{"id":988,"date":"2023-12-18T18:39:03","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T18:39:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greecebiketours.com\/?post_type=tours&p=988"},"modified":"2025-01-07T09:52:30","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T09:52:30","slug":"ultimate-crete-cycling-challenge","status":"publish","type":"tours","link":"https:\/\/greecebiketours.com\/el\/%cf%80%ce%b5%cf%81%ce%b9%ce%b7%ce%b3%ce%ae%cf%83%ce%b5%ce%b9%cf%82\/%ce%b1%cf%80%cf%8c%ce%bb%cf%85%cf%84%ce%b7-%cf%80%cf%81%cf%8c%ce%ba%ce%bb%ce%b7%cf%83%ce%b7-%cf%80%ce%bf%ce%b4%ce%b7%ce%bb%ce%b1%cf%83%ce%af%ce%b1%cf%82-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b7%ce%bd-%ce%ba%cf%81%ce%ae\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Crete Cycling Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-988","tours","type-tours","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"main_site_title":"","tagline":"Conquer Crete\u2019s rugged peaks and dramatic gorges, where every climb pushes your limits, and every breathtaking view is a hard-earned triumph.","cover_image":4959,"has_page":true,"pay_in_installments":false,"custom_product_link":"","custom_product_pop_up":"","custom_text_badge":"","youtube_video":"","product_gallery":[1180,1181,1182,1183,1184,1215],"product_description":"Crete, a land of\u00a0myth and mountains<\/strong>, offers cyclists a playground of rugged peaks, tranquil coastal roads, and timeless villages. The island\u2019s southern region, where the\u00a0Asterousia Mountains\u00a0<\/strong>rise dramatically from the Libyan Sea, sets the stage for an unforgettable cycling experience.\r\n\r\nThis journey is\u00a0not for the faint of heart<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 here, every climb rewards you with sweeping vistas, and every descent whispers stories of a land shaped by time.\r\n\r\nThe Asterousia and Ida mountain ranges define much of the route, promising\u00a0challenging ascents\u00a0<\/strong>with gradients that push your limits, some exceeding\u00a016%<\/strong>. These climbs cut through landscapes where olive groves thrive on hillsides, shepherds guide flocks along winding roads, and the\u00a0scent of wild thyme\u00a0<\/strong>drifts through the air.\r\n\r\nLong, meandering roads pass through villages seemingly untouched by modernity \u2013 places like Zaros, Melambes, and Saktouria, where\u00a0time slows<\/strong>, and locals greet you with a nod as you ride by.\r\n\r\nThe region\u2019s raw, untamed beauty challenges cyclists to immerse themselves fully. Each day presents its own rhythm \u2013 undulating hills, sharp climbs, and fast descents \u2013 demanding both\u00a0physical resolve<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0mental focus<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAll logistics are taken care of,<\/strong>\u00a0from personalized digital guidebooks, round-the-clock support and well-planned\u00a0GPS routes<\/strong>\u00a0to comfortable\u00a0accommodations<\/strong>, so you can focus on what matters: the ride, the views, and the stories that will stay with you long after you leave.","price":"","hide_price":false,"highlights_new":"Conquer challenging climbs with panoramic views\r\n\r\nMarvel at the stunning landscapes of the Messara region\r\n\r\nDiscover the serene beauty of Triopetra beach and Saktouria village\r\n\r\nChallenge yourself on the demanding Agios Antonios route\r\n\r\nRide through the breathtaking Kurtaliotiko and Kotsifou Gorges\r\n\r\nExplore picturesque Cretan villages like Zaros and Melambes","included_new":"
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>","included_guided":null,"not_included_guided":null,"included_self_guided":[{"add_included_self_guided":"8 nights in a 3-star hotels with breakfast"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information"},{"add_included_self_guided":"GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Tour design and organization"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Service and support during your tour"}],"not_included_self_guided":null,"faq":null,"itinerary_name_primary":"guided","itinerary":[{"day_headline":"Day 1: Arrival in Crete","day_description":"The journey begins on the\u00a0stunning island of Crete<\/strong>, where a mix of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes awaits. Upon arrival, you can settle into their accommodation in\u00a0Agia Galini<\/strong>, a charming\u00a0seaside village<\/strong>\u00a0on Crete's southern coast. The first day allows time to unwind, explore the area, or take a walk along the beach to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.","itinnerary_gallery":[1159,1160,1161],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 2: Warm-up Ride to Matala","day_description":"The first cycling day leads to the village of\u00a0Matala<\/strong>, nestled by the Libyan Sea. Known for its iconic Neolithic caves carved into sandstone cliffs, Matala was also a\u00a0popular gathering spot for hippies\u00a0<\/strong>in the 1960s. You\u2019ll encounter a\u00a0short climb at the start<\/strong>, but the effort is rewarded with gentle terrain and beautiful scenery. The return trip to Agia Galini offers a\u00a0smoother ride<\/strong>, allowing time to appreciate the surrounding olive groves and coastal views.","itinnerary_gallery":[1162,1163,1164],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"60 km and 830 m of elevation gain"},{"day_headline":"Day 3: Asterousia Mountains","day_description":"This\u00a0challenging 100-kilometer ride<\/strong>\u00a0takes cyclists into the rugged Asterousia Mountains, showcasing