Golden Sunset, Falasarna

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

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.

Overlooking Stavros Beach

The view is stunning.… Read the rest

Kolymvari

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

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 Olympic 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

The Holy Place

The Holy Place

Atop Melnik’s picturesque cliff tops, the St. Virgin Mary Spileotisa Monastery is perched. Known locally as the Holy Place, this tiny monastery, referred to a a cave (speleon) was built between 1209 – 1211. Its name is also associated with the Virgin Mary of the Holy Place at the Mount Athos monastery Vatopedi.… Read the rest

Nevyastata Eco Trail

Nevyastata Eco Trail

Nevyastata is a scenic forest walk eco trail located in the Rhodope Mountain Range in Bulgaria’s south west.

After heading south from Plovdiv this morning, we have already explored Asen’s Fortress and the picturesque Bachkovo Monastery, plus enjoyed a hearty lunch at The Salt Spring along the bubbling Chepelare River.… Read the rest

Bachkovo Monastery

Bachkovo Monastery

Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, Bachkovo Monastery stands as a beacon of Bulgarian spiritual heritage and historical significance.

We arrive on a sparkling Spring morning after the night in Plovdiv and a quick stop on the way at Asen’s Fortress.… Read the rest