Hello,
I'm going to Crete for about 6 weeks from the end of August to mid October. I'll be based in Ammoudara and studying in the University Hospital in Iraklio.
I'm interested in mountain biking and hope to take my bike with me. Does anyone know of any mountain bike or cycling clubs in Iraklio, or in other parts of Crete?
Also do you know any good areas for mountain biking near Iraklio or in other parts of crete?
Finally, are there any other parts of Greece that you'd recommend for mountain biking?
One more non-biking question! While in Crete I'd like to visit a few islands. I'm most keen on somewhere with good scenary and quiet beaches, not really interested in resorts but I'd prefer places with a Greek flavour. Any suggestions? Guide books list loads of places and sometimes a half page review is not enough to judge somewhere!
Thank you! maybe i'll bump into you on the trails one day (hopefully mot literally)
Bye
Jon
Whoa, Jonboy, You say you're based in Ammoudara, (right next to Ag. Nik), but studying in the U hospital in Iraklio. Wait a minute; does the hospital have an Ag. Nik branch, or are you doing a 40-mile commute to/from each day??? How will you have time & energy, after study/work, to bike anywhere except to the beer store??
About the Other islands, if you're talking about doing it on a weekend... you're limited by distance. You can do Santorini via the fast-ferries (31E each way), and There's a slo ferry to Rhodes and (maybe) a plane (Sky Express?) For return. Both are eminently worth seeing once ... Santorini for the geological wonderment, Rhodes for the Crusader-era fascination of Old Town and he Hellenistic beauty of ancient Lindos (tho to tell the truth, both were heavily "restored" by Mussolini's architects!).
Seriously though, Crete is a Magical Country all to itself!! You are near to The Minoan palace of Zakros, which most Crete visitors never get to. Also Gournia, one of the few non-elite Minoan villages ever found/excavated (An American WOMAN did it, c 1910). The Euro package-tourist mess of Eastern Crete will be over by Early sept. Mochlo is a lovely village near Ag. Nik. And of course, there's Western Crete! It's a 2.5 hour drive on the North coat hi-way #1 from Iraklion to Chania. You can't bike those mountains or Gorges, but they are Gorge-eous! The beaches in Sept will be to die for, wonderful warm water.
But explain the Ammoudara/Iraklion thing... distance learning? Beam-me-up-Scotty? Inquiring minds want to know!
Hi,
The Ammoudara that I'm staying in is just outside Iraklio, just to the West of the city I think. It's only about 4km from the centre of Iraklio. It's a beach resort, and I've been told there is some nice scenary with paths (hopefully bike-able!) in land. Have a look at this:
http://www.dimosgaziou.gr/main_page_en.htm<BR><BR>i was hoping to find somewhere for biking that is ride-able from Ammoudara, but failing that somewhere I can get to by bus maybe.
Anyone know of any good bike shops in Iraklio?
Cheers!
Jon
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