Outdoor Experiences Hersonissos Municipality Crete - Biking Routes

MUNICIPALITY OF HERSONISSOS

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES Bike Routes

of the Municipality of Hersonissos

Municipality of Hersonissos - cyclingcreta.gr

Municipality of Hersonissos

1. Episkopi - Stamnoi - Sgourokefali 2. Gouves - Voritsi - Haraso 3. Mochos Round 4. Avdou - Kera - Apotiposi 5. Elia - Episkopi - Karteros 6. Kokkini Chani - Smari - Anopoli 7. Malia - Krasi - Mochos - Stalida 8. Ascending from Avdou to Lassithi Plateau 9. Malia

p. 4-5 p. 6-7 p. 8-9 p. 10-11 p. 12-13 p. 14-15 p. 16-17 p. 18-19 p. 20-21

We would like to thank cyclingcreta.gr for offering us the details of the routes, the copy text for this leaflet and some of the photographs used.

A bicycle is an enjoyable and green means of transport to cover distances based on your own abilities, having the opportunity to stop wherever you wish in order to discover the beauties of the sceneries. At the same time, you improve your physical and psychological health.

The Municipality of Hersonissos, the most popular holiday destination in Greece, at the most southern island of Europe, blessed with appropriate weather conditions for cyclists, ideally combines the sea with the mountains, culture and history with traditions.

Whether being a professional athlete, a cycling lover or a beginner of the sport, dozens of routes are available around the Municipality of Hersonissos, able to cover your needs all year round. Train, enjoy a biking tour with your family, discover unknown routes, live the adventure. Asphalt and farm roads, challenging ascending parts, sea-side routes and ancient paths: all are found here. Combine cycling tours with traditional villages, archaeological sites, monasteries, unique nature, picturesque cafes, the hospitality and kindness of the locals of the Municipality of Hersonissos and design your unique cycling experience.

The Municipality of Hersonissos welcomes cyclists of all levels from all over the world and invites them to enjoy the beauty, the history and the traditions of our island with the most healthy and enjoyable means of transport: the bicycle.

In the brochure you will find information for 4 routes for road cyclists as well as 5 routes for mountain cyclists of all levels. These tours cover the largest part of the Municipality of Hersonissos. There are road signs for all routes mentioned in the brochure.

For more information, visit www.cyclingcreta.gr and find out about all the available routes around the Municipality of Hersonissos.

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1

Episkopi - Stamnoi - Sgourokefali

ROUTE CATEGORY

Mountain

Distance Ride time

21.5 klm

2 Hours

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

Landscape

Villages we meet Episkopi, Stamnoi, Hohlakies, Sgourokefali

Cycling on an dirt road that starts at the village of Episkopi descending for 250 meters parallel to the gorge of Karteros. The route ends near the village Aitania, passing through a beautiful stream with many reeds that require particular attention.

On the way to the village of Stamnoi towards the direction of the village Hohlakies, we will meet two extraordinary byzantine churches, “Virgin Limiotissa” and “Saint George of Toupaki”.

On the way back from the village of Hohliakes to the village of Sgourokefali, the route goes through an dirt road and then an asphalt road until the village of Episkopi.

Caution!

In rainy weather, mud is collected by the bed of the stream just below the village of Aitania making the road surface slippery.

Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map

mtb1

Starting point asphalt trail Episkopi

singletrack spring

Sgourokefali

Statistics Highest Point

359 metres Lower Point

75 metres Total Ascending

590 metres Starting Point

Episkopi Finishing Point

Episkopi

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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2

Gouves - Voritsi - Haraso

ROUTE CATEGORY

Mountain

Distance Ride time

18 klm

1 hour and 30 Minutes

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

Landscape

The word “Haraso” in the Slavic language means “beautiful”. The village was named so due to its beauty and wonderful view by the Slavs under the leadership of the Roman Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas that had camped in the area. In fact, as the name implies, although the route is rather short, it astounds with its beauty, constant landscape changes and the picturesque villages it meets.

The route is quite easy, apart from a difficult ascending part just after the monastery on the way to the village Haraso.

Villages we meet Gouves, Voritsi, Haraso, Koksari

A stop at the cave of Skotino is a must as well as one at the Monastery of Kera Eleoussa. The route may be combined with a refreshing coffee in one of the many traditional cafes we meet on the way.

Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map

mtb2

Starting point

Gouves

asphalt Skotino

trail singletrack spring

Voritsi

Koxari

Haraso

Statistics Highest Point

417 metres Lower Point

67 metres Total Ascending

540 metres Starting Point

Gouves Finishing Point

Gouves

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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3

Mochos round

ROUTE CATEGORY

Mountain

Distance Ride time

10 klm

2 Hours

Nearly the whole route passes though olive groves. Apart from some parts of it that are stony, the road surface is excellent.

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

An easy, circular route at the plateau of Mochos, ideal for families or beginners of the sport, with a small cycling ascending part.

Landscape

In the second part of the route, just after we reach the end of the asphalt road, the view is astounding.

