A Drive from the villa to Argiroupoli and Carob Factory

Argiroupoli village between the leaves — The village, nestling in the hills

What’s to see on the drive

This drive from the villa goes to the Creta Carob factory, the old village of Argiroupoli, the ancient tombs of Lappa and the taverna serving fresh trout farmed from rock pools formed by the stream. then to Lake Kournas, the largest lake in Crete, with the old village of Kournas overlooking it.

In more detail

A map of the drive from Panokosmos — Route from the villa, see https://goo.gl/maps/ncvVUNpPJgiHxGEh7

This route takes the fast way on the national road to get to Rethymnon Prefecture. Subsequently leaving at Pirgos you head thru Episkopi, quite a big village with an interesting church if you have time.

At Agiroupoli there’s lots to see – a little below the village and a fair walk away are the Roman tombs cut in the rock at Lappa.

Holy Virgins and Ancient Tombs — As so often, there’s a little church on site

Its a bit of a long walk to the tombs from the village — Path to the tombs, hot in summer and unshaded

Roman tombs cut in the rock — Tombs are extensive and on different levels

Roman tombs, this one for a family — Some are cut deep in the rocks, with several graves, clearly for a family

Wonderful knarled old plane tree shades the area

It’s an atmospheric place, the tombs cut into the soft rock, overhanging with moss and shaded by a huge plane tree.

The Roman mosaic is well preserved but a bit dusty — Roman Mosaic

Typical run down but atmospheric Cretan frontage — Atmospheric, but not necessarily Venetian!

A circuit of the village takes in the Roman Mosaic floor similarly there are some interesting Venetian doorways and housefronts.

Carob factory on the drive from Panokosmos — Carob Factory

Visit the carob factory in order to learn about the many culinary uses of the carob, and sample and buy the products. The carob syrup which has an unusual sweet sour taste and can be used in dressings and sauces, as well as drizzled on ice cream!

Taverna with fresh trout farmed from pools in the stream flowing thru the site — Taverna serving trout from pools in the stream

Afterwards down near the stream is a taverna, a bit touristy, but a wonderful setting under the trees, with fresh trout farmed from the pools in the stream right by your table!

Lake Kournas, next stop on the drive from Panokosmos — Kournas Lake

To Kournas Lake

Back via Kournas village up on the hill and then down to Lake Kournas, the largest lake in Crete. Again a bit touristy around the near side, you can hire a pedalo for example. Although that is quite a good way to explore the quieter side. Or walk around the built up area brings you to a path to the quiet far side.

Drive from the villa: Route on Google Maps

https://goo.gl/maps/HU2RbG3EEmG2

Listing of the places with our comments

https://goo.gl/maps/fYRU7tjaEso

More about living in Crete

There is much more in our blogs. These show things to do in Crete, whether it be walking a gorge, hiking in the foothills of the White Mountains, or taking a drive to see the sites. Chania is a great town to visit, particularly to go to the street markets, and of course you?ll want to get the benefits of the Cretan diet ? be it the yoghurt and cheese, or the olive oil.

This Dream Villa

And if you would like to live in a place where you can see these, here is just the place. This is the villa which we designed and built 10 years ago and now reluctantly are ready to sell and move on. Its in the Apokoronas, in the west of the island, 35min drive from Chania, 50min from the international airport.