Motorbike tour Crete: over coasts, mountains and old paths

At Heraklion Airport, the guide greets you before heading through the hinterland to Matala - a place that, with its rock caves and quiet bay, perfectly tunes you in for your motorcycle tour of Crete.

After check-in, there is time to inspect the machines and get to know the group. In the evening, we sit in a small tavern right by the sea, as the sun sinks behind the rocks. A calm start before the dusty roads of the coming days call.

After the briefing and bike setup, we roll out: first gravel roads, simple trails, and short technical sections, ideal for getting into the rhythm of the island.

The route leads through olive groves and over gentle hills to the region around Kefali-Bathi - a remote area where Crete still appears wild and unspoiled.

Anyone who likes can visit an old monastery that stands lonely on a rocky plateau. Back in Matala, Mediterranean cuisine awaits, along with a first glimpse of the upcoming off-road stages.

Today, the group follows one of the most spectacular coastal passages of the motorcycle tour Crete. Narrow paths wind their way over cliffs and rock bands, with views constantly falling on the Libyan Sea.

In a hidden bay, we take a break - swimming is expressly permitted. We continue over old shepherd paths to Lentas and through small settlements back towards Matala. A day full of panorama, heat, salty air, and the feeling of freedom.

The route takes us deeper into the Cretan mountains today. Behind Kamares begins a network of gravel roads leading through scattered villages and wide plains.

In traditional kafenions, we strengthen ourselves with Cretan mountain tea or a small meze. The roads are winding, the air smells of thyme, and views of the southern slopes repeatedly open up.

The mix of relaxed off-road passages and cultural moments makes this day particularly intense.

We follow the trail along the south coast: lonely pebble coves, rock plateaus, and narrow paths that run right above the sea.

A detour takes us to Agios Pavlos - a remote, windswept coastal village. Along the way, we pass small fishing villages and finally reach a hidden cove that is only accessible via a short gravel path.

The afternoon belongs to driving: dusty, rhythmic tracks with sea views. In the evening, we enjoy Cretan specialties and stories of the day.

Today's kilometers lead initially relaxed through the wide Messara plain before we ascend into the mountains. The paths become narrower, the ground rockier.

A winding section towards Tripiti requires attention – but rewards with views that extend far over the southern coast. A short stop at a small village tavern provides insight into the true country life of Crete.

Afterwards follows a mix of flowing mountain paths and off-road sections back towards Matala.

This day belongs to you. Some relax on the beach or stroll through the caves of Matala.

Others take a short optional ride, visit markets, or enjoy the cuisine in the taverns. A small boat tour along the coast can be organized optionally - perfect for discovering hidden caves and bays.

A quiet conclusion before the journey home begins tomorrow.

After a last breakfast, it is time to say goodbye.

The memories of mountains, gorges, coastal paths, and the special atmosphere of this motorcycle tour of Crete remain - just like the feeling of having experienced an island that shows its true character away from the tourist paths.