The starting point for the trip is Rethymno. Take the "New National Road" towards Chania. Before Georgioupolis, follow the signs for "Argiroupolis", "Spring". Just before Argiroupolis, make a detour to the right to the springs that cascade down the hill in several cascades. Enjoy the shady spot under the sprawling plane trees. There are a number of taverns. Incidentally, Rethymno is supplied with its precious water from here.
Then continue via Argiroupolis and Miriokefala and onto the road that comes from Asi Gonia, to the town of Kallikratis (a plateau; only inhabited in summer), then turn left towards (sign) Frangokastello. After a short while, you will have an overwhelming view of the Libyan Sea with the south coast of Crete in front of it. A narrow but very well-developed serpentine road with plenty of opportunities to pass follows to Patsianos. From here, continue to Frangokastello with its Venetian castle, which can be seen from afar. Opportunity to rest or swim on the flat sandy beach. Continue on the coastal road via Ano and Kato Rodakino (means peach in English). Opportunity to swim via a dead-end road to Koraka Beach, about 2 km away, or Polyrizos Beach, about 1 km further west.
After a few minutes on the coastal road, you will reach Sellia. In the town, follow the signs for "Plakias" or "Souda". Beautiful road towards the coast with a viewpoint. You pass the new harbor and reach Plakias. A fully equipped tourist resort that has gone from being an insider tip just a few years ago to being a magnet for vacationers. As you continue, you will pass the Kourtaliotis Gorge. You can park your car about halfway through the gorge and take a staircase to visit the little church of Agios Nikolaos and a little further on a series of powerful waterfalls that feed the Megalopotamos River. After Koxare, turn onto the road from Spili to Rethymno.
If you still have time and desire, you can visit the Minoan necropolis, which is located just outside Armeni and the tavern AA (pronounced Alfa Alfa). After about 9 km, you will have reached your original destination, Rethymno.
This is a wonderful tour to the south.
