The Curvy Road to Mount Kofinas Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Mount Kofinas is a mountain pass at 1,074m (3,523ft) above sea level, located in southern Crete, Heraklion, Greece. The road to the summit features hairpin curves and steep drops.
Why Is It Called Mount Kofinas?
Located on the south coast of Heraklion Prefecture, the mountain gets its name from its shape, which resembles an inverted basket (kofini in Greek).
Is the Road to Mount Kofinas Paved?
The road is completely unpaved but navigable by all passenger vehicles. Any car can tackle it without difficulty. Expect 35 hairpin turns through breathtaking landscapes. The drive is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
Is the Road to Mount Kofinas Dangerous?
This curvy dirt road is not ideal for those prone to car sickness. Careless drivers risk falling off the cliffs. The road is lined with sheer drops of hundreds of meters, unprotected by guardrails. In some sections, rockfalls narrow the path, so drive slowly and carefully. The views over the coast are spectacular. It can also be very windy at the top, so come prepared.
How Long Is the Road to Mount Kofinas?
The 14.5km (9-mile) pass road runs north-south from Platanias, a mountain village, to Moni Koudouma, a small coastal town named after the Koudouma Monastery. The road is steep, reaching a maximum gradient of 14%.
Pic: NIKOS FRAGKIADAKIS LEVANTE