Directly after visiting the ancient Minoan settlement of Gournia, we decided that the day was still too young to return to the hotel. Instead, we set our sights on the mountains. Our initial goal was the Katharo Plateau, a place we had heard about because of its beautiful scenery and traditional atmosphere.
The drive from Gournia took roughly thirty minutes. The road wound steadily upwards through countless bends and curves. As we climbed higher, something immediately caught our attention. The landscape became noticeably greener than the regions we had visited during the previous days. Small pine trees appeared along the roadside, patches of vegetation seemed denser, and the mountain air felt fresher.
Arriving at Katharo
When we finally reached Katharo, we understood why so many travellers recommend the area. The plateau offered a wide open landscape surrounded by mountains and rugged terrain. The scenery felt peaceful and remote, very different from the busy coastal areas we had explored earlier during our holiday.
Our original plan was simple: find a traditional restaurant, enjoy a small meal and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere. However, once we arrived, the restaurants located directly along the roadside did not fully convince us. They may have been perfectly good places to eat, but somehow the urge for another adventure won.
Instead of staying, we began looking at the map and discovered another destination that seemed even more intriguing. Sometimes the best moments of a trip happen when plans change unexpectedly, and this turned out to be one of those occasions.
A More Adventurous Route
To reach our new destination, Agios Georgios, we had two choices. The first option followed a longer route around the mountains. The second option promised a much shorter journey of roughly an hour, but only by crossing the mountains directly.
Since our experiences on Crete had already taught us that mountain tracks often lead to unforgettable memories, we chose the more adventurous route.
What followed was exactly the kind of drive we had expected. The road became progressively rougher, eventually turning into narrow gravel tracks winding across the mountainside. In some places, the surface consisted mostly of stones. Dust rose behind the car as we carefully navigated the route. The road was often too narrow to allow much room for error, demanding full concentration from the driver.
Despite the challenge, the rewards came quickly. Time and again the route opened up to spectacular viewpoints. Looking across the mountain landscape, we could see ridges stretching into the distance while deep valleys unfolded beneath us. Every few kilometres seemed to provide another excellent excuse to stop and admire the panorama.
The Green Heart of the Mountains
One aspect that surprised us throughout the drive was the vegetation. Compared with many of the dry coastal regions we had seen during our trip, these mountain areas felt remarkably green. Small pine trees appeared frequently, and the landscape seemed softer and more varied than expected.
The changing scenery made the journey itself more interesting than simply reaching the destination. We found ourselves talking less about where we were heading and more about what was waiting around the next bend.
Towards Agios Georgios and the Cave of Zeus
Eventually our route brought us closer to Agios Georgios. During our journey we learned that the nearby plateau is associated with one of Crete's most famous legends. Somewhere in this mountainous region lies the legendary Cave of Zeus, linked in local tradition to the king of the Greek gods.
Whether you visit for mythology, landscapes or the joy of driving through remote parts of Crete, the area has a special atmosphere. Even before reaching the cave itself, the surrounding mountains create a setting that feels worthy of ancient stories.
For us, the highlight was not a single attraction but the feeling of exploration. A plan that began with a simple lunch stop evolved into a mountain adventure filled with gravel roads, unexpected discoveries and unforgettable views.
- The mountain roads can be rough and narrow, so drive carefully and allow extra time.
- Bring water, especially during the summer months.
- The journey itself is a major part of the experience, so do not rush.
- Viewpoints appear frequently along the route and are worth stopping for.
Some of our favourite moments on Crete happened when we ignored the original plan and simply followed the road into the mountains.
