Move over, Mallorca. If you’re considering cycling in Crete, stop thinking and start booking. This island is full of stunning views, quiet roads, and some seriously epic climbs. We spent 5 days exploring by bike—3 in Chania and 2 in Agios Nikolaos—and we’re already thinking about going back.

Chania: Gorges, Mountains, and Coastal Charm

Chania is a beautiful old town on the northwest coast of Crete. The harbor is full of colorful buildings, great restaurants, and a relaxed vibe. It made the perfect base for our rides.

Our cycling days here were packed:

A short drive to Chora Sfakion, a charming seaside town with white buildings and clear blue water. The road to get there is twisty and scenic. We cycled up to Imbros next to the gorge and made our way through deserted roads to the Frangokastello Pass, the highlight of the trip. Remote, quiet, and with sweeping views the entire way up.

Chania - Therisos Gorge: Riding out from Chania straight through towering rock walls and tiny villages. It feels like you’re on another planet.

There were a bunch of routes we didn’t have time for—some through the White Mountains and others heading west. We’ve added the full list and GPX files in the blog if you want to check them out.

Agios Nikolaos: Eastern Exploration

After Chania, we headed east to Agios Nikolaos, a smaller but equally pretty town. Built around a lake and with a lively marina, it has a chilled, local feel.

From here, we cycled east all the way to:

Vai Beach: Famous for its palm forest, crystal-clear water, and soft sand. Worth every pedal stroke.
Toplou Monastery: An ancient monastery surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. The ride there is peaceful and scenic.

Below you’ll find the long version of the route. We did a shorter version in the end.

In this part we also didn’t have time for some of the routes we had planned. We’ve added the full list and GPX files in the blog if you want to check them out.

Beaches You Shouldn’t Miss

There are hundreds of blogs with the best beaches in Crete, and there are hundreds of amazing beaches. The most famous ones are super crowded in high season but still beautiful if you make it before the crowds get there.

Elafonissi Beach (west Crete): Pink sand and shallow turquoise water.
Seitan Limania (near Chania): A hidden cove with dramatic cliffs.
Voulisma Beach (near Agios Nikolaos): Bright blue water and soft sand.
Vai Beach (east Crete): Palm trees and a tropical vibe.

What About the Traffic and the roads?

Before the trip, a lot of people warned us about Cretan drivers. But honestly? We had a totally different experience.

Most of the roads we took were very quiet. We barely saw any cars. And when we did, the drivers gave us space and were respectful. We never felt unsafe. That said, we did plan routes carefully to avoid busy roads—it definitely helped.

We brought our gravel bikes just in case the road conditions were rough or if we wanted to explore some off-road sections. But overall, the road quality was pretty solid. The main roads are in excellent condition—smooth, fast, and easy to ride. The smaller side roads can be a bit rougher, with some cracks and patches, but nothing that a regular road bike can’t handle.

If you're riding a road bike, we’d recommend using 30mm or 32mm tires for a bit more comfort, especially on the side roads. There’s no real need for a gravel bike unless you specifically want to ride dirt tracks.

Food and Coffee

Well, no surprise, Greek food is just great! Every meal was fresh, flavourful, and satisfying. We could eat dakos (Cretan barley rusk salad) and spanakopita (spinach pie) all day long. Took for the local bakeries and tavernas, greeks served up delicious plates with generous portions. After a long ride, nothing beats grilled fresh fish and veggies, local cheese, and olive oil-soaked bread.

Coffee culture in Crete is its own thing—and we loved it. You'll find coffee shops in every town and village, and the Greeks do it strong and cold. Freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino were our go-to drinks, especially in the heat. Don’t expect a quick grab-and-go; coffee in Crete is meant to be enjoyed slowly.

Conclusion:

Crete surprised us in all the best ways. If you're into cycling and want a mix of mountains, beaches, and peaceful roads, it doesn't get much better. Save our GPX routes, plan your days smart, and enjoy the ride. You won’t regret it.

Discover Crete: Cycling’s Best-Kept Secret