Heraklion to Lino Cambi.
About 150 kilometres. Two hours. The road climbs out of the north, crosses the spine of the island, and drops you on the south coast. The drive is part of the week. We do not recommend rushing it.
The airports.
Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the main gateway to Crete. Direct flights connect it with most European capitals from April through October, and with Athens year-round. From HER to Lino Cambi the drive is about two hours.
Chania Airport (CHQ), at the western end of the island, is the alternative. From CHQ the drive south is shorter, about an hour and a half, but the flight options are fewer. If your route gives you a choice, Heraklion is usually easier to fly into and the drive south is the prettier one.
The route from Heraklion.
Out of the airport, west on the A90 along the north coast. The A90 is the only highway on Crete and it follows the coast. After about an hour you reach Rethymno. Exit there and turn south, into the mountains.
The mountain road from Rethymno to the south coast is one of the great drives of Crete. The road climbs through olive groves, then through cypress, then through the high country where the air is colder and shepherds keep flocks. You pass through Spili, a village built around a row of stone fountains. Stop there for a coffee in the square if you have the time.
After Spili the road descends. You begin to see the Libyan Sea. The road is winding and slow and there are very few places to overtake. Trust the wait. Around the village of Akoumia, the road turns west along the coast. Lefkogeia is the next village. Lino Cambi sits on the cliff just beyond.
Practical notes.
- Rental car — strongly recommended. Public transport on the south coast is sparse. Pick up at the airport you arrive into; book in advance for summer months.
- Manual or automatic — manual transmission is the default and cheaper. If you are not comfortable with a manual on mountain roads, book automatic well ahead.
- Fuel — fill up in Rethymno before heading south. Stations become rare on the mountain road.
- GPS — works the whole way. Set destination as Lefkogeia, then we will guide you the last kilometre.
- Transfers — if you prefer not to drive, we can arrange a private car and driver from either airport. Tell us in your inquiry.
- Time of day — the mountain road is best driven in daylight. If your flight lands after sunset, consider a night in Rethymno and drive south in the morning.
Arrival.
Tell us your flight number in the inquiry. We will be ready for you. There is no formal check-in. There is a long table, a glass of something cold, and a few hours to find your feet.
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