Crete\u2019s dramatic landscapes. The day begins with an ascent through\u00a0the Messara region<\/strong>, passing traditional villages like Petrokefali and Alethini. Soon, you\u2019ll reach Gortyn, a\u00a0significant archaeological site<\/strong>\u00a0famed for the Great Inscription,\u00a0Europe\u2019s oldest legal code<\/strong>. The route then rises steeply to Moroni and Kalechorafitis,\u00a0testing endurance\u00a0<\/strong>with gradients reaching 16%. The reward lies in panoramic mountain views and a sense of accomplishment before descending back to Agia Galini.","itinnerary_gallery":[1165,1166,1167],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"100 km and 1620 m of elevation gain"},{"day_headline":"Day 4: Messara Loop","day_description":"Today, the route winds through peaceful villages like Mandres, Vori, and Fanoromeni before descending toward Mires. The terrain becomes\u00a0more challenging\u00a0<\/strong>as the ride progresses into the\u00a0foothills of the Asterousia Mountains<\/strong>, where small villages seem frozen in time. You\u2019ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of the\u00a0Messara Plain<\/strong>\u00a0while cycling through picturesque stops like Platanos and Alethini. The climb to Festos, an\u00a0ancient Minoan palace<\/strong>, adds a historical highlight to the day before you return to Agia Galini for the night.","itinnerary_gallery":[1168,1169,1170],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"125 km and 1560 m of elevation gain"},{"day_headline":"Day 5: Zaros","day_description":"It\u2019s time to head west toward Zaros, a scenic village located on the southern slopes of the\u00a0Ida Mountains<\/strong>. Known for its\u00a0natural springs<\/strong>\u00a0and serene lake, Zaros provides a tranquil setting for a\u00a0short stop<\/strong>. On clear spring days, snow-capped peaks above 1500 meters form a stunning contrast to the turquoise Gulf of Messara. The descent toward Mires is swift but requires attention, as\u00a0sheep often wander onto the road<\/strong>. The final stretch back to Agia Galini includes gentle climbs and quiet rolling terrain.","itinnerary_gallery":[1171,1172,1173],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"70 km and 1260 m of elevation gain"},{"day_headline":"Day 6: Kurtaliotiko and Kotsifou Gorges","day_description":"Today begins in\u00a0Spili<\/strong>, a village famed for its Venetian fountain adorned with lion-headed spouts. From here, the route gently climbs before descending steeply into\u00a0Kotsifou Gorge<\/strong>, where dramatic cliffs\u00a0require caution\u00a0<\/strong>as there is a high chance of loose rocks on the road. The journey then continues toward the expansive\u00a0Kurtaliotiko Gorge<\/strong>, offering endless vistas and opportunities to\u00a0pause for photos<\/strong>. Along the way,\u00a0traditional villages<\/strong>\u00a0like Agios Ioannis and Koxare add to the charm before you ascend back to Spili and transfer to Agia Galini once more.","itinnerary_gallery":"","included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"90 km and 1550 m of elevation gain"},{"day_headline":"Day 7: Agios Antonios","day_description":"This day features some of the\u00a0most demanding climbs of the tour<\/strong>, with spectacular views of the Ida Mountains and Psiloritis peaks. You\u2019ll pass through traditional villages as the\u00a0road climbs steadily\u00a0<\/strong>toward Gerakari. Near\u00a0Agios Antonios Gorge,<\/strong> a highlight of the day, nature reveals its beauty with rugged cliffs and serene pathways. The route continues through Meronas<\/strong>\u00a0before reaching the\u00a0highest point of the day<\/strong>, where views of the surrounding mountains stretch endlessly.","itinnerary_gallery":[1174,1175,1176],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"110 km and 2470 m of elevation gain"},{"day_headline":"Day 8: Triopetra","day_description":"The final cycling stage takes you to Triopetra, a\u00a0beautiful cape\u00a0<\/strong>with striking rock formations and a sandy beach. The day begins with a challenging climb to\u00a0Melambes<\/strong>, a village perched at 530 meters above sea level, where breathtaking views reward the effort. The route then descends before rising again toward Saktouria. A small detour down a steep road leads to\u00a0Triopetra Beach<\/strong>, a peaceful spot perfect for relaxation or a visit to the Apanemia Bar. The ride concludes with\u00a0one last climb to Arkoumia<\/strong>, followed by a gentle descent and a reflective final stretch back to Agia Galini.","itinnerary_gallery":"","included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Agia Galini","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"55 km and 1340 m of elevation gain"},{"day_headline":"Day 9: Departure","day_description":"As the tour concludes,\u00a0bid farewell to Crete<\/strong>, carrying home memories of dramatic landscapes, historic villages, and rewarding rides. You can always opt to extend your stay on the island, exploring on your own or revisiting your favourite lookout spots.","itinnerary_gallery":[1177,1178,1179],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""}],"itinerary_extra_days_product_true":false,"starting_point":"Agia Galini","finish_point":"Agia Galini","duration":"9 Days \/ 8 Nights","duration_groupe":{"duration_value_field":"9","type_duration_dropdown":"days"},"difficulty":"moderate_to_hallenging","tour_type":"Self-guided","cycling_tour_type":"none","self_guided_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"1950\u20ac","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"google_map_iframe":"