Bicycle Rentals in Heraklion, Greece

Skip the bus timetables and let your own pace decide the day. Grab a bike and the Venetian harbour is minutes away, its old stone quay curling round to Koules Fortress, before you're weaving into the old town for a look at the Morosini Fountain in Lions Square. Wine country and Minoan ruins are just as reachable once you're on two wheels — nothing about Heraklion asks you to stay put.

The old town is the reason a bicycle wins here: flat, compact streets around the harbour that a car can't easily park in and a scooter doesn't really need. You can loop the Venetian Walls, drop into the Archaeological Museum, then still have the legs left for a coastal run out to Amnisos Beach or inland to Knossos — all without hunting for parking or paying for fuel.

Top 10 things to see in Heraklion by bike

1. Palace of Knossos — Crete's most famous archaeological site, a short ride southeast of the centre.
2. Heraklion Old Venetian Harbour and Koules Fortress — an easy, flat waterfront loop, ideal for a first evening out.
3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum — pair it with the harbour ride to see the Minoan finds from Knossos up close.
4. Venetian Walls and Martinengo Bastion — a ring route around the old fortifications, passing the tomb of writer Nikos Kazantzakis with views over the city.
5. Agios Titos and Lions Square (Morosini Fountain) — lock up the bike here and explore the pedestrian old-town core on foot.
6. Amnisos Beach — the closest good beach to the city, a short coastal ride east.
7. Karteros Beach — a bit further along the coast road, a nice target for a half-day ride.
8. Historical Museum of Crete — a seafront stop near the harbour, easy to fold into a waterfront loop.
9. Peza wine villages (Peza, Archanes) — a longer ride south into vineyard country and the pretty village of Archanes.
10. Rogdia and Ammoudara coast road — a scenic route west toward the Rogdia headland, popular for sunset rides.

What do you need to rent a bike in Heraklion?

Nothing complicated — no licence, no IDP, and usually no age minimum worth mentioning. Some shops ask for a small deposit or a credit-card hold as security, but that's about as far as the paperwork goes. If you want to rent a bicycle in Heraklion, you can usually be riding within minutes of walking in.

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Heraklion?

A basic city or beach bike runs EUR 3–6 per day in low season, rising to EUR 8–15 per day in high season. If you want an e-bike or a quality mountain or road bike, expect EUR 20–35 per day.

• Prices climb steadily from spring, peaking in July and August.
• November to March is cheapest, though some shops close for the winter.
• E-bikes and premium models command a clear premium over a basic city bike year-round.

When to book a rental bike in Heraklion?

July and August are Heraklion's high season — hot, busy, and the priciest time to book, so reserve ahead if you're travelling then. For better value and cooler riding weather, aim for the shoulder months. November through March is the quiet, cheap stretch, though you'll want to check a shop is actually open before you show up. Booking a couple of days ahead is usually enough outside of peak summer.

Local traffic rules in Heraklion

Greece drives on the right, and while cyclists face lighter rules than scooter or motorcycle riders, it's still worth riding defensively — local traffic can be fast and drivers aren't always looking out for bikes. Built-up areas carry a 50 km/h limit for motor vehicles, so expect cars to move quickly past you on narrow streets. If you're combining your trip with a scooter or moped rental elsewhere, note that helmets are compulsory and the blood-alcohol limit is a strict 0.2 g/l for riders, well below the general 0.5 g/l limit for drivers. Stick to paved routes: insurance on motorised rentals typically excludes dirt tracks and beaches entirely.

Types of bikes available

On our website you can rent the following types of bicycles: classic bikes, tandems, road bikes, carbon, cyclocross, touring, trekking, hybrid, mountain bikes (MTB), cruisers, comfort, city, commuter, urban, Dutch bikes, lady, bike for kids, folding, tricycles with three wheels, bikes with basket, with gears, with suspension, with rear rack, fat-tire bikes, electric bicycles.

Models of bicycles available

On our website you can hire a bike of the following manufacturers: Avanti, Batavus, Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Diamant, Felt, Scott, Gazelle, Genesis, Giant, GT Bicycles, Ideal, K2, Diamondback, Schwinn, Jamis, Raleigh, Kona, Kross, Merida, Mongoose, Next, Orbea, Órbita, Murray, Roadmaster, Rocky, Miele, Rover, Shimano, Vélo, Specialized.

Which insurance is provided with my rental bicycle?

Bicycle rentals typically come with basic cover for third-party damage, but theft and damage terms vary from one provider to another. Some include simple loss or damage protection in the price, while others cover it through your deposit; always check the exact terms on the booking page before you confirm.

Extra services available

When you make a reservation of a bicycle you also can order the following extra services and equipment: helmet, GPS navigation, clip pedals, side cases, rear rack, basket, light, gloves, speedometer, individual guide or tour, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to the address of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for bicycle hire in the city;
• Compare prices of bicycle rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a bicycle online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local bicycle rentals have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept bike, lock, basket and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a bicycle, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!