• Near Paranymfi, giant rocks shaped like people stare silently over the cliffs.
• You won’t find them on a bus route-this trip needs four wheels.
• With AUTOWAY, you get reliable car hire, full insurance, and freedom to explore.

Want to meet Crete’s quietest giants? Get the keys here.

Meet the rocks that look back.

High in the Asterousia Mountains, near the sleepy village of Paranymfi, stand several stone formations that look suspiciously like people. Tall, upright, and vaguely humanoid, they seem to be mid-conversation-or maybe mid-judgment. Locals call them “anthropomorphic rocks.” Nature shaped them, but you’ll swear someone placed them there on purpose.

You’ll need a car.

To get there, you’ll drive south from Heraklion, then veer onto a narrow mountain road toward Paranymfi. From there, a short dirt track leads to the site. It’s not treacherous, but it’s definitely a spot where a good rental car earns its keep. AUTOWAY makes this easy, with smooth booking, fast pickup, and vehicles built for trips like this. If you’re looking for something compact enough for village corners yet roomy enough for a few backpacks, the Suzuki Ignis is a smart pick.

No crowds, no shops, no Wi-Fi-just views.

This is southern Crete in its raw form. You’ll pass olive trees, goat trails, and dramatic cliffs. The stone giants are the highlight, but the journey is half the fun. Keep going afterward to Tris Ekklisies, a quiet seaside village where the coffee is strong and the sea is bluer than it has any right to be.

Travel smart, drive smarter.

With more than 3000 reviews, AUTOWAY is one of the top-rated car rental companies in Crete. Every rental includes insurance, so if a goat crosses your path (it happens), you’re covered. Since 1986, AUTOWAY has helped travelers go beyond the guidebooks-with zero fuss.

Ready for the road less traveled?