gorge leads us back to the North Coast and the Bay of Kissamos.

On this active tour - with a few moderate rises - we bike on small asphalt roads and well-maintained agricultural trails (30%) through the lush green valley of the river Mavros until we reach Crete's largest orange growing area at Skines. On our route we cross through traditional villages and discover hidden Byzantine chapels. We'll find ample opportunity to taste oranges, avocados or kiwis right off the tree. After some Cretan refreshments (inclusive) in a village kafenion we rise to the top of the Coastal Chain where we start our downhill through ancient olive groves back to Agia Marina. No service van.
A medium tour suitable for active adults and teenagers in "normal" condition. Expect firm country roads, some gravel passages and some steeper & faster downhill parts.
Elevation Gain: 520m Elevation Lost: 500m Min Elevation: 5m Max Elevation: 160m

Our new highlight for young families with children between 9 months and 12 years of age.In the fruity valley of Agia there lives a secret tribe. This is the tribe of BABIS, the monkey. They are sportive, they are strong, they are clever. You can become a member of this tribe. After the first rituals of getting 'The Colours' you will go through 3 competitions. Will you be accepted in the Monkey Tribe of Babis ? Are you up to the challenge?

Distance: ~20km, incl. 18 km downhill/straight
suitable for: parent & kid tandem, baby seats