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
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace, home of King Minos, birthplace of the Minotaur, entrance to the Labyrinth. This site feels enchanted from the first step.
History
Entering from the West Gate late on a hot summer’s afternoon, I encounter the 22,000 sq.m… 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
Chania’s 5 Best Restaurants
Why choose just 5 best restaurants when one could, and to some extent I have (literally), eaten my way around Crete? One of the delights of travel is the opportunity to discover new things and flavors could very well be at the top of this list.… Read the rest
Golden Sunset, Falasarna
It is a golden day if not yet a golden sunset. We have spent the morning at Ancient Falasarna and are now ready for some lunch and a rest in the shade. Golden Sunset Taverna catches our eye – with spectacular views and a great menu.… Read the rest
Almyriki, Stavros Beach
We discover Almyriki, Stavros Beach, after a morning exploring monasteries on the Akrotiri Peninsula east of Chania. Hot and hungry we stumble in and are instantly cooled and calmed by this little beachside gem of a restaurant.
The view is stunning.… 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