Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and will be the setting for our new cycling adventure. We will ride through a splendid landscape dotted with historical remnants of the great Minoan civilization. White beaches of fine sand contrasting with the crystal-clear blue sea alternate with red cliffs often frequented by the charming Kri-Kri goats that will accompany us throughout the journey.
In this first edition, we will focus on the southeastern part and guide you through climbs and cliffside routes overlooking the sea to discover unforgettable spots. We will complete five cycling stages, with some transfers by van to and from the hotel between stages. This will allow us to ride and experience the most evocative corners of Crete. Accommodation will be in B&Bs and hotels located in characteristic towns and villages.
The stages will be on paved roads or, in some cases, unpaved tracks, leading us to discover corners of rare beauty such as the secluded and paradisiacal Alona Beach near the Xerokambos Gorge, introduced by a descent similar to an alpine pass where the sensation is that of gliding over the sea.
There will be no shortage of spectacular passages before the descents toward the sea, through gorges set between high, narrow, and vertical limestone walls that characterize Crete's topography.
Departure
- Dates to be defined
Travel program
ITINERARY
ARRIVAL: Arrival in Heraklion; (Visit to Knossos, the most important Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete, a key center of Minoan civilization.) Accommodation setup, dinner.
DAY 1: 🚴 62 km | ⬆️ 620 m D+
A scenic cycling day with rolling terrain and a final climb from the capital of Crete toward Agios Nikolaos, a former fishing village transformed into one of the island's most beautiful towns. The charming, perched center is built around Lake Voulismeni, connected to the sea by a narrow
canal. Return to the accommodation, relax, dinner.
DAY 2: 🚴 59 km | ⬆️ 1380 m D+
Ride from Agios Nikolaos along breathtaking landscapes, reaching Sitia, a picturesque and traditional town that still houses the Venetian Kazarma Castle, perched on a hill near the port alongside the fascinating ruins of the Venetian monastery, worth visiting in the Old Town. Return to accommodation, poolside relaxation, dinner.
DAY 3: 🚴 80 km | ⬆️ 1750 m D+
Depart for the queen stage of this Crete tour. From Sitia, we cycle to Makrygialos, passing through rolling hills reminiscent of alpine passes, with a stop at the stunning Xerokambos Beach. Two major climbs and breathtaking landscapes make this a special day. Return for accommodation and dinner.
DAY 4: 🚴 63 km | ⬆️ 1250 m D+
A fantastic ride from Makrygialos to Viannos, which stretches along the southern slopes of Mount Dikti, from the Lassithi Plateau down to the Libyan Sea. The region is known for its deep gorges carved by streams and covered in lush vegetation. The most remarkable is Arvi Gorge, nestled between towering cliffs that rise 454 meters high. Return to accommodation, dinner.
DAY 5: 🚴 75 km | ⬆️ 950 m D+
Today we depart from Viannos toward the legendary and picturesque beach of Matala, home of the Freaks, where between a swim, a dive, and a coffee we can find the spirit of our journey in this timeless place's motto: "Today is life, tomorrow never comes." Life is all about today; tomorrow never arrives. And how right they are!
Return to accommodation and dinner.
DAY 6
Bike assembly and return to Italy.
Is it for me?
Adventure
Commitment
Landscapes
Travel factor
Gastronomy
Culture and folklore
LEGEND: based on our personal experience, the evaluations give a subjective, measured and highly reliable value of the elements that make up the travel experience.
Other informations
Departure and return
Airport of choice
Guaranteed departure
Minimum 6 partecipants
Documents
Identity Card
The participation fee includes
- Personalized consultation on materials and bike setup before departure
- Guidance with certified cycling tour guides (FCI and Regione Piemonte)
- Accommodation in hotels or hostels with half-board treatment
- Support vehicle available throughout the trip
- Flight + transport of personal bike
- Price guaranteed up to 3 months before departure, after which it may be adjusted due to flight fare fluctuations.
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