Rethymno, with its mix of rugged landscapes, charming villages, and ancient monasteries, is perfect for cycling. The quiet country roads and scenic trails make biking a practical way to soak up the area’s beauty without tiring your legs too much. We especially like the guided e-Bike tour on Mili Gorge for its mix of nature, history, and local charm, and its friendly guides who bring the scenery to life. For a deeper cultural experience, the e-Bike to Arkadi Monastery offers a chance to explore one of Crete’s most important religious sites. And if you’re short on time but want to experience Rethymno’s old streets, the e-Bike tour on the old city is a quick, lively way to see the historic heart of the town.
Below, you’ll find a list of the best bike tours in Rethymno, each offering a different way to explore the island’s natural beauty, cultural sites, and historical neighborhoods.
1. Rethymno: Guided e-Bike Tour on Mili Gorge and soft drinks
This top-rated tour is a favorite for its combination of scenic riding, cultural stops, and lively guides. For about 3 to 3.5 hours, you’ll ride an electric bike through Mili Gorge, a stunning natural canyon with lush greenery and rocky cliffs. The tour also includes a visit to the Halevi Monastery, a peaceful spot with history and great views, plus a charming community in Chromonastiri.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of easy cycling and authentic local experiences. The English-speaking guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic—Yiannis and Konstantinos receive high praise for their ability to make everyone feel comfortable and informed. Many reviews highlight how their storytelling brings the scenery to life, making it more than just a bike ride. The e-bike itself helps reduce fatigue, letting you focus on the beautiful countryside and lively villages. The tour ends back at the starting point, with a refreshing soft drink included.
This tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed yet immersive experience, perfect for families or riders of varying fitness levels. The value for money is excellent considering the guide service, scenic stops, and the convenience of e-bikes.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, engaging way to see rural Crete with an easy, comfortable ride and plenty to learn along the way.
2. Rethymno: e-Bike tour to Arkadi Monastery
For around $50.82 per person, this 4-hour e-Bike tour offers a fantastic chance to visit one of Crete’s most historically significant monasteries. Starting from Sofokli Venizelou 4, the ride takes you through the countryside with beautiful views and stops at picturesque villages before reaching the Arkadi Monastery. Known for its role in resisting Ottoman rule, the monastery is a symbol of Cretan resilience.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of history and scenery. The guide ensures safety and shares stories about the monastery’s history, which adds depth to the experience. The ride itself is about 4.5 hours and includes a smooth electric bike ride, making it accessible for most levels of fitness. Many reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and the opportunity to see the authentic rural life of Crete outside the busy town. One recent review notes, “Yannis offered options for both family-friendly and more active routes, making it perfect for all ages and abilities.”
The tour’s value lies in its mix of cultural insight and outdoor activity, making it ideal for history buffs or those wanting a meaningful outing. The only potential downside is that the ride involves some distance, so a basic level of fitness is helpful.
Bottom line: A rewarding combination of nature, history, and local scenery—great for curious travelers wanting to learn about Crete’s past.
3. Rethymno: e-Bike Tour on the old city
This shorter, 2.5-hour tour is perfect for those pressed for time but eager to see Rethymno’s historic streets and traditional neighborhoods. Starting from Sofokli Venizelou 4, the ride takes you through the narrow alleys, medieval walls, and lively squares of the old town. The guided route highlights local architecture, quaint cafes, and historic landmarks that define Rethymno’s character.
What makes this ride stand out is the intimate glimpse into the old city’s authentic atmosphere. The English-speaking guide shares stories behind the buildings and streets, adding life to the experience. Many riders appreciate how accessible and engaging it is—perfect for first-time visitors or those eager to quickly soak up the city’s unique ambiance. The e-bike ensures an easy ride, even for those who aren’t regular cyclists.
While shorter, this tour offers a rich taste of Rethymno’s historical core. The main drawback may be that it doesn’t go into the surrounding countryside or distant monasteries, making it more suited for a quick cultural fix.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for a compact, lively exploration of the old city with plenty of local flavor packed into just a couple of hours.
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in Rethymno
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend biking. If you’re seeking a full-day adventure combining nature and history, the e-Bike to Arkadi Monastery offers a deeper cultural experience. For a relaxed, scenic ride with local stories, the Mili Gorge tour is ideal. If your schedule is tight but you still want to absorb Rethymno’s charm, the Old City ride provides a quick, lively introduction.
Think about your fitness level—e-bikes make challenging hills easier and open up more options. Also, check the tour times and availability, especially during peak season. Booking early is recommended to secure your preferred slot.
Final Thoughts
Rethymno offers a variety of bike tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For those who want a combination of natural beauty and cultural insights, the guided Mili Gorge ride delivers. History buffs or those eager to visit the Arkadi Monastery will appreciate the detailed, scenic e-Bike trip to this significant site. And if you’re after a quick immersion in the old city, the shorter, lively ride through Rethymno’s streets hits the spot.
No matter which option you choose, biking allows you to see more than you could on foot and experience the landscape in a relaxed, eco-friendly way. To enjoy the best of Crete’s diverse scenery, consider booking your preferred tour well in advance—these popular rides fill up quickly. Happy cycling!
