Ierápetra - Thripti - Oreino - Analipsi

This is basically reaching the end point, the beach of Analipsi, riding inland rather than along the sea, with a high point of circa 1000 m between Thripti and Oreino. The landscape is really gorgeous for those who like mountains.

The journey starts from Ierapetra through the main road (direction Agios Nicholas) until a right turn to Kato Horio where the uphill starts, up to Thripti, and above. Worth to note, the first part of the ascent is on a concrete relatively narrow road (in bad shape) that transforms itself into a wider asphalt road when entering the forest part along the Ha gorges. Some parts are relatively steep, and the ascent is long (20 km to reach the col). There is a well advertised taverna in Thripti that can provide some relief before the final ascent, now on dirt roads only. The col is near a sheephold and gives a magnificient view on the surrounding area. For the courageous; there is a turn right that leads to the summit but this implies a further 500 m of steep ascent.
After all these efforts begins the nice part with the downhill through the nascent valley leading to Oreino. The mountain walls are quite impressive and goats can be observed in impossible locations. The descent stops before Oreino, this deliberate choice of turning left is made to reduce the burden of reaching the next valley where Stavrochori resides. The next step is then this ascent, much shorter than the one to Thripti. After the col, an asphalt road in good shape (coming from Oreino) can be enjoyed at full speed. However, at approximately mid level, the wide asphalt road transforms itself into a dirt road, and speed must be reduced.
When Stavrochori is reached, turn right towards south. What follows is constant asphalt road until the sea.
I label it difficult because of the 20km ascent and because of the elevation of the first col.