TransportAn excellent tour. We were picked up on time. Our guide Harry was extremely knowledgeable in local history, flora and fauna. We had a quick stop at a monastery beofre going off road to see the views and sunset. The evening ended with a beautiful meal, wine and raki at Katerina’s in Maroulas.
This sunset safari takes you off the beaten track in more ways than one. You'll follow scenic trails in your off-roader to explore hidden landscapes that few visitors see. Get ready for panoramic views of Rethymnon as you traverse traditional villages on the way to the Amari Dam reservoir. Eleni, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Away from the coast, Cretan traditions are still strong, and many people make a living from the land. Olive groves, fields of vines and citrus orchards represent the most important crops – though avocados are now becoming a popular fruit on our farms.'
Leaving Rethymnon, you'll soon be heading towards the hills. Rumbling through the tranquil hill villages of Pigi, Adelle, Saint Dimitrios and Harkia, we swap the bright lights for unpaved off-road routes, wild vegetation, and peaceful vistas. You'll get a close-up view of the real Crete, and gain insight into the heritage of the island. Eleni says, ‘Crete is one of the few islands in Greece that would still have a self-sufficient economy without tourism. Agriculture is still a very relevant industry here.'
You'll climb further into the hills to a fabulous viewpoint where your gaze will sweep from the coast to the mountains, with a lovely view over Amari Dam reservoir just below. Sunset spots don't come much better than this. To round off your tour, you'll stop at a family-owned taverna, where you'll be able to try a platter of locally sourced Cretan meze specialities with a glass of wine.
