The road between Vrisses and Chora Sfakion, in western Crete, crosses the Askifou plateau before plunging toward the Libyan Sea through a series of vertiginous hairpins at the foot of the White Mountains.
A climb, then a spectacular descent to the sea
From Vrisses, the road climbs about 30 km for 900 m of cumulative elevation gain up to the Askifou plateau, through mid-mountain terrain typical of the Cretan hinterland. The final descent to Chora Sfakion, carved into tight hairpins along a cliffside, offers a continuous view over the Libyan Sea and the still snow-capped peaks of the White Mountains in spring.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset is recommended for the climb to Askifou. Heat can be intense in this part of Crete, even outside summer: extra bottle cages are advised, as refuelling stops become scarce once past the plateau.
When to go
April to June and September to October, as Cretan summer heat makes the ride particularly gruelling in high summer. Spring also offers the best visibility of the White Mountains’ snow-capped peaks.
Good to know
Chora Sfakion, a small south-coast port, offers limited but sufficient accommodation, with boat connections to Loutro and Agia Roumeli for combining the ride with a visit to the Samaria Gorge.
