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Your off-road experience with Lat 35 Quad Safari Crete
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Lat 35 Quad Safari Crete – Off-Road ATV Tour Near Heraklion
Your off-road tour begins at our base in Ammoudara near Heraklion with a professional safety briefing and a short practice session. Our modern, well-maintained ATVs are easy to handle, making this experience suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
From there, we leave the busy coastal roads and enter the Almyros wetlands.
The spring of Almyros (Pigi tou Almyros) is located at the northeastern tip of Psiloritis. It is only a few hundred metres from the beach of Ellinoperamata, close to Ammoudara.
The spring, known as Mati, provides the most considerable amount of any other spring in Crete, and the water is directed to the sea through the wetland of the Almyros river. Because it mixes with seawater somewhere deep in the earth, the water is brackish, except for a few months in winter when it is sweet and drinkable.
In the Almyros wetland, one can meet many birds, depending on the season, and clusters of the typical Cretan palm (Phoenix theophrasti) found mainly in Crete.
We are following selected off-road tracks and scenic mountain routes, you’ll ride through landscapes most visitors never see and arrive at an old church in the countryside.
We continue our safari and enter the Almyros Gorge. Be ready for some breathtaking views !
Almyros Gorge is a significant natural habitat since the largest forest of Phillirea (Phillirea media) in all of Crete is on its eastern side. Also, the visitor here will meet wild olives, locusts, plane trees, kermes and oleanders.
It is the only gorge in Crete with so many names, seven in total. Apart from Almyros gorge, it is also known as Keri gorge (from the homonymous hill to the east), Porofarango, Ellinoperamata gorge, Stroumboulas, Three Churches gorge (because at its exit, there was the Monastery of Agios Ioannis with three churches), as well as a gorge of ghosts.
This part of our safari will lead us through Crete´s untouched nature and will provide a fascinating off-road experience.
After this experience we reach Kamari, a small village where we stop for a few minutes.
The traditional village of Kamari is built among wonderful olive groves at an altitude of 230 meters. It is 5 km from Tylissos, 19 km from Heraklion and has about 113 permanent residents. The Kamarian river passes right next to the village. In the past, Kamari was known in the broader area as “little Paris”. In 1577 it was mentioned by Francesco Barozzi, with the inscription Camari mirtocamaro, while in 1583, it is mentioned by the Castrofilaca (P. Castrofilaca), with the name Mertocamaro with 94 inhabitants. Also, in the first Ottoman census, in 1671, it is mentioned as Kamari with 23 taxpayers.
We then continue and the country roads lead us to Tylissos.
The sizeable traditional settlement of Tylissos is located in the eastern foothills of Psiloritis, in a valley overgrown with olive trees and vineyards. With 1085 permanent residents, the village is built at an altitude of 200 metres and is 14 kilometres from Heraklion.
In the square of Tylissos, the visitors can see the restored Venetian fountain with the two arches and the two taps, while they can enjoy their coffee in the traditional cafes that are there. Most of them are renovated but still retain their original architectural form. In the centre of the village, there are two mansions of the early 20th century, which have been declared protected by the Ministry of Culture.
The village’s oldest church is Christos (dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior), with surviving frescoes of the early 14th century.
After Tylissos the mountains are waiting for us. In the direction of Damasta, 5 km after the crossroads for Tylissos, on the road on the right, we can see Voulismeno Aloni the Sunken Threshing Floor which is 15-38 meters deep. It is a vast, submerged crater in the rocky landscape – an imposing and rare natural monument. The area around Voulismeno Aloni has been adequately made accessible for visitors and access to its centre is very easy. Its walls are ideal for climbing. For this reason, there are 12 climbing routes of increased difficulty.
According to the official version, it is the phenomenon of subsidence of the ground, which occurred after the collapse of an underground cave. However, the cave has not been discovered and there is no other information about its existence. In university textbooks, it is referred to as the classic type of doline and its rock is Mesozoic limestone.
Besides the official version there is a legend which tells a different story ……..
When we leave the Sunken Threshold, we continue our off-road experience soon arrive at Keri forest which is located at an altitude of 300 meters. It is accessible from the dirt road that starts approximately 300 meters after Voulismeno Aloni. It is an artificial forest with pines and, in some places, cypresses, with a total area of 5 square kilometres.
Please note that due to the danger of wildfires Keri forest might be officially closed during the dry period in summer !
On top of a mountain situated in the middle of Keri forest a breathtaking view over the whole area is waiting for us.
After this impressive view we climb higher into to the mountains and reach Doxa cave which is located at an altitude of 463 metres in the area of the village of Marathos.
There is the tavern whose owners have built a small path with stairs to the cave’s opening.
Doxa cave remains impressive. Just below is the opening of the small cave with a total length of 50 metres. A downhill corridor from the entrance leads to four rooms with stalactites and stalagmites. There is a platform with basins in the centre of the cave.
A version about the origin of the place name Doxas states that the travellers from Chania to Heraklion, after a tiring course, arriving in the area shouted: “Glory (Doxa) to God”. According to another version, near the cave, there was the church of Agia Doxa.
In the tavern you´ll be served a typical Cretan meal (included in the safari) with greek salad, patatoes and water.
You´ll have plenty of time to enjoy your food and (once again) a fantastic view over the mountains towards the coastline and the sea.
Doxa cave is the last stop of our safari and we start our descent down the hills back to Ammoudara.
Frequently asked questions
What driving licence do I need?
You need to hold a Class B (cars) driver´s licence.
Do I need experience to join the quad safari?
No. Our tours are beginner-friendly and include a full safety briefing and practice session.
Where does the quad safari start?
Lat 35 Quad Safari Crete tours start in Ammoudara.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes. Our quad safari is ideal for couples, families and small groups looking for an outdoor adventure.
How long is the tour?
The full experience is about 4 – 4 1/2 hours. That includes riding time, scenic stops, a break in a traditional village and the meal in a taverna.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and closed shoes are recommended. Helmets are provided.
Is insurance included?
Yes, our tours include insurance coverage according to Greek regulations.
Can I bring a passenger?
Yes, our ATVs allow one additional passenger.
What makes LAT 35 different?
Small groups, premium service, carefully selected routes and a focus on safety and authenticity.