Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Agios Nikolaos

Picture the road climbing out of Agios Nikolaos, the Gulf of Mirabello dropping away behind you, and a mountain village waiting at the top with nothing but the sound of your engine and a few grazing goats for company. That's a normal afternoon when you rent a motorcycle in Agios Nikolaos. In twenty minutes you can be winding through the lanes of Kritsa, and another twenty gets you up onto the Lasithi Plateau, where fields still turn under the shadow of old stone windmills. Nothing about this coastline asks to be seen from a bus window.

This part of Crete was practically built for two wheels. The roads linking Agios Nikolaos to Kritsa, Elounda and the plateau are narrow, twisting and genuinely awkward for a car — think tour-bus jams, tight village squares and nowhere to park once you get there. On a scooter or small motorcycle none of that matters. You pull over wherever a view stops you, take the switchbacks up to the plateau without breaking a sweat over fuel costs or bulky rental paperwork, and get places a rental car crowd never quite reaches.

Top 10 things to see in Agios Nikolaos by motorcycle

1. Kritsa village — a short, scenic climb into the hills to a traditional village known for weaving and its maze of narrow lanes.
2. Panagia Kera Church — a Byzantine chapel just outside Kritsa holding remarkably well-preserved 13th–14th century frescoes, an easy stop on the same ride.
3. Lasithi Plateau — the classic mountain loop up to a high, fertile plain once studded with thousands of white-sailed windmills.
4. Diktaion Cave (Psychro Cave) — the mythical birthplace of Zeus, a short uphill walk from the plateau's parking area.
5. Elounda — an easy coastal run north along the gulf, with views across to Spinalonga island and smart waterfront tavernas.
6. Plaka — a small fishing village past Elounda, the closest point to Spinalonga and where the boats leave from.
7. Moni Faneromenis — a cliffside monastery built into the rock, a short ride away with sweeping views over the Gulf of Mirabello.
8. Vai Beach — Europe's largest natural palm forest fringing a famous beach, a longer ride east past Sitia and a favourite full-day trip.
9. Sitia — a relaxed port town on the way to Vai, worth a stop for its Venetian fortress and harbourfront.
10. Kalydonia Waterfalls — a short gorge walk near Kritsa with seasonal waterfalls, an easy detour off the main road.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Agios Nikolaos?

For scooters up to 50cc, a category AM licence covers you. Anything from 125cc up requires the matching motorcycle category — A1, A2 or A — and a standard car licence won't be accepted as a substitute in Greece. The minimum age is 16 for AM mopeds and 18 for the motorcycle categories, though rental companies often set their own higher age or licence-holding requirements. Bring your International Driving Permit if you're from outside the EU, and expect a deposit, usually held on a credit card, with the amount varying by operator and vehicle.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Agios Nikolaos?

A standard 50–125cc scooter runs about 20–25 EUR per day in low season, rising to roughly 35–50 EUR per day in high season. Larger motorcycles above 250cc typically cost 40–70 EUR per day depending on the time of year.

• Cheapest from November to March, when many shops also run reduced hours.
• Prices climb steadily through spring and peak in July and August.
• Booking ahead in summer matters — good bikes sell out fast.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Agios Nikolaos?

July and August are high season: hot, busy and priced accordingly, so book a few weeks out if you're travelling then. November through March is low season, with the best rates but many rental shops closed. For the sweet spot — good weather, thinner traffic, full availability — aim for May, June, September or October.

Local traffic rules in Agios Nikolaos

Greece drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger on any scooter or motorcycle, and police do enforce it, with fines to match. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road outside town, dropping on the tighter mountain stretches up to the plateau. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l generally, but a stricter 0.2 g/l applies to motorcyclists, so it's best to treat riding and drinking as mutually exclusive. Keep your licence, IDP, rental agreement and insurance papers with you, and stick to paved roads — insurance almost never covers dirt tracks or beaches.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!