where it all started with
Routaki route descriptions
One of the responsibilities of a host/tour guide is to organize information sessions, providing explanations about the attractions at the destination and the various activities one can engage while on vacation. I served as a host for many years, commonly referred to as a tour guide. In the last years of Arke Reizen, I had the privilege of providing my guests with information in the Hersonissos area.
At the end of such a gathering, the routine was almost always the same. My guests wanted to rent a car and explore the island. The most frequently asked question was: “where to go, how to get there, and what to visit?”. So, when Arke became Tui, and I retired as a host/tour guide, the decision was quickly made: create route descriptions with additional information and describe ‘hot spots’ which my (future) clients could visit.
Now, years later, with the help of VoiceMap, you can be on the go, and Routaki has evolved into a refined product, where everything operates entirely automatically. GPS interactive, available in multiple languages, with a website as a backup that can provide you with a wealth of information. We are active on social media to bring it to everyone’s attention and inform (future) guests about the possibilities with Routaki routes.
I hope this website provides you with all the information you are looking for, and that the route or city walk contributes to making your day on Crete unforgettable.
With a friendly holiday greeting,
Mr. Routaki
Routaki routes through the years.
We have experienced a lot, and Routaki has undergone many transformations. From a folder containing A4 photocopies, accompanied by a CD or cassette, to now using a GPS interactive app. It’s still beautiful to see the promotional video from 2009 (at the bottom of this page).
From an Asia Rocsta jeep for off-road routes to car routes and even city walks. A new logo, where the old one can still be seen on a metoxi in the center of Koutouloufari.
The creation of the Infotheek, first in Dutch and now even in English.
Routaki routes continue to evolve, now supported by several Facebook pages, an Instagram account, voluntary writers, freelancers, and, of course, this immense website with fun facts and details about life in Crete.
Enjoy Routaki; we do our best to make and maintain something beautiful.
Routaki routes by Mr. Routaki
Mr. Routaki is the creative founder of Routaki routes and has been exploring the extraordinary island of Crete since 1995. In a wide variety of roles, he has come to know the island and Greek culture in different ways: Samaria Gorge guide, jeep safari guide and cameraman, standplaatshost (host) at Arke Reizen, receptionist, restaurant manager and owner, flotilla leader, hotel manager, chalet manager, golf guide, animator in an adults-only hotel, and Land Rover guide.
Throughout all these experiences, Routaki has played a role in the background. In addition to his passion for driving around Crete, discovering new routes, and gathering information for his RAGiF’s (Routaki Audio Guide Info Files), he has developed a considerable skill level in the sport of golf. This led to the idea of becoming a golf guide in Crete, and that’s why the parent company of Routaki is called AJ4U Golf & Guide.
If you want to contact ‘Mr. Routaki’ personally, you can do so via his LinkedIn profilr or via facebook or instagram.
Voluntary freelancers who help provide the information on the Routaki platform.
Julia has lived in Crete all her life. Born and raised in the tourist village of Malia, she was destined to pursue a career in tourism. She has helped in the family business from an early age and has therefore been used to having tourists around her all her life. So she knows better than anyone what a holiday guest finds important and what not.
She loves being in nature and being adventurous and enjoys discovering new, unknown places. Working as a freelancer for the Routaki platform gives her the opportunity to use her writing skills as a hobby!
Irini was born and raised in the Netherlands and stayed there until she almost completed her studies in painting, sculpture and photography. At the age of 21, she moved to the west of Ireland to continue and complete her studies there. After her studies, she worked for a few more years on this beautiful green island and designed harps during musical instrument workshops.
Valérie left Belgium when she was 18. She then traveled and worked in the Canary Islands. She crewed a sailboat from there across the Atlantic Ocean to Puerto Rico. She eventually ended up and settled in Karpathos, Greece. She has lived there for 20 years now, is married there and has three children.
She will work for TUI in the coming summer season. During the winter months she spends time with her husband and children and does freelance translation work, including for the Routaki platform.
“Gathering all the information, working out the routes, taking photos, recording the audio. Striving for a good product.
It once started as a hobby, now a nice holiday tool for you!”
Routaki back in the days
The Routaki promotional video from 2009, showing how the routes were displayed in A4 copies in a plastic folder. You could order the route via text message and Mr. Routaki came to see you personally.
The images were recorded using the Asia Rocsta jeep, with the camera mounted on a tripod on the passenger seat. YouTube only existed for a few years.
“What a job this must have been! Even in the smallest villages we still knew how to drive. Very cool!”
MONIQUE SCHIPPERS, JULI 2007
“….often we thought we were the only people on the island. I think we saw about 8 other cars, during the whole day….”
JAMES HENDRIKS, SEPT. 2018