CRETE ISLAND, GREECE
THE NEW CYCLING PARADISE
Be the first exploring this new cycling paradise and its fantastic beaches
START/FINISH
CHANIA
DURATION
8/10 DAYS - 7/9 NIGHTS
AVG.DISTANCE
70 KM
AVG.ELEVATION
1'000 MT
DIFFICULTY
HIGHLIGHTS
A new cycling paradise is emerging on the island of Crete, offering truly unique cycling scenery.
Only here can you view snow-covered mountains ‘Lefka Ori’ and at the same time enjoy Mediterranean coastal views of both the Cretan and Libyan Sea.
You will enjoy good and lightly trafficked roads in Mediterranean weather conditions.
On top of this, you’ll delight in excellent local Cretan food, great hospitality and high quality accommodation.
Not to mention, you will have the chance to experience Orthodox Easter customs and traditions during your visit!
Crete truly is the yet undiscovered cycling paradise!
DETAILS
-
Level: Easy-Intermediate
-
Terrain: Hilly
-
Daily Distance: Approx 70km
-
Daily Ascent: Approx 1000m
-
Main Route 500-650km
-
Total Ascent: Approx 8'000m
-
Duration: 8 days/7 nights or 10 days/9 nights
-
Recommended Arrival-Departure Airport: Chania
YOUR RIDE
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE?
The experience is built for all riders able to ride for 3-5 hours. This is not a race or high intensity riding, but rather a true cycling adventure across one of the most picturesque region in the world.
We will ride as a group on the rolling terrain and as individuals or small groups on the short climbs, so that everyone will enjoy the ride. On top of each major climb we will regroup to celebrate and refill our bottles, and then enjoy the descent together.
As a team, we’ll support each other during the ride and make sure everyone finishes safe and happy!
All cyclists interested in exploring a new region, learning about local culture while admiring magnificent scenery will enjoy this incredible experience!
THE TOUR INCLUDES
-
A fantastic tour itinerary designed by Andrea
-
All hotel accommodations in beautiful hotels, generally 4 stars, in twin-double room
-
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and all dinners except one
-
2 professional guides on tour (one fully qualified mechanic)
-
Van support throughout the tour
-
All in-tour transfers
-
Snacks and food supplements including electrolytes, gels, and energy bars during rides by OTE Sport
-
Garmin 810-820 loan unit with maps for duration of tour
-
1 top quality cycling kit made by DAMA (jersey, bibs, socks)
-
Detailed printed tour information booklet
-
Extra activities besides cycling
-
Small group of max 12 riders.
MORE ABOUT THE TERRAIN
We have selected some of the best routes offering a mix of all terrains, but the terrain will be mainly hilly with some 8-10 km climbs, but also a lot of flat-undulating sections.
The start from Chania is perfect as it mostly flat, then route become hilly with some climbing towards the end of the tour approaching mountains.
The climbs are never hard as the gradient is always around 6-8% and when steeper, generally for short distances.
The roads are well-paved and safe, with drivers showing incredible respect for cyclists!
ON REQUEST, NOT INCLUDED
-
Flights
-
Travel insurance
-
Single room
-
High-end rental bike
-
Massage at hotel
-
Personal airport transfer
-
Alcoholic drinks
-
Guides Tips
TOUR ITINERARY
Day One - CHANIA Warm-up Ride
Main Route: 40km – 25mi | Total Ascent: 680m – 2200ft
This is a warm-up ride to ease the legs and body into training. Some of you may have only recently stepped off a plane, so this ride offers a great way to “tease” out that tiredness. The ride will take in almost completely flat terrain and offer great views of the countryside through some traditional villages of Kydonia.
Day Two - Chania Loop to Stalos
Main Route: 50km – 32mi | Total Ascent: 800m – 3000ft
Our first day’s ride is on flat terrain. After an easy warm up, we’ll take a quiet road through the famous gorge of Theriso. Old and scenic roads that lead into traditional villages and to local cafés which will provide with a little rest. Here we’ll also enjoy an extraordinary view of the top of the mountain before our last descent back to the hotel.
Day Three - Chania Loop and Boat ride
Main Route: 20km – 15mi | Total Ascent: 325m – 1000ft
After a very short ride this is a great opportunity to get to know the old harbour of Chania and to have a short sailing adventure. A bit of a rest day before you head to other areas of Crete on the following days! Lunch is included.
Day Four - Chania to Kissamos
Main Route: 75km – 52mi | Total Ascent: 1625m – 5300ft
What a ride! The wild scenery is captivating and the road provides a bit of a challenge. A solid course which includes several mountains, gorges, natural springs along the way!
Day Five - Kissamos loop to Varese (with ferry ride to Laveno)
Main Route: 75km – 55mi | Total Ascent: 1500m – 4550ft
An adventurous day’s ride on the borders of western Crete. An undulating up and down course through traditional villages and one providing quite diverse scenery for us to enjoy
Day Six - Kissamos loop to Afrata
Main Route: 60km – 45mi | Total Ascent: 700m – 750ft
The riding challenge continues with a short but challenging course. A ride to enjoy Crete in the bloom of spring. We’ll taka break for lunch in an enchanting village, where the views and the wonderful local dishes will make you forget your legs!
Day Seven - Kissamos to Palaiochora
Routes: 70km – 50m | Total Ascent: 1400m – 4500m
A ride past the village of Vouves where we’ll see the most ancient, 1000 year old olive tree of Crete. We cross Chania from the north to the south. Let’s hope for a tail wind!
Day Eight - Palaiochora loop to Statoi or End of short trip
Main Route: 50km – 35mi | Total Ascent: 700m – 2500ft
We continue our Greek Odyssey with a challenging ride. Again it’s a shorter but quite demanding course. But achievable by everyone, it’s only a total of 1000m. This is a ride where you can again really enjoy the Cretan spring countryside. We’ll again replenish our legs with a lunch in the old school at the Anydrus village. More spectacular views of a wonderful gorge
Day Nine – Palaiochora loop to Aligoi
Main Route: 65km – 42mi | Total Ascent: 1300m – 4200ft
An terrific day’s ride on the border of western Crete. It’s our last challenging ride, with an undulating at times mountainous course through traditional Cretan villages. We’ll finish in plenty of time to have our last feast on this wonderful island!
Day Ten – Arrivederci Eις το Επανιδείν!!
Transfer to Chania, CHQ Airport
TOUR MAP
