Some people are born for the land. It seems so for Michalis who is now farming alongside his father, Giannis, on the farm he grew up on this traditional Cretan farm just outside of Rethymno in Crete. Michalis’ father has been producing sheep and goat milk here for 50 years.… Read the rest
Walking Heraklion
Walking Heraklion (also Irakleio), you’ll discover a pleasant old town with plenty of history mixed with gelato shops and fountains. The old town proper, delineated from the newer parts of the city by the old Venetian Walls, is very walkable with many streets having been pedestrianised and cars limited within the old town walls.… Read the rest
The Fortezza, Rethymno
Rethymno’s Fortezza tops Paleokastro (‘old castle’), the steep hill that presides over the city and the site of Rethymno’s ancient acropolis. The fortress and the city are immersed in Venetian and Ottoman history which is still evident today despite German occupation during WWII.… Read the rest
Ela Taverna
After a chilled morning and a snorkel tour this afternoon, we are looking for something with a good menu as well as that special cuteness factor for an intimate evening meal. It is finally Ela Taverna that wins out.… Read the rest
Agia Triada of Tzangaroli Monastery
We arrive mid morning at the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery. Already the car park is busy with a number of tourist buses arriving and departing. I gaze up and the sun drenched northwest facade and entrance belfry and know that I am about to experience something special.… Read the rest
Gonia
I have escaped the resort today and find myself in Kolymvari, a small seaside town west of Chania. As inviting as the sea looks, however, I am in search of Gonia Monastery, just outside of town.
After a fortifying morning coffee, I take the short walk from the tiny harbour up a cicada lined road.… Read the rest
Kolymvari
Kolymvari
This small fishing village on the island of Crete, Kolymvari (also Kolymbari) is located about 25km (30mins) drive from the Venetian port town of Chania.
Out and about on The Little Fun Train for the afternoon, we visit this tiny fishing village which promises a lovely spot to linger for a day.… Read the rest
Polemarhi
This small homemade operation is run out of Polemarhi in the foothills of Crete’s Maleme region. Out on the Little Fun Train for the afternoon, we have already discovered the villages of Kolymvari, Marathokefala and Vouves. Each with their own version of charm and slice of history, from monasteries and saints to millennia old olive trees, the traditions here are rich and varied.… Read the rest
Vouves
Another tiny village in the hills behind Maleme, Vouves boasts the world’s oldest olive tree.
The Olive Tree of Vouves
This millennia old olive tree with its twisting, gnarled trunk still bears fruit. It is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old.… Read the rest
Marathokefala
Marathokefala
A short way up into the hills we arrive at the traditional village of Marathokefala where time seems to stand still. Here, the pace of life takes the slow road, with many daily rituals continuing as they have done for centuries.… Read the rest