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GREEK ISLANDS: A QUICK GUIDE TO CRETE

 

After a long research on where to go and pick between Sardinia in Italy and the Balearic Islands in Spain, we decided to go for a different but also very touristic country: GREECE! we had clear we wanted to go on a sunny, beachy and sandy holiday -We live in England- and all you hear about the weather in here is true; always raining, cold and windy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was particularly dreaming about the greek islands, the ones that I grew up watching on tv and in movies therefore this trip kept me very excited. I am from South America and I am sure these beautiful islands are in everyone's bucket list over there. However, for europeans these are reacheables and popular destinations as they are just few hours distance from the rest of europe. 

 

To book this trip we researched on low cost websites for deals that include flights and accomodation getting a good offer by Expedia.com. With a week of anticipation we had everything ready for our adventure in Crete. 

 

As a bit of an orientation, Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean sea, it is sorrounded by a number of islets and huge rocks that are visited by several tourists and archeologists. 

 

Accomodation

As our package included flights and hotel, we decided to book our week away at "Eleftheria Hotel" in the region of Drapanias. When we arrived, we realised how far the hotel was from everything so we had to rely on buses and taxis to move around the island. Eleftheria Hotel is good for those who want relaxation and forget about the world, Literally! However I would not recommend it if you like to be in a more lively area as in our case.

 

The nearest town to our hotel is called "Kissamos" and is a bit more busy with locals, souvenirs stores and restaurants along the beach. Platanias and Xania are the busiest towns in the island, I would recommend you stay in these two areas as everything will be accesible and walking distance plus you will also save money in transportation.

 

Eat and Drink

I delighted myself eating Greek salad with feta cheese and the best Greek yogurt. I can live anywhere by just eating that, however the greek cuisine varies from vegetarians to grill and fast food plates. 

 

Our favourite restaurant was Kozou's mama in Kissamos they serve crepes filled with different ingredients and a mix of meat in the grill that is delicious. Another good restaurant is "Pixida" it was recommended to us by a local; the food was yummy and the view is amazing. I ordered a very traditional greek plate that was grilled aubergine with mince meat and mashed potatoes whereas Jamie had lamb. 

 

What I like from Crete is that all the restaurants close really late so you can hang out at 10pm for dinner and still find something open.

 

See & do

Falassarna beach:

Very nice and lovely beach not far from Kissamos and with some aquactic sports like kayak, and watercraft. 

 

Tour on the ferry to Gramvousa-Balos:

Although very busy, it is a good and cheap option as the ship stop twice; first to climb to the top of Gramvousa beach, which will take you strenght but will be worth it as the view is breathtaking. Then the boat has its final stop at Balos beach before going back to the port of kisammos.

 

Balos is very popular among tourists and is some local's favourite beach however, I like less busy and rocky beaches therefore surprisingly Balos was not my favourite even though is different.

 

Elafonissis beach and quick view to the caves: 

I really enjoyed this beach, the colour of the water is beautiful as well as the scenary. It was more relaxing than Balos but also busy. It reminded me of the caribbean because of the turquoise color, until I went in the water and realised it was really cold but still not bad if you compare it with the beaches in England. 

 

On the way back our tour guide stopped for a quick look to the caves located at the top of the mountain. There you can see rock formations, stalagtites and stalagmites and loads of bats flying around. 

 

Transportation

The buses pass every hour from Xania to Falassarna beach so you have to be aware of the time and set an alarm to not miss it. 

 

The last bus from Falassarna to the rest of the island is at 5:oo pm. Prices are cheap, normally 6 euros per person.

 

Taxis can be booked by your hotel and the prices will depend on the distance travelled. 

 

The best thing you can do to travel the whole Crete and move around is renting a car. In Crete everyone seem to know each other or have a contact therefore don't be afraid of asking to your hotel about best prices to rent a car.