R[oute] 3

MELESSES – ALAGNI – KASTELIANA

Adventures and tastes of the south

The south part of the island is the purest and wildest one. The narrow roads and steep edges are not aways welcoming for guests and travellers to drive around. However, ifyou decide to head south, Crete will reward you with secrets and marvels.

Houdetsi is a small village, not far from the city of Heraklion, with a great ‘secret’: the musical workshop and museum Labyrinth, where international musicians meet every summer to play and create music together! Not far from here lies the minoan villa of Vathipetro where you can visit an ancient wine press.

Head east towards the village of Melesses and the Paterianakis domaine where you will admire the hundreds of acres of vineyards spreading around you! Taste the organic wine that the Paterianakis family has been producing for three generations now.

Coninue to the south of the island and you WII reach the village of Alagni; in its outskirts, the Lyraraks estate is located. You shouldn’t miss a tour in theirgreat cellar and taste their unique wine and the revival of ancient Cretan varieties: an experience of flavours and knwledge. The glorious Asterousia mountains reign the area down to the beautiful coast. Follow the road to the south andyou will admire the wildemess, the scenic, hidden villages and, finally, the arnæing beaches of the Libyan sea.

The Stataridakis winenr which is located at the Kasteliana area, combines tradtion with technology. The brothers run the farnity business with knowledge and respect to nature. Try teir high quality wines from vineyards that grow in the perfect rricroclimate of the south.

From here, it is worth driving all the way to the beautiful village of Ethia for a sh01t visit and a coffee. Stone houses and little alleys an authentic kafeneio and a breathtaking view from the top of the church.