How to get by car to the beautiful Kolokytha beach in Crete?
Greece, europe
2.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Kolokytha Beach: Worth the Bumpy Ride
If you're hunting for one of Greece's most stunning beaches, Kolokytha on the island of Spinalonga is calling your name. Picture this: pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a remote vibe that feels like you've discovered your own slice of paradise. Located in the Gulf of Elounda in northeastern Crete, near the charming town of Elounda, this hidden gem is absolutely worth the effort to reach.
Here's the thing though—getting there is half the adventure. The coastal road from Elounda stretches 2.8 km (1.73 miles) of pure unpaved, dirt-road charm. The final stretch gets seriously gnarly with big rocks and loose stones scattered everywhere, so you'll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle if you're thinking of driving all the way. Fair warning: the road is typically closed to private vehicles, so your best bet is to park at the small lot near the Church of St. Luke, roughly halfway down, and hoof it from there.
Pro tip: arrive early. Like, really early. This place might be remote, but word's out about how gorgeous it is, so it can get surprisingly crowded. Grab your sunscreen, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for one of the most rewarding beach days of your life.
Where is it?
How to get by car to the beautiful Kolokytha beach in Crete? is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 39.6920, 22.5816
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.6920, 22.5816
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe CM-210 Experience: A Serpentine Journey Through Spain's Heartland
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Spain, specifically the Serranía de Cuenca mountains. You're on the CM-210, a super scenic (and well-paved!) road that slices right through the Hoz de Beteta canyon. Seriously, the views are unreal. This isn't a road where you can totally zone out, though. It's twisty and turny, so keep your eyes on the road. Good news: there are plenty of places to pull over and soak it all in. La Fuente de los Tilos and Casa de la Pradera are perfect for a picnic. Heads up: this area, up in the northern part of the Cuenca province, can get rockslides, so check the weather before you go. Take it slow, especially if conditions aren't perfect, and definitely don't try to pass anyone. Newbie drivers, maybe skip this one at night or in bad weather. The whole shebang runs for about 10 km (6.2 miles) along the Guadiela River, from Puente Vadillo to Beteta. Over time, the river carved out this incredible canyon, with cliffs that soar over 80 meters high. Down below, it's all lush green forests, the sound of the river, and birds singing. It's pretty magical.
hardWhere is Gülizar Tepe?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Gülizar Tepe in eastern Turkey, right near the Iranian border! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,928 meters (that's 9,606 feet!). Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Turkey. Now, fair warning: forget the pavement. This 24.6 km (15.28 mile) stretch from Taşkesen to Atadamı is all unpaved, so a 4x4 is your best friend here. Expect a steep climb, and if it's been raining? Get ready for some seriously muddy conditions. But hey, think of the views from the top! You're snaking along the boundary between Ağrı and Van provinces, so get ready for some awesome scenery. This is one for the memory books!
extremeIs The Shelf in Wales paved?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, so picture this: The Shelf. It's a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,141 feet up in Denbighshire, Wales. We're talking the Clwydian Range, northeast Wales, for those of you who like specifics. The road *is* paved, mostly, but heads up: you'll find potholes and gravel throwing a little spice into the mix. Honestly, climbing up is way easier than trying to come down, just take it slow and steady. It's a quiet road, so the peace and quiet are a definite plus. This little gem is about 4.8 miles long, and it's narrow, let me tell you! There's this one bend halfway up with a 12% gradient that’ll get your attention, but don't worry, it mellows out soon after as you head towards Moel Y Waun. It's not the toughest climb out there, but the views from the top? Totally worth it.
hardCol de Pierre Plate: The Road That Has It All!
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Pierre Plate Ready for a seriously scenic road trip? Col de Pierre Plate is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,027m (3,369ft) in France's Lozère department, nestled right in the heart of the Occitania region and the stunning Cévennes National Park. The D916 is a fully paved route that'll keep you on your toes—this isn't your straightforward highway. You're looking at a 44.8km (27.83 miles) stretch that weaves west to east between the village of Les Vignes and Florac, and trust us, every kilometer is an adventure. The road is delightfully twisty with nine hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, plus some genuinely narrow sections where two cars simply can't pass each other. There are a few cliffsides to keep you humble, and the steepest sections climb up to 9.0%. If you're coming from Florac, expect a 5.8km ascent that packs 470 meters of elevation gain into its length, averaging a solid 8.09% gradient. Those steep sections aren't messing around, but the fully paved road means you'll have decent grip as you navigate the switchbacks and curves. This is the kind of road that rewards careful driving and rewards it well—the views through the Cévennes are absolutely worth every twist and turn. Just take it slow, stay focused, and enjoy one of France's most exhilarating mountain drives.