CAR ROUTE 59 – ‘Kalamafka’
Agios Nikolaos – Kritsa – Kalamafka – Mirtos
What makes Routaki route 59 - 'Kalamafka' so special:
- Before you even set off, you've already received extensive information about Agios Nikolaos
- After a steep climb into the hills, you can visit the excavations of Lato
- First, admire the very old and special church of Panagia i Kera
- Take your time to explore the craft village of Kritsa at a leisurely pace
- Continue driving into the mountains through the village of Kroustas
- Travel on safe and asphalted roads through the beautiful pine forest
- Take a walk to the viewpoint where you can see both the north and south coasts
- Climb the cave church in the village of Kalamafka and enjoy the stunning view
- Get a glimpse and hear explanations about the Bramiana Dam and reservoir
- In Mirtos, the village with the most sunshine hours per year, enjoy swimming, eating, or drinking
- Drive through the greenhouse area to the southernmost city in Europe
- In Ierpetra, where Napoleon once visited, enjoy the boulevard and the harbor
What makes Routaki route 59 - 'Kalamafka' so special:
- Before you even set off, you've already received extensive information about Agios Nikolaos
- After a steep climb into the hills, you can visit the excavations of Lato
- First, admire the very old and special church of Panagia i Kera
- Take your time to explore the craft village of Kritsa at a leisurely pace
- Continue driving into the mountains through the village of Kroustas
- Enjoy magnificent views over the Mirabello Bay
- Travel on safe and asphalted roads through the beautiful pine forest
- Take a walk to the viewpoint where you can see both the north and south coasts
- Climb the cave church in the village of Kalamafka and enjoy the stunning view
- Get a glimpse and hear explanations about the Bramiana Dam and reservoir
- Have the opportunity to visit an olive factory in Males
- In Mirtos, the village with the most sunshine hours per year, enjoy swimming, eating, or drinking
- Drive through the greenhouse area to the southernmost city in Europe
- In Ierpetra, where Napoleon once visited, enjoy the boulevard and the harbor
This route starts at the parking lot of the Lidl supermarket just outside Agios Nikolaos and is 81 km long (see the starting point on Google Maps). The idea behind this Routaki route is that it takes a whole day. You drive southward, with Kalamafka, Mirtos, and Ierapetra as main destinations. This route takes you through wooded areas and along mountain ridges to the viewpoint overlooking both seas. You pass through the resistance villages of Anatoli and Males, where you can visit the largest olive factory in the region. During the descent, you'll learn all about olive picking and then arrive in Mirtos, where you can have lunch or enjoy the beach and warm water. Finally, you'll be guided to Ierapetra, from where you can easily return to your accommodation via main roads.
For the excavations of Lato, various RAGiFs [Routaki Audio Guide info Files] have already explained what you have encountered or seen along the way. This is what makes a Routaki route unique; you get the right information at the right moment. For example, just after departure, you receive information about the city of Agios Nikolaos. Your own smartphone acts as a guide, providing information about things you encounter along the way, such as the chapels along the road, the reason why there are A4 stencils on the poles, or why the eucalyptus trees were brought to the island.
You continue driving and follow the route directions provided and displayed by your own smartphone or tablet. Routaki routes use the VoiceMap app. With this GPS-interactive software, you always know where you are, and the software knows what to play or display.
And all of this offline. You download the app for free, create an account, and purchase this route. The route is downloaded and is at your disposal forever. You can even listen to it in advance in the audio-book version for some anticipation.
The spoken texts, as well as the images, ensure that you drive around with a safe feeling and you realize that it's almost impossible to get lost. Even sharp bends or potholes are noted. If you deviate from the route, the app will notify you so you can return to the route.
However, you can also interrupt or stop the route whenever you want. You can take a break, go swimming, take a walk in the woods, or continue the route on another day. Whatever you want. If you wish to continue the route, simply press the 'Resume' button and the route will be displayed again.
After a (optional) visit to Lato and the old church of Panagia i Kera, you for sure to take your time to wander through the handicraft village of Kritsa. At one of the available terraces, you can also enjoy a coffee or tea and a local delicacy. The day continues in the southern direction through wooded areas with stunning views over the Mirabello Bay. A highlight is the viewpoint just before the village of Kalamafka, where, if you're feeling up to it, you can climb the stairs to see the cave church of this village. The views there are exceptional too!
Via the resistance villages of Anatoli and Males (with its olive factory), you descend through the olive fields towards the southern coast, meanwhile listening to lots of information about Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You cross the exit of the always water-rich Sarakina Gorge, and upon arrival at the always warm southern coast, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in Mirtos. Whether it's on a terrace, the beach, or in a taverna.
Along the coast and through the greenhouse area, you are led to Ierapetra, where Napoleon once stayed overnight. Here, you can visit the harbor and the boulevard.
In this route, audio fragments include information about Lato, the resistance heroine of Kritsa, some traditions and customs, beliefs or superstitions, the richness of Cretan honey, the significance of the stripes on the Greek flag, and detailed explanations about the olive harvest and the mythology associated with Crete. The Bramiana reservoir is also discussed, as well as the inventor of the entire greenhouse system present.
In total, there are 23 different RAGiF (Routaki Audio Guide info Files) in route 59, in addition to all the audio explaining the route. The route is up-to-date and extensively narrated, with images for indication or clarification.
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Install the free VoiceMap app and find this route among more than 1,400 other routes available.
Some useful tips:
- Bring your smartphone battery charger.
- Maintain an average speed of 55-60 km.
- Wear appropriate clothing for churches and monasteries.
- Purchase the correct language version of the route (Dutch or English).
- Ensure that the route is NOT set to the audio-book setting.
- If you have one, bring a smartphone holder
- Disable automatic screen turn-off (don’t forget to put it back on afterwards)
