GUEST POST OVERVIEW: I’ve never been to Greece, but after reading this beautiful story about my friend Katie’s day in Crete, I really want to go! 

“The Italians may be famous for their cafe culture. But, as I discover on a recent trip to Crete, the Greeks could certainly give them a run for their Euro.

 

 

. . .

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands…

So I thought getting around would be a problem unless I hired a car. But after speaking to some of the locals, I find that there are lots of attractions within walking distance.

The resort of Gouves is a smallish destination on the north coast, less than half an hour from Heraklion airport. Here, I set off to walk from the main road through the resort to the beach road, which is quite a distance.

But, because there are plenty of bars, souvenir shops and tavernas along the way, I took my time, stopping off for some browsing and a traditional thick Greek coffee, served with the requisite glass of water.

 

Crete photograph by Andrew Skudder
Crete photograph by Andrew Skudder

(photograph by Andrew Skudder)

. . .

Heading to the Beach

The Aphrodite Hotel at the end of the road marks pretty well the middle of the three-kilometer seaside promenade. And, here you have to make a choice – go left to the main sandy touristy beaches, or right to the smaller coves and rocky beaches.

I decided to explore the small harbor just opposite, stopping to watch the traditional fishing boats bobbing in vivid blue water which reflected the hue of the sky perfectly.

 

Photograph by Katie Belle
Photograph by Katie Belle

(Photograph by Katie Belle)

. . .

A Cafe Culture

Passing the harbor, I crossed the main beach road, complete with a stretch of cafes. I found that the local Greeks, even more so than the tourists, have a serious cafe culture going.

Unlike so many other places, you can sit for hours at a table in a prime position for the price of just one coffee. No hassle at all. There were even a few serious backgammon games raising temperatures – but all with a good laugh at the end.

The beach was full of different colored beach chairs and umbrellas – each color denoting a different owner. The sands were fairly empty when I got there, but the day was windy and the sea choppy. A good shopping day, probably, or sight-seeing.

 

Photograph by Katie Belle
Photograph by Katie Belle

(Photograph by Katie Belle)

. . .

An Awesome Aquarium

A wide road led the way to the Cretaquarium, about a 20-minute walk away. As this is part of a research institute, the idea behind the aquarium is conservation and education about Mediterranean species.

The whole building is in the shape of a ship and inside is a little like you are scuba diving. The tanks are massive and the lights dim; some species you just don’t see often, like the Caretta Caretta turtle, paddling past, and the amazing vertical tank with the graceful jelly fish. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.

 

Photograph by Shadowgate
Photograph by Shadowgate

(Photograph by Shadowgate)

. . .

A Beautiful Sunset to End the Day

A leisurely walk back and an hour or two sipping coffee watching the world go by and an amazing sunset left me feeling pretty mellow. The wind dropped with the sun, and the evening was balmy and calm.

The paved footpaths filled with holiday-makers all out for an evening stroll. And, the smell of frying fish and grilled meat filled the air and reminded me I was hungry.

Stopping for a plate of grilled shrimp, I switched coffee for a glass of chilled white wine – the perfect end to a great day.”

 


About the Author: Katie is a rookie travel blogger form the UK. She writes at delightso.me about her adventures in sunnier climes.