After having reached the finishing point of our route, we are welcome to enjoy traditional dishes or coffee at the beautiful square of Mochos.

Villages we meet Mochos

Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map Starting point

mtb3 Mochos

asphalt trail singletrack spring

Statistics Highest Point

466 metres Lower Point

361 metres Total Ascending

200 metres Starting Point

Mochos Finishing Point

Mochos

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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4

Avdou - Kera - Apotiposi

ROUTE CATEGORY

Mountain

Distance Ride time

15.5 klm

2 Hours

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

Landscape

Villages we meet Avdou, Kera, Gonies

A short but very impressive mountain ascending route, having the village of Avdou as its starting point continuing all the way to Kera, passing through an astonishing gorge parallel to the gorge of Rosa.

Although the road surface in the beginning starts with asphalt and cement concrete, it will be challenging for us in some points, due to the steep gradient and the crumbling road. In the middle of the route a fount of running water is found.

While descending, we need to stop at the historic Kardiotissa Monastery. Further down, the little church of Virgin Apotiposi (Virgin Imprint) is found. On the rock hanging over the church, it is said that the imprint of Virgin Mary’s hand is visible.

While descending, certain attention needs to be paid just after the church of Apotiposi, as the road is stony.

Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map Starting point

mtb4 Avdou

Gonies

asphalt trail singletrack

Ano Kera

spring

Statistics Highest Point

720 metres Lower Point

230 metres Total Ascending

530 metres Starting Point

Avdou Finishing Point

Avdou

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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5

Elia - Episkopi - Karteros

ROUTE CATEGORY

Road

Distance Ride time

45 klm

2 Hours and 30 Minutes

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

Landscape

Villages we meet

A cycling tour of average distance and altitude ascending on asphalt road. Just like the route “Gouves to Smari�, it is characterized by the constant ascending, reaching the most difficult points just before Skalani.

This route that passes through a farm scenery of particular charm and ten picturesque villages is ideal for training as well as visiting the many cafes, two museums (Argirakio War Ethnological Museum, at the village of Episkopi and Nikos Kazatzakis Museum at the village of Myrtia), as well as the historicl Agkarathos Monastery just after the village of Sgourokefali.

Certain attention needs to be paid while cycling on a steep descending slope after the village of Myrtia.

Kokkini Hani, Elia, Agios Ioannis, Stamnoi, Episkopi, Sgourokefali, Myrtia, Skalani Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map

road1

Starting point Karteros

asphalt

Kok. Chani

trail

Elia

singletrack

Skalani

Episkopi

spring Myrtia

Statistics Highest Point

357 metres Lower Point

0 metres Total Ascending

843 metres Starting Point:

Kokkini Hani Finishing Point

Kokkini Hani

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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6

Kokkini Chani - Smari - Anopoli

ROUTE CATEGORY

Road

Distance Ride time

53 klm

3 Hours and 30 Minutes

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

Landscape

This route of 53 kilometres on asphalt road is ideal for training as well as visiting the 15 picturesque inland villages and can be combined with enjoying a coffee at the numerous traditional cafes as well as with swimming at one of the largest sandy beaches at Kokkini or Gouves.

The route is rather easy with a quick warming up until we reach Gouves and without many difficult ascending parts.

Villages we meet Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Koksari, Kalo Horio, Mpizariano, Kasteli, Smari, Galifa, Galipe, Kenourio Horio, Epano Vathia, Agios Ioannis, Kato Vathia, Anopoli Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map Starting point asphalt

road2 Kokkini Chani

Anopoli Kalo Chorio

trail singletrack

Smari

spring

Statistics Highest Point

385 metres Lower Point

25 metres Total Ascending

1000 metres Starting Point

Gouves Finishing Point

Gouves

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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7

Malia - Krasi - Mochos - Stalida

ROUTE CATEGORY

Road

Distance Ride time

29.5 klm

2 Hours

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

A small cycling route ascending from Malia to the village of Krasi and returning from the village of Mochos to Stalida, without any steep ascending parts and high altitude.

A stop for fresh water running from a fount at the village of Krasi just below the largest plane-tree in Crete is a must.

Landscape

Lovely traditional cafes for coffee and relaxation are found both in the village of Krasi as well as in the village of Mochos.

Villages we meet Malia, Krasi, Mochos, Stalida

Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map

road3

Starting point

 Malia

asphalt trail Mochos

singletrack spring

Statistics

Krasi

Highest Point

611 metres Lower Point

18 metres Total Ascending

876 metres Starting Point

Malia Finishing Point

Malia

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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8

Ascending from Avdou to Lassithi Plateau

ROUTE CATEGORY

Road

Distance Ride time

31 klm

2 Hours

Route Evaluation Fatigue

Difficulty

Landscape

Villages we meet

One of the most beautiful ascending tours in Crete, even though it does not reach a high altitude, captures the eye of cyclists due to its natural beauty as well as the unique in beauty plateau of Lassithi.

Hersonissos is the starting point and then we ascending towards the plateau, passing through the villages of Potamies, Avdou, Gonies and Kera, following the signs found in any crossroad.

