CAR ROUTE 32

Rethymnon – Lappa – Kournas – Georgioupoli

Ook beschikbaar in het Nederlands

What makes Routaki route 32 – ‘Myriokefala’ so special:

  • You drive through the natural park of Kalonyktis.
  • Stunning panoramic views with sea views over the Cretan Sea.
  • Beautiful natural scenery with limestone formations on both sides of the road.
  • The unique Roman tombs of Ancient Lappa are visitable.
  • The impressive story of the five Holy Virgins of Lappa.
  • The opportunity to stroll around Ancient Lappa itself.
  • You can visit the very old monastery of Myriokefala.
  • The most beautiful views over the south coast.
  • Possibility to visit a cheese factory in Asia Gosia.
  • The charming, cozy museum of ‘the Cretan Runner.’
  • You can photograph the springs and waterfalls of Argiroupoli.
  • Wander around or even take a dip in the freshwater Lake Kournas.
  • Or enjoy a delightful terrace in the final destination Georgioupoli.

[Buy on VoiceMap]

Buy in the webshop
mooie uitzichten over zowel de noord- als de zuidkust
de beschermheilige van de weg gebruikers - Agios Georgios
Ook beschikbaar in het Nederlands

What makes Routaki route 32 so special:

  • You drive through the natural park of Kalonyktis.
  • Stunning panoramic views with sea views over the Cretan Sea.
  • Beautiful natural scenery with limestone formations on both sides of the road.
  • The unique Roman tombs of Ancient Lappa are visitable.
  • The impressive story of the five Holy Virgins of Lappa.
  • The opportunity to stroll around Ancient Lappa itself.
  • You can visit the very old monastery of Myriokefala.
  • The most beautiful views over the south coast.
  • Possibility to visit a cheese factory in Asia Gosia.
  • The charming, cozy museum of ‘the Cretan Runner.’
  • You can photograph the springs and waterfalls of Argiroupoli.
  • Wander around or even take a dip in the freshwater Lake Kournas.
  • Or enjoy a delightful terrace in the final destination Georgioupoli.

[Buy on VoiceMap]

Purchase this audio tour
mooie vergezichten over de zowel de noord- als zuidkust
de beschermheilige van de weggebruikers - Agios Georgios
de bijzonder Romeinse graven in de buurt van Lappa

This route starts at the parking lot of Lidl in the outskirts of Rethymnon and is 75 km long (see the starting point on the Google Maps map). The idea behind this Routaki route is that it takes up an entire day. Splitting it into different days is possible, but more on that later.

You drive in a southern direction with Lappa and Myriokefala as the main destinations. This route takes you through typical Cretan villages and across mountain ridges to the Roman tombs of Ancient Lappa and the waterfalls of Argiroupoli. You pass by the freshwater Lake Kournas and end the route in Georgioupoli. From there, you can easily take the highway back to your accommodation.

de bijzonder Romeinse graven in de buurt van Lappa

Before Ancient Lappa, 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 city of Rethymnon when you depart. When passing by an iconistasi, the small chapels along the road, you’ll hear the reasons for their placement and the customs associated with them. Your own smartphone ‘talks’ and ‘plays’ as a guide about things you encounter along the way or that are generally important for Crete.

Be self-exploring
the very old monastery of Myriokefala
a view over Lappa
one of the waterfalls of Argiroupoli

You continue driving, following the route instructions narrated and displayed by your own smartphone or tablet. Routaki routes utilize the VoiceMap app. Through this GPS interactive software, you always know where you are, and the software knows what it should play or display.

And all of this offline. You download the app for free, create an account, and purchase the route. The route is downloaded and remains available to you forever. You can even listen to it in advance in the audio-book version as a prelude.

The spoken texts, as well as the images, ensure that you drive around with a secure feeling, and you realize that it’s nearly impossible to get lost. Even sharp turns or road hazards are mentioned. 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 for a swim, take a forest walk, or continue the route on another day—whatever you prefer. If you want to resume the route, simply press the ‘Resume‘ button, and the route will be displayed again.

Buy the code for the RAGiF’s tour
the ancient village of Lappa, for sure worth a visit

Near Ancient Lappa, you can visit the Chapel of the Five Holy Virgins. The RAGiF has provided you with a detailed history about this. The same goes for Ancient Lappa itself as you drive through it later.

The day continues towards the southernmost part of the route. Beautiful views and winding roads lead you to the mountain village of Asia Gosia, renowned for its cheese production.

A visit to ‘the Cretan Runner’ museum is also definitely worth your while.

A few kilometers and just a few turns further, you will reach the waterfalls and springs of Argiroupoli. Beautiful photos can be taken here, and there is also delicious food available in one of the local tavernas. Opting for sweet water trout is a good choice.

To return to the north coast, a route along the freshwater Lake Kournas has been chosen. Enjoying a refreshing swim and/or a leisurely walk is an option.

Eventually, you arrive in the village of Georgioupoli, where you can admire the picturesque ‘chapel in the sea‘ or relax on the beaches or terraces in the village square.

making cheese in a traditional way
the only fresh water lake of Crete - Lake Kournas

This route features audio files about Rethymnon, the seas surrounding Crete, the chapels along the road, some traditions and customs, detailed explanations about Ancient Lappa and the monastery of Myriokefala. The Lake Kournas is also discribed, as well as the origin of the name Georgioupoli.

In total, there are 24 different RaGiF audio files in route 32, in addition to all the audio explaining the route. The route is up-to-date and extensively narrated, with images for reference or clarification.

[Buy on VoiceMap]

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VoiceMap app available on the app store.

Install the free of charge VoiceMap app and find this route among the more than 1,000 available routes.

VoiceMap app available on Google play

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)
the region on Crete where this route is worked out

Other Routaki routes:

visiting the lovely tavern of Dyonissos on the Lassithi plateau

Route 56 – ‘Lassithi’
A Drive along the Lassithi Plateau: From Stalida to Zeus’s Birthplace

Agios Nicolaos - de eindbestemming van Routaki route 58

Route 58 – ‘Spinalonga’
Malia to Agios Nikolaos: A Scenic Drive Celebrating Historical Crete

Geniet van het viewpoint waarbij u beide zeeën kunt zien

Route 59 – ‘Kalamafka’
Embark on a Journey to the Southernmost Town; Ierapetra, via Kritsa and Mirtos

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