The Spirit of Crete: A Drive from Rethymno to Georgioupoli via Myriokefala

(5 reviews)

Rethymno audio tour: The Spirit of Crete: A Drive from Rethymno to Georgioupoli via Myriokefala

This is a 46.2mi driving tour

It takes an average of 180 mins to complete.

Rethymno

Greece

$19.99

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About the Tour

The beautiful region southwest of Rethymnon city boasts gently rolling hills and winding paths through thrilling mountainous roads. On this driving tour, you’ll twist through this fascinating area en route to Argyroupoli, where ancient Lappa city once stood and waterfalls flow freely.

The tour starts in Rethymnon, Crete’s third largest city, where I’ll tell you about its exotic blend of architecture, thanks to Venetian and Ottoman occupation. From there, you’ll pass the village of Myriokefala with its special old monastery and gradually enter the Cretan region where delicious local cheese is produced on sheep farms.

You’ll pass the Cretan Runner Museum, which chronicles author George Psychoundakis’ story as a dispatch runner during the island’s German occupation. Your tour ends in Georgioupoli where you can take a beautiful walk to the church of Agios Nikolaos, built on a pier in the sea.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

Learn how the Kri Kri goat, living in the Samaria Gorge, owes its name to former President Truman
Listen to the sad story of the Five Holy Virgins and visit the church where their graves can be seen
Understand why icons are made and frescoes are painted, and what their special significance is in the Myriokefala monastery
Find out what Operation Mercury entailed, and how Cretan peasants attacked their invaders with axes and pitchforks
Discover why limestone was the material of choice for Roman masons building graves
Hear how Georgioupoli, formerly Chrissopoli (gold city), was renamed in 1899 to honor Prince George who served as High Commissioner of Crete
Find and enter a tomb from the late Minoan period, like a real Indiana Jones
Enjoy a wonderfully refreshing break at Lake Kournas

On this three-hour tour, I’ll also fill you in on the chapels along the road, the regional football club, and the customs and traditions of the Cretans.

Tour Producer

Mr. Routaki

30 tours

Bio of AJ alias Mr. Routaki:
Since 1995 I have been coming to Crete. An island that has stolen my heart. The Samaria Gorge was my very first working area and in the following seasons many more regions followed in a wide variety of professions.
And always surrounded by friendly guests who had all kinds of questions. That is why the Routaki routes also provide the information desired by you as a guest of the island.

After completing my tourism education (M.T.R.O.) I found the right activities in this wonderful profession.
Guide, tour leader, resort host, underwater-cameraman, restaurant owner, Jeep safari guide or sailing (flotilla) leader. All these experiences I use nowadays when compiling my information and stories which I incorporate into my car routes and city walks.

Daily life on Crete interwoven with the stories of the many acquaintances I have been able to listen to over the past thirty years.
The first routes were created in 2006 using CDs (and even cassette tapes!!). Parts of routes from back then have now, with the help of the VoiceMap app, grown into a beautiful portfolio of day trips in the three languages I master; Dutch, English and German.

The Infotheek on my Routaki.com website will continue to grow and many more routes and walks will follow.

Some of my goals are to apply augmented reality and to show you the traditions of the olive harvest or wedding ceremonies even outside the usual periods.
I continue to immerse myself in the Cretan culture traditions and customs. I read about recent developments and combine this for you into a wonderful holiday day experience.

Through the many ‘interest media’ I am happy to keep you informed.

Preview Location

Location 60

Lake of Kournas

While you drive, I'll tell you about the Lake of Kournas, you'll soon pass on your left. It's the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. We are currently at an altitude of about 20 meters above sea level. The dimensions are approximately 880 x 1090 meters. Depending on the tim... While you drive, I'll tell you about the Lake of Kournas, you'll soon pass on your left. It's the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. We are currently at an altitude of about 20 meters above sea level. The dimensions are approximately 880 x 1090 meters. Depending on the time of year and fluctuating water levels, it has an area of about 580,000 square meters. At its deepest point, it is about 23 meters deep.

The Lake of Kournas is part of a small, unique ecosystem. It includes the lake itself, a nearby brackish pond, marshlands at the edge of the north coast, and the delta of a small river called Almyros.

Such an ecosystem is unique in Crete and provides a habitat for various species, especially birds, whether on their migratory routes or attracted to the region. In the water, you can spot eels and freshwater turtles. The lake has two springs and is also fed by various streams from the mountain range to the southwest.

The entire area is part of the Natura 2000 project. The name of the lake dates back to the Arab periods (824-961) and is derived from the Arabic word "Qurna," meaning 'lake.' In even older times, the lake was called 'Korisia.'

According to folklore and tradition, the lake and the living beings around and in it are protected by a young nymph, the 'Lady of the Lake.' She was the daughter of the local priest who had his parish in a village in the valley, now submerged by the waters of the lake.

Apparently, both the priest and the villagers led sinful lives, and like in 'Sodom and Gomorrah,' God decided to punish them all. He sent floods and mountain streams into the valley, thus creating the lake. Only the pious daughter of the priest was saved. Since then, she is said to be seen, during moonlit nights, wading along the shores.

Another version tells of a man with such a beautiful daughter that he couldn't resist his own desires and was about to commit a sinful act. The girl sensed this and begged God to protect her from this disgrace. God took pity and caused heavy rainfall, flooding the valley and engulfing the girl to keep her safe.

On the lake itself, you can enjoy a trip on a pedal boat or take a walk along the white shores, if the water level allows. It is not allowed to swim in the lake with sunscreen on as it disrupts the fragile balance of the ecosystem!

There are numerous tavernas along the waterfront for a snack or a meal. Read More

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Major Landmarks

Ancient Lappa
Tholos
Agios Nikita Chapel
Green oasis Argiroupolis Springs
The Cretan Runner Museum
Gypas Cheese
Myriokephala Monastery

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Getting There

Route Overview

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Start location
Komvos, Atsipopoulo 741 00, Greece
Total distance

74km
Final location
Epar.Od. Georgioupolis-Kournas, Georgioupoli 730 07, Greece
Distance back to start location

17km

Directions to Starting Point

This route starts at the parking lot of Lidl in the outskirts of Rethymnon, the one west of the city centre.This supermarkt is only one exit away from the New National road. You have take the exit where Rethymnon and Aysipopoulo are indicated. It's the one just before a viaduct. The first meters of the route you'll drive over this same viaduct.

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

The Roman tombs of Ancient Lappa and the village itself are worth a stroll. A highlight of the tour is the ancient monastery of Myriokefala. In Asia Gonia you can make a stop at the Creten Runner museum. Back in Argyroupoli you admire the waterfalls. A stop a the freshwater Lake of Kournas is optional and finally the little Agios Nikolaos church in the sea in Georgioupoli.

Best time of day

The route can be completed throughout the year and is designed to span a day. The actual driving time is approximately 3.5 hours, but there are numerous opportunities to explore or enjoy pleasant breaks. Please be aware that the conclusion of the tour is approximately half an hour from the starting point when using the New National Road.

Precautions

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).

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