The route, apart from one small part just before the village of Kera, has average gradients and the road surface is very good. Those cyclists wishing to add another 20 kilometres, are welcome to cycle around the even plateau of Lassithi.

Hersonissos, Potamies, Avdou, Gonies, Kera

Municipality of Hersonissos

Route Map Starting point

road4 Hersonissos

asphalt Mochos

trail

Potamies

singletrack Krasi

spring

Statistics Highest Point

451 metres Lower Point

10 metres Total Ascending

1010 metres Starting Point

Hersonissos Finishing Point

Ampelos (Plateau)

Elevation (m)

Elevation Gain

Distance (klm)

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9

Malia - a cycling playground

ROUTE CATEGORY

Kids and family

Distance Ride time

21.5 klm

2 Hours

Villages we meet Malia

Municipality of Hersonissos

mtb5 The wide even area around the archaeological site of Malia by the sea is a large cycling playground, ideal for young children, a family tour, beginners of the sport that do not wish to test their skill on a mountain as well as for advanced cyclists that wish to train. The road surface varies from stony to dirt road.

The north part of the area next to the sea is wild; bushes are spread here and there and many paths are found. The southern part is planted with olive-trees and is dominated by farm roads. Next to it, there is a large wetland hosting many different kinds of birds. This particular playground may be combined with a tour for the whole family, with a visit to the archaeological site and swimming at the organized beach, where showers, changing rooms and cafes are found.

Those cyclists wishing to have more energy may purchase the small tasty bananas that grow locally in Malia.

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Useful tips

Emergency telephone numbers Hersonissos Police Station +30 28970 22100 Tourist Police +30 28970 21000

We always use a helmet.

We choose the right bicycle size and we keep it in good condition.

Our bikes are equipped with lights that allow us to cycle in the dark and be visible to vehicles passing by.

We cycle based on our skill and abilities.

Mochos Police Station +30 28970 61222

We always have our bike under control and we do not perform unnecessary and dangerous manoeuvres.

Port Authority +30 28970 23111

When the weather worsens, we cycle carefully and reduce our speed.

Fire Station +30 28970 25199

When we cycle through settlements, we reduce our speed and warn pedestrians as a bicycle is silent and not easily perceptible.

District Health Care Centre of Hersonissos +30 28970 22042 District Health Care Centre of Gouves +30 28970 41990 District Health Care Centre of Malia +30 28970 31594 District Health Care Centre of Mochos +30 28970 61333

We always carry a mobile phone in case of an accident.

We do not pick fruit from trees and do not cycle in cultivated fields.

We do not disturb domestic and wild animals.

We always close the gates we open.

We do not leave litter behind us.

Municipality of Hersonissos

The rule “carry only what is needed and necessary” is applied in biking. We should always carry an air pump, one or two cages and a saddle bag with a spare bicycle tube, two tire levers and a multi-tool.

The rest may be placed in a backpack. Choice of clothing depends on the weather. During winter months, a waterproof jacket is necessary even during sunny days. It is suggested cyclist to be equipped with clothing suitable for cycling.

For example, the waterproof jacket for cyclists has longer sleeves, that can be adjusted when we bend over the steering wheel and it is longer at the back, so that water splashed by the wheels does not affect us. Our clothing should be a light and bright color so that we are easily seen.

Tools

Equipment

- Oil - Portable air-pump - Pedal cleats with screws - Extra valve - Insulating tape - One pair of brake pads - French valve adaptor - Replacement frame hanger for the back derailer - A small Swiss knife with pliers - bicycle tube - Chain links - Some long and short wire ties - Patches and glue - 2 tire levers

Just as it applies to tools, there is no need for all cyclists to carry equipment, such as maps and first-aid kit. The equipment needed is the following: - Money - Mobile phone - Front and back lights. The front light needs to be strong enough to see far ahead, not only to be seen as with the city lights. Also, it is suggested the front light to have a recharge able battery for economy - Small nylon bag - Food (dry fruit and nuts) - Map or map photocopy of the route we will follow - Napkins - Small fist-aid kit - 2 water bottles or a backpack, camelback type - Sun screen - Whistle. To be used in case of emergency since it is the only way to be heard by some one who is far away or has taken a wrong turn when cycling in groups. It is suggested the whistle to be secured on one of the bag’s straps, so that we can comfortably and easily pull it in our mouth.

- Small, absorbing towel for tours combined with swimming - Camera (not necessary)

Clothing - Helmet - Tights with good padding - Waterproof jacket for cyclists. It needs to be made from good quality breathable material and include a hood - Glasses - Cycling shoes - Windproof flyweight or windproof gilet - Baselayer - Cycling gloves We never go cycling without our helmet! cyclingcreta.gr

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CRETE

MUNICIPALITY OF HERSONISSOS

Town Hall of Hersonissos 70014, Gournes Heraklion, Crete www.hersonisos.gr dimos@hersonisos.gr T: +30 2813404601, +30 2897340000 F: +30 2813404608

T 0030 6947308452

www.lyttosbeach.gr

cyclingcreta.gr