Heraklion-Episkopi-Thraspano-Kastelli-Mochos

Yamaha Tenere and Aprillia Pegasus from Eurodriver

Well we got up late this morning. That and a leaky loo needing fixing and an oil change meant a late start for us today. All the same, we weren't going to miss our chance to get out for love nor money so later than usual off we went.

Setting off east from Herakion along the National road, we took the exit for Karteros, and 

headed up the hillside for Episkopi. A well surfaced new road with the north coast and island of Dia as a backdrop.

road to Episkopi. Dia island. 

Episkopi

Episkopi is a fairly large but traditional village it is surrounded by networks of olive groves and vineyards as far as the eye can see. 

We continued through the village and it's impossibly narrow streets  flanked by pretty stone cottages, taking us out  and along country roads that gently wind their way around upwards and in the direction of the Dikti Mountains.

church on the hillside

Spring flowers

The village of Voni is is one of those 
sleepy little hillside villages on Crete
 where time has really stood 
still. It has been a long time since we
 saw a petrol pump like this.

      

We found the vehicle that requires the pump!


Tiny and unassuming the village of Voni has a surprise. Every year on the 17th July at the monastery of Agia Marina there is a huge celebration.   Thousands of Pilgrims and the devout travel to the monastery often on foot to pay homage to Saint Marina. During the feast there are street markets and bazaars leading up to the church, in fact it has been recorded as the third largest trade fair in Greece it is hard to imagine how this tiny sleepy village is transformed!

Ceramic workshop Thraspano

From Voni, we continued our journey through the village of Thraspano. Larger than Voni and famous for its potters. Ceramic workshops line the roads stacked with traditional earthenware resembling those of Minoan times. 

Although the roads in this area are small and rural, they are well maintained and easy roads to follow, offering beautiful scenery but no major challenges or surprises. We followed the road and headed through Evangelismos another village where time has stood still. I could feel the temperature drop a couple of degrees as we start our ascent up Dikti mountains.

Can just make out the snow covered peaks of Dikti mountains 

Watch out for the road signs, not always easy if you can't read Greek.


Next up was the village of Kastelli. Taking us to the foot of the mountains it was all uphill from here. From Kastelli we headed east and up the mountains.  Here the roads started to get more challenging. Beautiful scenery fairly good asphalt but very narrow roads and some seriously tight bends. Coming up this side of the mountain, I was surprised that we descended as often as ascended. 

We went up and over one peak after another as the road sent us spiralling upwards or downwards.  A word of warning these bends need respect.  Expect the unexpected it could be sheep  or water flowing across the road or a farmer in a pick-up truck, it's part of the adventure but be extra vigilant, drive carefully and defensively.

On the way up to Avdou

looking down to Kastelli




From Kastelli we made our way up the mountain range of Dikti. Looking back you can see Kasteli in the distance. At the moment, the main airport for Crete is in Heraklion, however this is soon to change and the airport will be in Kastelli. You can see the landing strip in the distance. It is hard to imagine that this could happen anytime soon, as the road networks around this village consist of little county lanes. Sadly, I can only imagine that these will be lost once the airport is set up.
Continuing up the mountains we passed the location of the new dam. Made to prevent the water that rolls off the mountains escaping into the sea, and to supply the city of Heraklion with water, it has taken up a huge valley. I believe it is still in construction as I didn't see much water!

From this point we made our way to the mountain, first through the village of Avdou which clings to the skirt tails of Dikti mountains. Known for as the captain's village in respect for the many leaders and revolutionaries which came from here, especially during the Ottoman rule. The village is surrounded by fruit trees and olive groves and is touched by tourism without having lost its individuality and character.

Avdou in the distance

heading into Gonies village


From Audou we followed the curve of the mountain and into the village of Gonies. Which translates incidentally as 'corners' and once again we weaved around the mountainside turning off at Mochos.
 If we had continued up the mountains, we would have gotten to the Plataeu of Lassithi,  but we'll leave that for another adventure.

Mochos nestles in a valley on the north incline of the mountains. It sits about 400m above sea level. It's a prosperous village and is very close to the busiest tourist resorts on the north coast, Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia. In fact most of the business proprietors on those resorts come from this little village. 

Passing through the village and down the mountain side. At this point were probably some of the finest views. Until now our view had been limited due to peaks and troughs of the hillsides we passed. For the first time we could see how high we were.

Hersonissos resort and the national road

From Mochos the road down to the coast. Many serpentine on the way down but good asphalt clear visibility great views and fun ride. You can make out the coastal resort of Hersonissos at the bottom.

Hersonissos and Stalis can be seen, also the new roundabout on the national road that sits above the resort of Stalis. From here we headed down the mountainside and connected to the national road. Approximately 40kms from our final destination it is a straight fast drive home from here. 

This was a fairly small route, we did a total of 120km. it took us off the beaten track and up the mountains through some beautiful country side. 

This is definitely a route where you can get to know your bike. I was glad of the easy handling of the Pegasus, it is such a light little bike but with enough punch to pull me out of those bends.

If you would like to try for yourself either the Pegasus or the Tenere, or see some of the other motorbike models that we have available for rent, you can find them on our models page. Follow the link for prices and availability. 

Both bikes handled the terrain easily. Being short of leg it is important to point out that there is a fair difference in the seat height on the Tenere compared to the Pegasus,  I struggle with the height of the Tenere but have no problem with the Peg. Both bikes were really comfortable, which is always an important factor for me when doing any kind of tour. We were riding without pillion, but of the two bikes I'd say that the Pegasus is more comfortable for two than the Tenere, which puts the passenger in more of a jockey position. 

All in all, a good day out and a pretty route. If you would like to ask me any questions about tours, bike rental in Crete or models, or you have some favourite tours of your own that you'd like to share. Drop me a line I'd be delighted to hear from you and happy to respond. Or you can visit our site at www.eurodriver.gr 

Happy riding!

Julie. 

Tenere