Driving in Crete – a Scenic Road trip of the Mirabello Bay

Explore the magical landscape of Crete by car, by organizing a road trip along some of the most scenic roads in Europe! Journey along the scenic sweep of the Mirabello Bay with this 1 hour drive from Minos Palace hotel & suites to the historic village of Mochlos.

Leaving Minos Palace hotel & suites, head south into Agios Nikolaos, a beautiful resort town that, despite its popularity, hasn’t lost its fishing-village atmosphere. Follow the road ‘Akti Koundourou’ along the coast, passing the mysterious Lake Voulismeni – the lake’s immense depth has inspired countless myths and folktales, including the story that the goddess Athena used to bathe in its waters.

Continue through the town towards the main ‘Koundourou Karamanli’ street. At the large interchange with the E90 National Road take a sharp left onto ‘EO Agiou Nikolaous Sitias. After a few minutes you will reach Alymros Beach, the perfect location for a swimming stop! Continuing along the EO road, you will pass the small village of Ammoudara and the beautiful church of Agios Silas – a few metres after the church is a right hand turn onto a wide country road (a sign for Daios Cove will be visible).

At the end of this road turn right, then left, where the road will turn into a trail. At the end of this trail you will come across a small, rocky and secluded beach with stunning views out across the sea, perfect for a picnic lunch. Retrace your steps, heading straight back down the trail to the EO road, where you should turn right and follow the signs to Istron. This lovely village is the perfect place to stop for a coffee before continuing your drive along the coast road towards Pacheia and its stunning Golden Beach.

A little later you will come to the historic village of Kavousi, in the foothills of the Thripti mountain range. Here you can enjoy stunning views across the bay, before continuing along the EO road for approximately 6km – look out for the turning towards Mochlos down the Eparch. Odos Mochlou. This scenic mountain road winds all the way down to Mocholos, from where you can take a short boat trip across to Mochlos Island and its ancient Minoan settlement.

Ask at the reception desk to hire a car through Minos Palace hotel & suites.