Cycle Through Crete’s Villages to Historic Arkadi Monastery
Discover the countryside surrounding Rethymno on a memorable 44-kilometre e-bike tour combining coastal scenery, peaceful olive groves, traditional hillside villages and one of Crete’s most important historic landmarks.
Your journey leads to the renowned Arkadi Monastery before continuing to a traditional Cretan taverna, where local dishes and panoramic views across the mountains and Mediterranean coastline bring the experience together.
44 Kilometres by E-Bike
Explore the coast and countryside surrounding Rethymno by e-bike, travelling through changing landscapes and picturesque Cretan villages.
Historic Arkadi Monastery
Visit one of Crete’s most significant landmarks and learn about its important role in the island’s resistance against Ottoman rule.
Villages and Olive Groves
Ride through peaceful olive groves and traditional villages including Amnatos, Pigi and Adele while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
Traditional Cretan Lunch
Enjoy a selection of traditional dishes at a panoramic local taverna overlooking the mountains, Rethymno and the Mediterranean coast.
Your Journey Through the Rethymno Countryside
Your cycling adventure begins along the coastline of Rethymno. Before starting the uphill section towards Arkadi, you will make your first stop at Arsani Monastery.
From Arsani, the route continues uphill through olive groves and small picturesque villages. Along the way, admire views towards Mount Psiloritis on one side and the White Mountains on the other before arriving in the traditional village of Amnatos.
In Amnatos, you can see the historic Sanguinazzo mansion and the Latin inscription above its main entrance: “Initium sapientiae timor Domini.”
Discover the Story of Arkadi Monastery
The central cultural highlight of the journey is Arkadi Monastery, a landmark of great historical significance to Rethymno and Crete. Here, you can discover the story of the local resistance and the heroic actions associated with the monastery during the struggle against Ottoman rule.
After visiting the monastery, continue to a traditional taverna for a well-earned Cretan lunch. Its elevated location provides beautiful panoramic views across the mountains, Rethymno and the Mediterranean coastline while you enjoy a selection of local dishes.
Following lunch, the return journey takes you towards Pigi and Adele, passing more traditional villages before gradually making your way back to the starting point.
Route Highlights
- First stop: Arsani Monastery
- Village stop: Amnatos and the Sanguinazzo mansion
- Main highlight: Arkadi Monastery
- Return route: Pigi, Adele and surrounding villages
Good to Know
- Cycling distance: approximately 44 kilometres
- Activity: e-bike cycling tour
- Landscape: coastline, olive groves, villages and mountains
- Lunch: traditional Cretan lunch included
Included
E-bike cycling experience Visit to Arkadi Monastery Traditional Cretan lunch
Ride through the landscapes, villages and history of Crete.
Discover Arkadi Monastery, experience authentic Cretan countryside and enjoy local flavours with panoramic views.
Meeting Point
Panepistimiou 1
Rethymno 741 33, Crete, Greece
- English
- Greek
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