The Slow Cyclist in Crete
"Dramatic terrain, history, culture, wonderful food and amazing memories."
When to go
Apr - Oct
Price from
£2,995
Duration
5-6 nights
Activity level
Activity Level
This journey is taken by electric bike and on foot.
For the cycling we use hard-tail mountain bikes because of the variety of terrain. Full days are between 40 – 65 kms on terrain that varies between quiet tarmac backroads and maintained dirt tracks. The tracks have sections that require good balance due to loose gravel. The topography is generally undulating although there are a couple of longer, steeper ascents and descents on tarmac and tracks. A moderate level of fitness and a proven ability to cycle up and downhill off road is required.
On foot, each of the hikes take between 2-3 hours. There are steep up and downhill sections on stony tracks. To enjoy and complete the hikes, a moderate level of fitness and an ability to walk up and downhill on uneven ground is required.
Whereas some of our journeys have route flexibility baked into them, this is not the case in Crete. The road and track network are not sufficient to enable multiple route options each day
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Cretan Heartlands | Classic
Crete is the jewel in the Aegean's crown. A remarkable island of mountains, gorges, rolling hills and dramatic coastline, it is also home to some of the most fiercely passionate musicians and storytellers in Greece.
Journey Highlights
- Feel the mythical presence of mighty Mount Ida (Psiloritis) as you cycle the undiscovered Amari valley.
- Eat and drink with the islanders who open their homes to us with typically Cretan generosity.
- Walk through the beautiful Rouvas Gorge, full of streams, cascades and lush vegetation.
- Dance the night away to Cretan folk music overlooking the Libyan Sea.
- Stand among the goats and sheep after cycling to the top of the breathtaking Asterousia Mountains.
- Meet local artisans, truffle hunters, beekeepers and musicians still practising a slow, traditional way of life.
Sustanability headline
Co2 emissions for this trip per person, per day: 123 (without flights) 123 (with flights)
How we work this out
Itinerary
Transfer 1 hour 15 minutes
After your flight to Crete you will be transferred to the quiet village of Thronos, our base for two nights. Here we find Eleftheria, Lambros and family who give us our first taste of warm Cretan hospitality. Their homely property, Aravanes, enjoys spectacular views at the head of the valley. If you arrive in the afternoon, options include relaxing by the pool with a mountain view or walking in the vicinity with Lambros to learn about the local flora. The hotel has an authentic local taverna where we will have dinner.
Afternoon walk 2-3 hours
In an open 4×4 we adventure into the heart of the Rouvas forest, on the slopes of Psiloritis above Zaros. We join Nikos, bursting with character and a passionate truffle hunter. Depending on the season, we will join him on a hunt with his Italian hunting dogs, after which he and his daughter will prepare a truffle lunch. If truffle hunting is not possible, Nikos will turn his infectious enthusiasm to his other passion: bees. After this feast, we will trek down the beautiful Rouvas gorge, full of streams, small cascades and lush vegetation, ending at Votomos lake. Before dinner back at the farm, we can help prepare the bread and raki before a fun evening of food and music with our family hosts.
Morning cycle 40 kms – afternoon cycle 25 kms
This morning we leave behind the mythical mountains to drop into the Mesara plain, the largest and most fertile in Crete, hence its attraction to the ancient civilisations. With a guide, we visit the Minoan antiquities of Phaistos (dating back to around 2000 BC), which enjoy an impressive setting with panoramic views. Then we cycle along the undulations at the edge of the Mesara plain, through its agricultural villages which live off the endless olive groves, before an epic lunch at Maria’s taverna. Maria’s simple and delicious seasonal food is much needed to fuel us for our late afternoon winding climb into the Asterousia mountains. What a change and what a surprise! Breathtaking scenery, a very special guest house and a larger than life host await. Oh, and an infinity pool.
Morning walk 2 hours – afternoon cycle 40 kms
An epic day and a fitting conclusion to our Cretan journey. By jeep we are driven down a steep dirt-road to the coast. From here we hike along a rocky path from the village of Ai Giannis, through a small forest, to the monastery of Koudoumas, one of the most important on the island. We pass beaches and caves where priests took refuge in medieval times. At the monastery, directly on the shoreline, we indulge in a picnic lunch and swim in the clear blue sea. In these parts, what goes steeply down must go steeply up. Mounting our electric bikes, we challenge ourselves for the climb up the sacred Kofinas mountain, vultures circling around its distinctive peak. As a reward (for succeeding or trying), Zeus-like Markos hosts us for dinner on his terrace, with music and dancing to celebrate the end of our journey.
Dates & Availability
If you would prefer to travel to Crete in a private group, enquire now for availability.
What's Included?
It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include everything from the moment you land. We are often told by our guests how great it is to forget about their wallet and focus on the experience. Included are:
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Electric Bikes
A premium electric mountain bike, best suited to the terrain.
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Guides & Hosts
A dedicated Slow Cyclist host to elevate the hospitality experience and two local guides with passions and interests that bring the island to life.
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Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure; and you never need to carry any bags as your luggage is transported ahead each day.
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Accommodation, Food & Drinks
Characterful Cretan guest houses, delicious locally sourced and home-cooked food and all drinks and snacks.
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Activities
All cultural visits and activities, from truffle hunting to learning Cretan music,. And as ever with The Slow Cyclist,. plenty of surprises too.
Walking and Cycling in Crete
The island may be better known for its beaches, but Crete is an excellent destination for cycling. A Slow Cyclist journey in Crete is suitable for most levels of cyclist. Cycling distances are between 40 and 65 kms a day, on a mix of tracks and quiet tarmac backroads, using electric mountain bikes. Crete is also an excellent spot for walking; bring your walking boots.
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. On your Crete cycling holiday, you will be accompanied by a Slow Cyclist host. In addition, you will be looked after by two of our local guides throughout. Your bags will be driven ahead each day and a support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift.
Accommodation
We avoid big, soulless hotels, preferring intimate Cretan guest houses and a traditional farm house, offering charm, comfort and a beautiful location. To help you get a good night’s sleep we provide luxury pillows in addition to those provided by the guest houses.
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HOW TO BOOK
There are two ways to travel with us. You can either travel on a set-date Scheduled Journey or put together your own private party.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Scheduled Journeys
A wonderful opportunity to explore Crete by bike, to meet like-minded travellers and make new friends in a group of Slow Cyclists assembled by us.