Cycling in Crete: Koutsouras - Hamezi - Kavousi

August 3, 2025 Koutsouras - Hamezi - Kavousi I started shortly after 08:00 from Koutsouras to go north towards the mainland. First check point was planned to be Stavrochori; a an incredibly beautiful village with still apparent the imprint of the piracy times in its architecture. It is also the place I lived the first 5 years of my life. If there is one village I would urge to visit is this one. After Stavrochori I continued north riding pass Lapithos, Chrisopigi etc. The nature after Chrisopigi is unimaginable. You ride in a complete wilderness through the olive groves to finally reach Kato Krya from where you can see the north Cretan cost. The sea in Shteia. This comprises a milestone for the ride. As I rode downhill to the direction of Shteia I rode through Achladia a nice small village highly recommended for its view. After Kato Krya you enter the "north" part of the ride. I continued through dry land as well as mostly cultivated fields moving north west passing Shteia at a distance of say 1 km straight line. The next check point was Hamezi; a famous village in the area for its music festival. Hamezi is reached via Skopi a rather indifferent village. Hamezi itself was a disappointment; it is found next to the new motorway depriving of its peacefulness. I left Hamezi to start my return towards Ierapetra which was planned to be over the north main road from Shteia to Ierapetra. This was definitely very unpleasant. I admit I do not like traffic when I cycle. And this was a long demanding drive under extreme conditions during which I also had to pay an eye on the passing cars. I passed Myrsini, Lastros, and all the villages on the north road. At Kavousi, very close to the end of my ride, I had a flat. I used latex bladders which exploded under the constant breaking I had to do while riding downhill at often 10% slopes. All in all excellent day. Highly recommended except the north, motorway part. Full route; https://www.komoot.com/tour/246229521... Gear: Pinarello Paris (2000), Campagnolo group-set.