Route Planning

[Ruth & Ian]

Hi all,

On our last two trips to Plakias we have driven a hire car from Chania via the national highway/coastal road to Rethymno and then south via Armeni and the Kourtaliotiko gorge. Its an easy drive, but for this June we have been thinking about changing the route, taking in some different scenery and heading south earlier at Vrises towards Asifou and then onwards to Plakias on the south coast road past Frangokastello etc.

The difference in distance between the two routes superficially (and in 2D) looks similar, but the road through the mountains involves quite a few hairpin filled sections and no doubt a lot of uphill / downhill, so we would expect it to take longer. Is anyone familiar with this drive, if so would be grateful for any advice or answers to following.

How long ? previously we reckoned on between 1 1/2 & 2 hours for the Rethymno route. We would probably be leaving Chania early afternoon and would like to arrive in Plakias by 6-7 p.m. for the first ouzo at Anthony's Place.

Would we be doomed to hours of first gear misery if we attempted it in a small 1000cc Wagon R / Agila / Seicento type vehicle? Is the journey worth paying more for a more powerful car?

Any knowledge, about the route, points of interest, general driving conditions etc gratefully received.

Thanks

Ian & Ruth

[John R]

Hi all,

On our last two trips to Plakias we have driven a hire car from Chania via the national highway/coastal road to Rethymno and then south via Armeni and the Kourtaliotiko gorge. Its an easy drive, but for this June we have been thinking about changing the route, taking in some different scenery and heading south earlier at Vrises towards Asifou and then onwards to Plakias on the south coast road past Frangokastello etc.

I just don't see any problem with this route. From Vrises to Sfakia is a major road and utterly spectacular as it descends to Sfakia alongside the Imbros gorge. That latter part of the road was being massively improved last year (should be finished now) and had some very impressive new tunnel sections. The road from Sfakia to Plakias is excellent and is best done in that direction - late afternoon when the lighting is supreme - just right for you. I would definitely go for it. There will be no 1st gear misery and a small car will be ok. For a daylight journey with no time restraints it would be my preferred route. A spectacular start to your holiday.