Katharo Route Tour from Agios Nikolaos

Get picked up from your hotel in the morning, traveling up into the rugged mountains in the island’s interior to explore the beautiful scenery, laid-back rhythm of daily life in small villages, and tasty local food products.

Start at the Aposelemis basin reservoir, where you can explore an ancient Roman aqueduct, then head into the foothills of the Afendi Mountains. Visit the village of Kastamonitsa, where you can enjoy a Cretan-style breakfast (own cost) accompanied by the local liquor, Raki. After breakfast, continue off road higher into the mountains, stopping at a shepard’s “mitato,” a typical lodge or inn, where you can sample traditional cheese.

Drive deeper into the mountains and pause a local overlook, offering dramatic views of the Lassithi Plateau and Crete’s north coast. Proceed from the overlook to Diction Cave, reported to be the birthplace of Zeus in classic mythology (entry fee at own expense). When you finish in the cave, take a break for lunch, which features three courses of local Crete specialties (vegetarian option available). You can also enjoy unlimited wine during your meal.

After lunch, continue to the Lassinthos Eco Park, an area where you can browse for traditional handicrafts and get a taste for daily life in the island’s small farming villages. Make a brief stop in Seli for photos before heading to the village of Krassi, which is known for its ancient tree and natural spring. Begin heading back down toward the coast, passing through groves of olive trees as you descend out of the mountains. Your tour concludes back at your hotel.