R[oute] 2

KOUNAVI – PEZA – KALONI

Once again you are leaving the city of Heraklion, heading towards the inner soul of the island. Not far from the city lies the municipality of Archanes-Asterousia, consisting of a net of villages: it combines the beauty of rural paysage, the vineyards and some original ‘not-to-miss’ sights.

Begin your trip with a visit to the lovely village of Myrtia, home of the great author Nikos Kazantzakis. It is worth discovering his life and work through the Nikos Kazantzakis‘ museum which is located in the small square of the village. Following the back village road through Agies Paraskies, you will arrive to the village of Kaloni, which means beauty! The Digenakis‘ family has been experimentingwith grape varieties, in the area, for the last two generations: visit the new-built, high tech Digenakis winery to hear their story and taste their wines.

The next village is Peza where you can stop for a great, authentic, Cretan meal at the Onissimos tavern with a long tradition in good local food. The Miliarakis winery here, offers wine tasting tours inside the family’s beautiful restorated old wine factory. It is the place to learn everything on wine-making and try the popular Minos wines.

You will have ticked all the boxes of this joumey if you make a small detour and drive to Katalagari for a picture at the village’s view point.

Taking the road back to Heraklion, it is worth stopping for a last wine tasting at the Stilianou winery in Kounavi village. Here, they produce organic wine according to high standards which they supply in numbered bottles! A perfect way to finish yourwine and village joumey of this area.