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Episkopi (Rethimno) - Falasarna - Chrisoskalitisa Monastery - Elafonisi - Elos

Trip Details

Date: Mon, 11/08/2003
Crete
Distance: 280 km
Motorcyclists: Manolis, Sakis, Panos
Copilots: Nikos
Photographers: Manolis
Authors: Manolis
Translators: Ada
Map: Trip map
Photographs: Link

Sightseeing map

This route was our maiden travel in beautiful Crete. Our base was the village Episkopi (Rethymnon) which is located 20 km after the city of Rethymnon on the national road to Chania. The village is found near the lake of Kournas and Argyroupoli.
Therefore, we chose to visit first the famous beach of Falasarna. It is found in north-western utmost Crete. It is one of the most known places of interest in Crete which in any case everybody visits as soon as he steps foot at the island. Falasarna is one of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, springs and snow-white sandy beaches. The access to the three basic beaches that exist in the area is easy, as the locals have developed the region.
As soon as we finished our swimming and enjoyed the “big blue” we started for our next destination, Elafonisi. On our way however we could not make a stop at the noted Moni (Abbey) of Chrysoskalitissa. The Abbey is located 11 km after the southern expense of the village Kefali. It is a white church with a lot of monk cells built on an abrupt and compact rock of 35m height. According to the tradition, its name is owed due to the fact that one of the 90 steps that lead to the Abbey is gold. That one does not become visible from the sinful… anyway, we did not see it!!!
Continuing the south-western way we reached the amazing Elafonisi. Due to the time of the season we met a lot of people, perhaps more than we ever see in any other beach in Crete, as long as stay at the island!!! The landscape, the immense light blue of the Mediterranean Sea is astonishing. What made us impression was the islet that connects the beach with Elafonisi. It is an islet with red coloured sand that is connected with the coast by a shallow passage of depth 0,50-0,80m. and length 800m. The sea reminds more tropical part than Greek… The access is possible up to the beach for us, the motorcycle riders, but also for those who are not afraid to drive a little off-road!!!
After the swim we got the road of return to Episkopi. We chose to take the one that passes through small mountainous villages. One of the most beautiful villages of Kissamos among forests and gardens is Elos. In the dark green and cool square of the village, with planes and springs we made a stop for food and relax. Then we continued our way passing through the gorge of Topoliano. The banks are really high, almost vertical and full of planes, which lead to a lot of cavernous cavities. We unconditionally suggest this route to you as it combines mountain, sea and amazing landscapes…