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...
Kato Chorio-Monastiraki-Vasiliki-Episkopi
It is an easy ride along the main Ierapetra-Kato Chorio road. Then, after passing through the narrow little roads of Kato Chorio, follow the dirt-road to Papadiana that ascends to the right.
The road climbs up to the right leading to Monastiraki. To the north there is a view of the Gulf of Crete and Pachia Amos. On the slopes of the mountain beyond Monastiraki is the Gorge of Ha (with its water mills at the end) and the geometric settlement of Halasmenos. Westwards is Vasiliki and its...
Chrisi Island: the hidden gem!
Chrissi or Gaidouronisi (donkey island) lies 8 miles south of Ierapetra. The residents of Ierapetra simply call it "the island", as there is a special relationship between them, lost in the depths of time.
For five months -from the middle of May to the end of September- there are daily cruises by boats to Chrissi, departing from the port of Ierapetra.
In the wonder of the Libyan sea, the journey is usually in the company of herring seagulls, while occasionally dolphins play within sight. After...
Vasiliki – Papagiannades
After going through the small village of Vasiliki, follow the asphalt road that leads to the Ierapetra-Aghios Nikolaos highway. Cross over this highway to the other side to take up the dirt road that leads to the small village of Monastiraki.
Pass through the village going uphill along the rough dirt road following a southeasterly direction. At a marked point turn left, leaving the dirt road behind. Now you are on an uphill trail that eventually leads to the dirt road that comes from Kato...
Gorge of Sarakina
To the west of Ierapetra at a distance of 20 kilometres, lies the picturesque village Mythi. The gorge of Sarakina begins at a short distance from the village, which is alternatively called Sarantapichos by the locals. According to the myth, Sarantapichos (a giant, son of Zeus) was crossing the mountain when he got thirsty. So, he leaned to the river to quench his thirst. As a result, his long beard tore the mobile casino mountain mobile casino in two, thus the gorge was born. The vegetation...