Gergeri is 35 km from Heraklion, via the crossroads at Agia Varvara village. The village name is pre-Hellenic, like all the villages at the southern foothills of Psiloritis, Panassos, Zaros, Nivrytos. Because the village is built at the foot of Psiloritis, it has a panoramic view of Messara valley and Asteroussia. Fortunately the locals have not abandoned their homeland and the village, like neighbouring Zaros, is vibrant, with beautiful traditional houses, picturesque, although steep, streets, and cafes full of impressive elderly locals and young people. In Gergeri you can visit the Natural History Museum, at the highest point of the village, walk through the narrow streets and buy traditional Cretan products, such as wonderful rusks and dakos (round rusks), pure thyme honey, raki and Cretan textiles and embroidery. There are several places to stay in the village and places to eat. You can have a snack and a glass of raki, or a meal in the large restaurant that serves up to 1,200 people at wedding feasts. Moving on, you can climb up to Rouva Forest, but if your vehicle is not high, ask in the village about the state of the dirt road, which occasionally becomes inaccessible in winter due to the rain. You cannot see the forest from the village; it is located inside a small valley above it. The landscape, dominated by age-old holly bushes and shady box elders, is enchanting. At the bottom of the valley, you will encounter the chapel ofAgios loannis. The Municipality has built seats and benches around it, in order to regulate the movements of visitors and prevent forest fires. When you have enjoyed the beauty of the natural environment, you can turn back, or continue upwards (you will have to brave the rather dubious road, though) to the Skinakas observatory (unfortunately entry is not allowed) and Nida plateau or even Anogia. Continuing west from Gergeri for a few kilometres, stop in Nivrytos and visit the cavechurch of Agios Methodios, with its beautiful icons and imposing structure. Another five kilometres west, in a small valley, you will come to Zaros and its famous lake. The landscape is idyllic, with running water everywhere as we climb towards Zarou Lake, created by water flowing from Votomos spring. The actual village is also lively, with many tavernas, restaurants and cafes. Here, as in Gergeri, you will find food and accommodation all year round. A walk through the village is a must, and at every corner you will find something to attract your interest. Do not hesitate to start a conversation with the locals in the cafes; they will be very pleased to tell you every story, legend and tradition relating to their village. The tourist infrastructure is more than satisfactory, and you will find plenty of parking space, picnic tables and seats, notice boards and signposts everywhere. What you should not miss under any circumstances is to have a drink or even a meal on the pier built by the municipality on the banks of the lake, under the shady sycamore trees. The local specialty is grilled salmon and trout. If you enjoy walking, it is relatively easy to reach Rouva forest from here, via a sign-posted footpath starting after Agios Nikolaos church.