Embraced by the Sun

The route covers a total of 64 kilometers and lasts about 1.5 hours by car or motorcycle without stops. It does not require a guide, is accessible year-round, and is ideal for visitors interested in gastronomy, wine tourism, culture, the natural environment, hiking, mountaineering, and cycling.

With this route, Messara and the central Asterousia reveal places and landscapes and tell us stories of the plain, the mountains, and the sea breeze. From Plouti we head to Agioi Deka, where we encounter Ancient Gortyna and Ambelouzos with its Archaeological Museum, then continue to Vasiliki and Krotos—the gateway to the Asterousia. As we ascend, frequent stops allow us to admire the Messara plain and its villages. Reaching the crest, we gaze upon the Libyan Sea before proceeding to beautiful Lentas, with its Minoan sanctuary and Kazantzakis’ Cave. A little further lie Diskos and Tzigounas with their pristine beaches. The route returns through Apesokari and Vasilika Anogeia, ending once again at Agioi Deka.

Gastronomy here is a constant dialogue between tradition and nature. Snails (chochlioi) are cooked sometimes with greens or artichokes, other times with cracked wheat and tomato. Wild greens are the treasures of the Asterousia—both food and medicine. Free-grazing lambs and goats produce dishes of distinct character. From the sea comes the unique kakavia (fisherman’s soup), while for dessert, small pies filled with myzithra cheese are drizzled with honey, grape molasses, or carob syrup.

Local products are truly special and can be found in every shop in the area: myzithra and other cheeses that capture the richness of milk, honey infused with the aromas of pine and thyme, rusks, fragrant strawberries of Mitropoli, sea salt, almonds, and tsikoudia—all essential companions for good company.

Here, every product, every flavor, every aroma speaks of the land, its people, and the global value of the Cretan diet. For accommodation and dining, there are numerous local guesthouses, restaurants, tavernas, and cafés.

Route Products

PDO products: Graviera of Crete, Xinomizithra of Crete, Pine-thyme honey of Crete.

PGI products: Cretan sultana raisin, Cretan rusk, Heraklion wine.

Special products: Asterousia meats, olive oil, wine, cheeses, Mitropoli strawberries, vegetables, tsikoudia, honey, fish.