Agios Ioannis-Schinokapsala-Oreino-Koutsouras-Ferma
This car trip has the advantage of its route being all along the beach with a view of the Libyan Sea. The start is from Ierapetra, continuing eastwards towards Peristera and Koutsounari.
Here you leave the beach behind and turn left towards Aghios Ioannis. This village is shaped like an amphitheatre, with a panoramic view of the sea. Little streams run through valleys of olive groves creating small but impressive cascades now and again until they reach the sea. This is an area with many springs.
The next point of interest is Schinokapsala, where this part of the route goes through the pine forest, and past several charming little churches and many attractive places for refreshments. The village of Orino lies waiting in a terrace behind the highest peak of Thrifti, which is called Afentis Estavromenos. The villages of Stavrochori, Aghios Stefanos, and Pefki create a similar impression among the olive groves that are interspersed with long- standing pine casino online trees. At many points on the small streams along the route, you will notice old water mills that bear witness to changing times in their construction, while also demonstrating some interesting building techniques of these times.
The route at this point changes direction and takes you parallel to the gorge of Pefki that ends at the impressive beaches of Analipsi and Makrigialos. The tourism development of the area is obvious from the growth of hotel complexes here. From the charming little port there are daily excursions to the unique beauty of the island of Koufonisi. Continuing on westward on your return journey you will come across some unique, quiet, warm water beaches with typical volcanic sand. Pass by Koutsouras, Mavros Kolimbos, Achlia, Aghia Fotia and through Ferma to find yourself again at the beginning of the route. Your trip ends with a view of the lively city of Ierapetra and of the southeastern foothills of the Lassithi Mountains.