Detour #77: Crete's curvaceous coast, Greece

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PJ O’Rourke wrote that the fastest car in the world is a hire car. Should you happen to holiday in Crete and take the road from Anopolis to Hora Sfakion, you’ll soon see what he meant.

Whether you’ve rented a clapped out Corsa or a crusty convertible you’ll be very tempted to drive it like you stole it on this amazing route.

It’s just 7.5 miles long but squeezes 19 switchbacks into that distance, along with a maximum one-in-ten gradient to test your nerve and your brakes.

The views over the Mediterranean are glorious, but you probably won’t dare take your eyes off the road itself as you hurtle down the hillside towards the picturesque fishing village of Hora Sfakion.

If you don’t arrive with your brakes on fire we’ll be surprised.

Words Nik Berg Twitter | Instagram

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ROADBOOK

CLASS: Coastal drive

NAME: Crete’s coast

ROUTE: Anopolis to Hora Sfakion

COUNTRY: Greece

DISTANCE: 7.5 miles


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