Bicycle Rentals on Crete island

Crete rewards anyone willing to leave the tour bus behind. Wind along the coast road above Gramvousa and the water at Balos Lagoon turns an improbable turquoise beneath you; further south, the pink sand at Elafonisi Beach waits at the end of a ride most rental cars never bother with. Two wheels get you to both without the queues, the parking hunt, or the fixed schedule of a tour bus.

Crete's old towns were built long before cars existed, so their lanes are narrow, their parking is scarce, and their distances between beaches, gorges and villages are short enough to cover in an afternoon. A scooter slips through Chania's harbourfront streets and up into the mountains just as easily, reaching roads that buses skip and that a rental car would struggle to park near. If you want to rent a scooter in Crete, this is exactly the kind of island that makes the choice pay off.

Top 10 things to see in Crete by scooter

1. Balos Lagoon viewpoint — a turquoise-lagoon panorama reached via a winding coastal road above Gramvousa.
2. Elafonisi Beach — pink sand and shallow water on the island's southwest tip, a classic scenic ride.
3. Samaria Gorge (Omalos entrance) — ride up to the Omalos plateau for Europe's longest gorge and dramatic mountain scenery.
4. Preveli Beach and Palm Forest — a palm-lined river meeting the sea, plus a scenic descent from Preveli Monastery.
5. Old Venetian Harbour, Chania — the iconic lighthouse and waterfront, a natural start and end point for day rides.
6. Knossos Palace — the Minoan archaeological site just outside Heraklion, an easy in-town ride.
7. Vai Beach and Palm Forest — Europe's largest natural palm grove beside a beach at Crete's eastern tip.
8. Imbros Gorge road — a scenic drive along a narrower, quieter gorge alternative to Samaria.
9. Spinalonga Island viewpoint — a coastal ride to the boat crossing point near Plaka and Elounda for the former leper colony island.
10. Lassithi Plateau — a high plateau ride past old stone windmills and mountain villages.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Crete?

For a moped up to 50cc, category AM is enough and the minimum age is generally 16, though most rental shops set their own minimum around 18–21. Anything 125cc and above needs a matching motorcycle licence (A1, A2 or A) — a car licence alone won't cover you here. Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. Expect a deposit, usually held on a credit card, with the amount set by the individual rental company.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Crete?

A basic 50cc scooter runs from EUR 3-5 per day in low season, and EUR 12-20 per day once summer arrives. Larger 125-300cc bikes cost more, typically EUR 25-40 per day in high season, and premium or ABS-equipped models can reach EUR 30-60 per day at the peak.

• Prices climb steadily from spring, peaking in July and August.
• November through March is the cheapest stretch, when many shops offer their lowest daily rates — if they're open at all.
• Booking a few days ahead in summer helps, since popular models sell out.

When to book a rental scooter in Crete?

High season runs July and August, when prices peak, choice narrows and the heat can climb past 35°C, making full gear uncomfortable. Low season stretches from November to March, with the best value but some shops closed for winter. May, June and September strike a good balance — mild weather, open roads and better availability. If you're set on a specific model, book a little ahead once summer approaches.

Local traffic rules in Crete

Greece drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger, and police enforcement is strict, with real fines for skipping one. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, and up to 110 km/h on dual carriageways. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l generally, but drops to a stricter 0.2 g/l for motorcyclists and novice drivers. Keep your licence, IDP, rental agreement and insurance papers with you while riding, and stick to paved roads — insurance almost always excludes beaches, dirt tracks and unpaved routes.

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!