Mountain biking facts
- Recommended travel time
End of March to start of November
- Flight connections
Edelweiss tips:
When mountain biking in Crete, the mountain ranges – with peaks reaching up to 2,500 metres – offer a mix of flowing trails, fast-paced descents and challenging climbs. After a strenuous day touring, there are wonderful opportunities to relax in the idyllic bays or in the numerous tavernas and enjoy Greek food and raki, the Cretan national drink – a pomace brandy similar to Italian grappa. Please note: when out and about, always close the gates between the pastures and, on days with heavy rainfall, do not under any circumstances go through narrow gorges.
Top mountain biking trails in Crete
Closer to Zeus: a circular route in the mountains around Thrypti Difficult
Starting directly from Pachia Ammos beach, this circular route – which is physically demanding in places – leads up to the high plateau in the Thrypti mountains. After a gentle warm-up, you’ll need to tackle a steep climb past the village of Kavousi to get there. On the plateau, you’ll be rewarded with a unique 360° panorama and a top-class descent peppered with steep, technically challenging singletrack trails all the way down to the Ha Canyon – also known as the Gorge of Cha – which, whilst inaccessible on foot, is still incredibly impressive.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 23 min
- Distance 41.6 km
- Ascent 1,230 m
- Descent -1,220 m
The Tigania Plateau: for ambitious summiteer Difficult
The Tigania Plateau sits at just under 1,100 metres above sea level and offers a challenging route of around 40 kilometres. The route starts in the village of Perama, initially on tarmac roads. The dirt track leading to the village of Kinigiana calls for sheer determination: the first steep climb awaits, with loose ground in places. Don’t worry if you have to push your bike on some sections: it just means you’ll have more time to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. Tip: make sure you refill your water bottle in Kinigiana, as there are no further sources of drinking water after that. The descent to Avdelas is abundant with rocks and poses quite the challenge, but it’s also great fun with plenty of exciting bends.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 05 min
- Distance 45 km
- Ascent 1,250 m
- Descent -1,250 m
A treat for the senses: from Gouves to Haraso Medium
The village of Gouves is about a 25-minute drive from Heraklion. The 18-kilometre circular route via Haraso offers a leisurely start to the day against a picturesque backdrop. Alongside ever-changing scenery, the off-road section from Borítsio to Skotino – surrounded by the scent of thyme and sage – not only offers excitement, but also a treat for the senses. The toughest climb of this route lasts from Koxari to the highest point of the tour in Haraso. If you’d prefer tarmac to the natural terrain on the way back to Voritsi, you can take the road, but you’ll miss the chance to stop off at Kera Eleousa Monastery. Nevertheless, there are also drinking water springs in every village along the route.
- Tour duration 1 hr 40 min
- Distance 17 km
- Ascent 500 m
- Descent -490 m
Swimming and biking around Kroustas Difficult
The traditional Cretan village of Kroustas is a 20-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos. This varied circular mountain bike route ranges from easy to moderately difficult, running around the small village and offering stunning views of Mirabello Bay. The hills surrounding Kroustas are a constant series of ups and downs, though the climbs are generally quite short and sharp bends are few and far between. The route is rated as moderately difficult, as some of the descents feature varied and rough terrain.
- Tour duration 3 hrs 50 min
- Distance 28.7 km
- Ascent 990 m
- Descent -980 m
1,040 metres: Crete’s longest downhill run Difficult
At just under 1,230 metres, Kofinas is the highest peak in the Asterousia Mountains – a must-do for all downhill enthusiasts. No other mountain on the island offers so many endless descents. The island’s longest downhill run, at 1,040 metres, is a truly extraordinary experience. The route follows a wide but loose dirt track for over a kilometre, all the way down to the sea. At the end of the thrilling descent lies Koudoumas Monastery, where you can cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear water. If you fancy tackling another downhill run straight away and would rather not have to struggle up the hill first, then organising a shuttle is the way to go. The climb up to Kofinas is actually very physically demanding – make sure you top up your supply of drinking water at the monastery beforehand.
- Tour duration 1 hr 30 min
- Distance 19.8 km
- Ascent 160 m
- Descent -1,300 m
Bike hire at the destination
- Martinbike (bike station and Hotel Sunlight, run by a Swiss couple)
- Olympic Bike Greece
- Cycling Creta
Sports baggage
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