The road trip to Mirabello Bay is a route that combines cosmopolitan luxury with wild Cretan nature and history.
Gomega suggests the best stops for your itinerary.
- Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi and the ideal starting point.
- Lake Voulismeni: The city's trademark. According to legend, the goddesses Athena and Artemis bathed here. Don't forget to climb the park above the lake for a panoramic photo of the bay.
- Kitroplateia: One of the few beaches in a city that is ideal for a quick coffee or snack by the sea.
- Continuing north from Agios Nikolaos, towards Elounda and Hersonissos Kolokytha, the road offers stunning views of the entire bay.
- Elounda: The world-famous resort with its luxury hotels. It is worth a walk to its harbor
- Kanali and Alykes: On the way to Kolokytha, you will see the canal that the French opened in 1897 and the old stone windmills.
- Kolokytha Beach: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area with turquoise waters. Access is via a dirt road and a short hike, but the scenery will compensate you.
- Continuing north, you reach Plaka.
- Plaka: A picturesque fishing village just opposite Spinalonga. It is the best spot to enjoy fresh fish with a view of the island.
- Spinalonga: Take the boat from Plaka (just a 5-10 minute ride) to visit the historic island-fortress. Wandering through the alleys of the former leper colony is a thrilling experience.
- Return to Agios Nikolaos, and continue east towards Kritsa.
A short detour to the mainland (15 minutes from Agios Nikolaos) is a must:
- Visit Kritsa: One of the most traditional and historic villages of Crete, built amphitheatrically on a hill,
- Panagia Kera: One of the most important Byzantine churches of Crete with exceptionally preserved frescoes, at the entrance to the village and
- Kritsa Gorge: a small but fantastic gorge, with narrow passages and a lot of beauty.
- Head to the eastern side of the bay:
- Ancient Gournia: The "Pompeii of Minoan Crete". It is an entire Minoan city that has been excavated and you can walk through its streets.
- Pahia Ammos: A photo stop at the "neck" of Crete, the narrowest point of the island.
- Voulisma beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete with its turquoise waters and white sand.
For this route, you will definitely need the whole day. It will be an unforgettable experience as it combines the fantastic view, the mountains, the sea and History.
(more articles about Crete on www.gomega.gr)
