Bicycle Rentals in Rethymno

Picture leaving the car behind and pedaling out from Rethymno's Venetian harbour, past the old lighthouse, with the sea on one side and centuries of history on the other. From here you can wind up to the walls of the Fortezza for a view over the rooftops, then aim inland the next day toward Arkadi Monastery or the springs of Argyroupoli. A bicycle turns Rethymno from a town you pass through into a region you actually get to know.

The old town's cobbled lanes are narrow, mostly pedestrian and effectively closed to cars anyway, so two wheels are the natural way to move around them. Once you're outside the centre, the coast road and the gentler inland routes toward the south give you a flexible, human-paced way to string together beaches, gorges and villages that the local bus network barely touches.

Top 10 things to see in Rethymno by bike

1. Fortezza of Rethymno — the Venetian fortress on the hill above town, a short climb from most rental shops, with sea views from its walls.
2. Rethymno Old Town & Venetian Harbour — cobbled lanes, the Rimondi Fountain and the lighthouse, a flat loop that's perfect for your first ride.
3. Preveli Beach (Palm Beach) and Preveli Monastery — a longer ride south along the gorge road to a palm-lined river mouth and a clifftop monastery.
4. Kourtaliotiko Gorge — waterfalls and viewpoints along the dramatic road toward Plakias and Preveli.
5. Plakias — a laid-back south-coast village reached by a scenic mountain crossing, a good spot to turn around.
6. Argyroupoli — a village built over the ancient city of Lappa, with shaded springs and waterfalls for a cooler detour.
7. Arkadi Monastery — a 16th-century monastery central to Cretan history, reached along a pleasant road through olive groves.
8. Spili — a mountain village known for its Venetian lion-head fountains, a scenic stop on the way south.
9. Bali — a small coastal town with coves east of Rethymno, an easier coastal ride.
10. Melidoni Cave — a historic cave inland through quiet olive country, good for a slower day.

What do you need to rent a bike in Rethymno?

No licence is required to rent a bicycle in Rethymno — anyone can book one on the spot. Most rental shops ask for a valid ID and a small deposit, either a card hold or a cash amount that varies by operator and by the bike itself; premium or electric bikes may carry a higher deposit than a standard city or mountain bike. There's no minimum age set by law, though some shops set their own for unaccompanied riders.

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

Bicycle rental in Rethymno is one of the most affordable ways to explore the area, and prices shift with the tourist calendar.

• Rates are lowest from November to March, when demand drops off.
• April–May and September–October are moderately priced shoulder months, a good balance of good weather and lower cost.
• July and August are the most expensive months, when demand for any two-wheeled rental on Crete peaks and stock can sell out.

When to book a rental bike in Rethymno?

High season runs July to August, with the best weather but also the highest prices and the risk of shops running low on bikes if you leave it too late. Low season stretches from November to March, quieter and cheaper, though some rental shops close for the winter entirely. If you want the sweet spot, aim for May–June or September–October, and if you're travelling in peak summer, book your bike hire in Rethymno a few days ahead just to be safe.

Local traffic rules in Rethymno

Greece drives on the right, and while cyclists aren't bound by the same rules as scooters and cars, it's worth riding as if you were: keep to the right, use hand signals, and stay alert on roads shared with local traffic, since drivers aren't always used to cyclists on the narrower coastal and mountain roads. Helmets aren't legally mandatory for cyclists, but wearing one is a sensible habit, especially on descents like the Kourtaliotiko Gorge road. Speed limits for vehicles sharing the road with you run from 50 km/h in town up to 90 km/h on the open road, so give yourself plenty of space when riding along busier stretches, and always ride sober — it keeps you sharp on the same bends where local traffic won't be expecting you.

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!