Cycling in Crete: A. Ioannis - Schinokapsala - Oreino - Stavrochori - Koutsouras - M. Kolimpos

August 21, 2026 Ierapetra - Koutsounari - Agio Ioannis - Schinokapsala - Psichro - Oreino - Stavrochori - Koutsouras - Mavros Kolimpos I started shortly after 08:00 from Ierapetra to go east. At Koutsounari I left the state road to start climbing. First north towards Agios Ioannis and later Schinokapsala - Psichro - Oreino and so forth. As soon as you leave the main road and start the climb towards Agios Ioannis the nature becomes gorgeous. Demanding but rewarding too. But the part After Schinokapsala is something unbelievable! At Psychro it is so green! Virgin pine forest with small river with running water in August!!! The last 3.5 km before Stavrochori is gravel. Difficult for my 23 mm tyres. But the view is worth all the danger you put yourself in for a puncture!!! Gear: Pinarello/Paris, Campagnolo Veloce and Record 2x10 groupset.