A Drive from Panokosmos to Argiroupoli and Carob Factory

Argiroupoli village between the leaves — The village, nestling in the hills

What’s to see on the drive from Panokosmos

This drive from Panokosmos goes to the Creta Carob factory, the old village of Argiroupoli, the ancient tombs of Lappa and the taverna serving fresh trout farmed from rock pools formed by the stream. then to Lake Kournas, the largest lake in Crete, with the old village of Kournas overlooking it.

In more detail

A map of the drive from Panokosmos — Route from Panokosmos, see https://goo.gl/maps/ncvVUNpPJgiHxGEh7

This route takes the fast route on the national road to get to Rethymnon Prefecture. Subsequently leaving at Pirgos you head thru Episkopi, quite a big village with an interesting church if you have time.

At Agiroupoli there’s lots to see – a little below the village and a fair walk away are the Roman tombs cut in the rock at Lappa.

Holy Virgins and Ancient Tombs — As so often, there’s a little church on site

Its a bit of a long walk to the tombs from the village — Path to the tombs, hot in summer and unshaded

Roman tombs cut in the rock — Tombs are extensive and on different levels

Roman tombs, this one for a family — Some are cut deep in the rocks, with several graves, clearly for a family

Wonderful knarled old plane tree shades the area

It’s an atmospheric place, the tombs cut into the soft rock, overhanging with moss and shaded by a huge plane tree.

The Roman mosaic is well preserved but a bit dusty — Roman Mosaic

Typical run down but atmospheric Cretan frontage — Atmospheric, but not necessarily Venetian!

A circuit of the village takes in the Roman Mosaic floor similarly there are some interesting Venetian doorways and housefronts.

Carob factory on the drive from Panokosmos — Carob Factory

Visit the carob factory in order to learn about the many culinary uses of the carob, and sample and buy the products. We love the carob syrup which has an unusual sweet sour taste and at Panokosmos we use it in dressings and sauces, as well as drizzled on home made ice cream!

Taverna with fresh trout farmed from pools in the stream flowing thru the site — Παλιοσ Μυλοσ Taverna

Afterwards down near the stream is the taverna we recommend, a bit touristy, but a wonderful setting under the trees, with fresh trout farmed from the pools in the stream right by your table!

Lake Kournas, next stop on the drive from Panokosmos — Kournas Lake

To Kournas Lake

Back via Kournas village up on the hill and then down to Lake Kournas, the largest lake in Crete. Again a bit touristy around the near side, you can hire a pedalo for example. Although that is quite a good way to explore the quieter side. Or walk around the built up area brings you to a path to the quiet far side.

Drive from Panokosmos: Route on Google Maps

https://goo.gl/maps/HU2RbG3EEmG2

Listing of the places with our comments

https://goo.gl/maps/fYRU7tjaEso

Not at Panokosmos?

After your drive from Panokosmos return to the pool which will be sparkling, clear and inviting — The pool at Panokosmos

If you like the look of this drive and the info, why not take a look at Panokosmos – the luxury of a first class hotel, the privacy of a private villa, above all the atmosphere of staying with friends. We’ve got lots more suggestions for you.

Lots more to see and do…

In any case for your holiday in Crete you might like to look at our blogs which show things to do in Crete, whether it be walking a gorge, hiking in the f oothills of the White Mountains, or taking a drive to see the si tes. Chania is a great town to visit, particularly to go to the street markets, and of course you’ll want to get the benefits of the Cretan diet – be it the yoghurt and cheese, or the olive oil.