Self – Exploring Audio Guided Tours
The Spirit of Crete: A Drive from Rethymno to Georgioupoli via Myriokefala
Discover Authentic Crete: Heraklion to Margarites via Anogeia and Axos
The Wonders of Gortyna, Phaistos, and Matala: A Drive through Cretan Beauty
The treasures of Knossos unveiled: from Hersonissos through Archanes’ vineyards
A Drive along the Lassithi Plateau: From Stalida to Zeus’s Birthplace
Embark on a Journey to the Southernmost Town; Ierapetra, via Kritsa and Mirtos
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Car route 32 – ‘Myriokefala’
Rethymnon – Georgioupoli
This route guides you through typical Cretan villages and across mountain ridges to the Roman tombs of Ancient Lappa, including a visit to the Chapel of the Five Virgins, where the RAGiF’s have already provided detailed historical information. Proceeding to the old village of Lappa, you then traverse the mountain ridge to reach the village of Myriokefala, where a visit to the local monastery is highly recommended. Following a scenic drive through the mountains, you’ll reach the waterfalls and springs of Argiroupoli. Additionally, the route offers an opportunity to explore the freshwater Lake Kournas before concluding in the picturesque town of Georgioupoli.
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Car route 38 – ‘Agia Galini’
Spili – Triopetra
With this route, you’ll drive from Spili, known for its unique water sources shaped like lion heads, around the Kendros Mountains. You’ll encounter beautiful views and picturesque Cretan mountain villages as you navigate the ups and downs of the mountains on your way to the colorful seaside resort of Agia Galini. From there, you’ll follow the coast line to Agios Pavlos and the beach with the three stones; Triopetra. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the beach and the azure blue waters. The route concludes at a junction where you’ll have the choice to return to your accommodation via a fast route through Spili, or via Mires and through the center of the island.
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Car route 42 – ‘Margarites’
Gazi (Heraklion) – Panormos
This route takes you through valleys and mountain ridges to the typical mountain villages of Anogeia and Axos. When passing a typical Cretan cemetery, you will hear what takes place before and during a funeral. Once you arrive in Axos you can visit the woodcarving museum. This route also takes you to the Melidioni cave. From the parking lot of the cave you already have a view of the olive factory of the Paraschakis family, where Joanna and her mother give free tours and talk about the production of ‘liquid gold’. This ‘road trip’ will take you to the pottery village of Margarites. To finalize you may enjoy one of the beaches of the tiny village of Panormos.
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Car route 48 – ‘Matala’
Gortys – Phaistos
This route begins at the parking lot of the impressive Gortys excavations, one of the island’s highlights. Passing through the village of Agia Deka, with its intriguing history, you’ll reach the fertile Messara plain, renowned for its beauty and abundance. You’ll traverse Cretan villages until you reach the Botana herb shop, offering unique and healthful products. Continuing through Petsidia, you’ll arrive at the famous Matala, where you can explore the caves, relax on a terrace, or lounge on the beach. Along the way, you’ll encounter Kommos and Kalamaki, each with its own unique story, and catch glimpses of Festos and Agia Triada. As if that weren’t enough, the route also takes you through the village of Vori, home to the Ethnological Museum. Although the city of Mires is no longer part of the route, it’s where your journey comes to an end.
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Car route 53 – ‘Knossos’
Hersonissos – Knossos
With this route, you have the opportunity to visit the CretAquarium. Afterward, you drive through a variety of Cretan villages: Anopoli, Stamni, and Myrtia. In the latter, you can visit the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum. You drive through the vineyards around Peza, allowing you to visit the Wine Museum of the Union and take a break in the picturesque square of the charming town of Archanes, where you’ll feel like you’re in Venetian surroundings. Continuing through numerous olive fields, you will reach the entrance of the Knossos archaeological site, where you can explore this amazing excavation site. Afterwards the route will bring you to the clear beaches of Karteros and Amnissos.
