Secrets of Crete - Mount Oxa Adventure
On this tour it will take us to the highest point in the local area, Mount Oxa (543 metres above sea level) and then onto the wind farm for some spectacular views of Spinalonga
We pick you up from your accommodation at 9.00 am (early start required to avoid hotter parts of the day). You will be driven off road for 2/3rds of the upward journey in the comfort of our Land Rover Discovery, perfectly suited for this type of terrain. Approx 650 feet from the summit we park up and handle the last leg on foot, this may sound daunting but it really is a fairly moderate climb that most able bodied adults and older children will handle comfortably, the tracks are not smooth but are fairly easily negotiated and because the path zig zags the steepness is taken out of it, there is no rock climbing, you will however need a head for heights and a hat. After about 30 steady minutes we reach the chapel of Timios Stavros (The Holy Cross) which is situated at the top of Mount Oxa and from here you will get one of the most stunning views on the entire island, this is a hidden gem that few experience and none forget. Mount Oxa is the site of the ruins of the ancient state of Naxos, which is thought to have served as the acropolis of Olous the ancient town of Elounda and you can still see many of the walls and water tanks of the city. Here archaeologists have had some significant finds including coins depicting Dionysus.
There is an option to travel to the very peak from here (another 20 minutes each way) but this may not be for everyone as there is no defined path and there is more scrambling involved, our guides have done this many times but there is no pressure to do this . We take some time to take photos and have refreshment then at your leisure we work our way back down.
It's worth mentioning that sensible footware is advised, trainers will suffice but sandals are not recommended and flipflops are totally unsuitable.
Now it's back in the 4x4s and on to the wind farm. The views here are of the north coast and right around Elounda bay and you'll not find a better spot to view and photograph the leper colony island of Spinalonga.
Finally, who's for some more off roading?
We leave the wind farm and travel down the side of the mountain directly opposite Spinalonga, great views and fun driving all the way down.
Inclusive: Land Rover Discovery with air condition, experienced driver, refreshments/water