Rethymno Aims to Become Premier Cycling Tourism Destination

Municipal councilor, Konstantinos Gasparakis (left) at a meeting with local tourism professionals. Photo source: Rethymnon Municipality

The Municipality of Rethymno, located on Crete, is focusing on developing cycling tourism to promote alternative, sustainable forms of tourism.

In this effort, Konstantinos Gasparakis, the Municipal Councilor responsible for Tourism in Rethymno, recently met with local businesses involved in the cycling sector. He outlined the municipality’s goal to establish a sustainable plan for promoting cycling tourism.

Gasparakis encouraged collaboration with local professionals.

“Considering environmental factors related to climate change, the needs of visitors, modern infrastructure, our traditional culture, and the natural resources of Rethymno and Crete, we should all work together, leveraging our expertise, to develop a sustainable plan for promoting cycling tourism in Rethymno,” he said.

It is worth noting that Rethymno was certified as a “Bike Friendly Destination” in 2021 by NatTour and the Hellenic Society of the Protection of Nature (EEPF).

Photo source: Atlas Cycling Team

According to Gasparakis, a key goal of the municipality’s cycling tourism strategy is to attract visitors throughout the year, extending beyond the peak tourism season. The “comfortable temperatures” on Crete during the fall, spring, and even winter months will encourage bike riders to spend more time on the island.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that using bicycles for transportation, exercise, or leisure is seen as a major ecological advantage.

Gasparakis mentioned that the issue of establishing a cycling tourism strategy will be revisited and discussed further at the next meeting of the Municipal Committee of Rethymno for Tourist Development and Promotion, scheduled for August.

The meeting with local cycling sector representatives took place at the Ibiscos Garden Hotel, which has been certified as “Bike Friendly” and operates a cycling station on its premises.