CAR ROUTE 58
Malia – Milatos – Spinalonga – Ag.Nikolaos
This route starts at the parking lot of the excavations of the former Palace of Malia and is 91 km long (see the starting point on Google Maps). The idea behind this Routaki route is that it takes up an entire day, due to the items you are able to visit.
You are heading eastward with Spinalonga as your main destination. The route takes you past the Milatos Cave and the town of Neapoli, where you can visit the small animal park Amazonas. Consider, before or after a delightful lunch in Plaka or Elounda, taking the boat trip to the former fortress of Spinalonga.
Before the Milatos Cave, various RAGiF's (Routaki Audio Guide Info Files) have already explained what you encountered or saw along the way. This is the special aspect of a Routaki route; you receive the right information at the right moment. For example, you receive information about the Minoan excavation site of Malia when you depart. If you drive past the plastic banana greenhouses of Malia, you will be explained why they are so special. Your own smartphone 'talks' and 'plays' as a guide about things you encounter along the way or that are generally important for Crete.
After visiting the former leper colony of Spinalonga, you have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal in Elounda. The route then continues along beautiful winding roads, where you'll hear about traditions related to weddings, including the music and dance forms used. You can conclude the day with a delightful stroll along the coastline in the harbor town of Agios Nikolaos. Well-positioned terraces around the inner lake create an idyllic atmosphere. Agios Nicolaos also boasts many beautiful boutique shops and plenty of opportunities to purchase a nice souvenir.
In total, there are 28 different RAGiF's in route 58, in addition to all the audio files explaining the route. The route is up-to-date and extensively narrated, with images for reference or clarification.
This route features audio files about Malia Palace, Milatos Cave, Olive Oil Production, Neapoli, Amazon Animal Park, everything about Spinalonga, Plaka, and Elounda. Additionally, much information is provided about local traditions and customs.
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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)
