Walking Heraklion

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

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

Agia Triada of Tzangaroli Monastery

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

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

Koutourouki Cuteness

Koutourouki Cuteness

Nestled in a tiny vine covered alleyway in the Old Town area of Chania yet tucked away from the tourist throngs of the Venetian harbor front is Koutourouki. In terms of dining, it is cuteness itself!

It is 7pm and is still early by European standards but we have been walking all afternoon and are ready for a meal.… Read the rest

Gonia

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

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