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Car route 56 – ‘Lassithi’
Stalida – Lassithi
With this route, you’ll have so many amazing things to see. In the beginning of the route, you pass by the beautiful Selinari Monastery. Then, you go through the mountains instead of taking the highway and tunnel to the new city of Neapoli. There, cafes await you, as well as a very beautiful church. The route then ascends with the goal of reaching the Lassithi Plateau. Along the way, there are many photo opportunities, and there is plenty to see on the plateau itself. Local craftsmanship is explained at the Lasinthos Eco Park. Of course, the birth cave of the mythological king Zeus is a must-see. Descending, you have magnificent views, for example, of the Avdou reservoir. The tree in Krasi is remarkable, and once again, it’s delightful to relax at one of the cafes there.
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Car route 58 – ‘Spinalonga’
Malia – Agios Nikolaos
This route starts at the Minoan excavations of Malia and then goes through Sissi to Milatos. After Milatos, you can descend into the cave of the same name. Just before the town of Neapoli, you have the opportunity to take a free tour of an olive factory. You can also take a coffee break in this ‘new city’ or simply admire the Greek Orthodox church. Through the rugged landscape of Crete, you drive to Plaka, the fishing village from where you can take a boat to Spinalonga. You can also do this from Elounda, as it is later on the route. Finally, arriving in Agios Nikolaos, it’s time for a stroll through the city and a photo by Lake Voulismeni.
Car route 59 – ‘Kalamafka’
Agios Nikolaos – Ierapetra
The first stop on this route, which begins in Agios Nikolaos, is the remarkable excavation site of Lato. A bit further along, you’ll encounter the artisan village of Kritsa, offering a delightful walking experience. Continuing through Kroustas, you’ll arrive at the viewpoint near Kalamafka, where you can enjoy panoramic views of both seas. In Kalamafka village itself, you’ll have the opportunity to ascend to the cave church and take in the scenic vista from there as well. Passing through the resistance villages of Anatoli and Malis, you’ll descend to Mirtos, where sandy beaches and charming tavernas await you. Finally, the route concludes with a drive through the greenhouse area of Ierapetra, where you can also explore the boulevard and fishing port if you wish.
City walk Heraklion
Heraklion, formerly called Candia, is a historic city waiting to be discovered. Join me, via the VoiceMap app, as I wander through the ages, getting to know some of the characters and seeing the most famous, but also lesser-known sights. Using the GPS interactive app I will guide you along the coastline to the Koules harbor fort. Then experience the lively center of Heraklion, with all its historic buildings. See and visit the beautiful churches and still have time to sit down for a cup of coffee or a souvlaki, whenever you want. Walk from a Venetian fortress wall to the beautiful Agios Titus church. Stroll through the market street and learn about some local Cretan products. Explore the lion fountain in the lively center and end up at the entrance to the archaeological museum. [Read more…]
City walk Rethymnon
Rethymnon, also called Rethymno, is a city with a beautiful old Venetian city center. Wonderful to walk through and enjoy one of the terraces here or there. Enjoy the old Venetian harbour, experience the picturesque little streets with the beautifully decorated souvenir shops. You can stop wherever you want, or sit down for a cup of coffee or a snack. This audio tour takes you past the oldest pastry shop in Rethymno, the beautiful stately minaret, the famous Rimondi fountain and of course also to the Fortezza. The enormous castle can also be skipped, but the views are enormous. Start the tour at the parking lot next to the new port, or join later if you want to visit this university city by local bus. [Read more…]
City walk Chania
As Routaki is using the GPS – interactive software of VoiceMap and this app is free software to be used and filled by everyone, it’s not so strange that there was also someone else with a passion for Crete. Therefore I like to introduce Aliki. Together with her husband she runs a travel agency with the name Alma de Creta out of the Chania region. So, an expert on the city they’re living in.
During this city walk she will guide you around the old town of Chania, through the tiny leather streets, along the churches and mosques and off course into the beautifull Venetian harbour of this vibrant town. The tour starts at the newly renovated old Market building. Easy to get to by bus and parking area for your rental car in the surroundings.
