Goat Roads & Gorges: 60km Cycling Adventure in Crete

Not all great rides in Crete follow the famous tourist routes—sometimes the magic is hidden in the lesser-known roads. In this cycling vlog, I set out from Roussospiti on a 60 km adventure into the hills and valleys south of Rethymno, uncovering quiet lanes, dramatic gorges, and even a road shared with a herd of goats near Karines.

The route begins with sweeping views of the Cretan Sea before twisting into the interior, where centuries-old villages and olive groves shape the landscape. A fast descent through Mixorrouma delivers me to Spili, a town known for its Venetian fountain with 25 lion-head spouts and, for me, a quick bougatsa stop to refuel.

From there, the ride climbs again towards Frati, opening onto a breathtaking panorama of the Kissano Gorge. The road then plunges into the narrow, towering walls of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, one of Crete’s most dramatic natural landmarks where the wind howls through the cliffs and legends say the saint Kourtalos once lived in its caves.

The final leg takes me back towards Roussospiti, tired but inspired by the mix of seaside, mountain, and gorge roads that make this island a paradise for cyclists who love the road less traveled.