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
Ela Taverna
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
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
The Little Fun Train
We are taking the Little Fun Train for a bit of sightseeing in Crete. What better way to get around than an open aired train that lets us see some of Cretes’ more out of the way places.… Read the rest
Kordopulov House
In the middle of charming Melnik is the Kordopulov House. We visit here on a bright, sunny spring morning after a bracing walk to the Holy Place. The town is quiet, it’s the very beginning of the season anyway but Covid has hit tourism hard and we receive an especially warm welcome as the first tourists to return since the beginning of the pandemic.… Read the rest