A week in Crete
We recently spent a wonderful week on the charming island of Crete. This is the second time we’ve visited in the last 12 months and we were equally as impressed with the stunning countryside and way of life as before. The thing that impressed me the most is the fact you can enjoy the view of the snow capped White Mountains then turn around and see gloriously bright blue sea and sky.
Last time we stayed at Iraklio, the largest and busiest town on the island. More urban and business like than Rethymno or Chania but still pretty, with some very nice boutique hotels and restaurants.
Our accommodation
This time we stayed near Platanos in a delightful Stone Cottage owned by Popi and her son Basilis. Popi looked after us really well, keeping us constantly topped up chocolate cake, daily eggs from her chickens as well as cooking a meal for us on 3 evenings (we were supposedly self catering)
The house used to belong to her mother and the old kitchen is now our bedroom. Everything was very kitsch but I loved it.
Botanical Gardens
We stupidly decided to visit the Botanical Gardens on the hottest day of the year so far (it was still 29 degrees at 5pm). We strolled down the hillside through the variety of trees, shrubs and flowers to find a pretty lake right at the bottom along with residents such as peacocks, ducks, geese, deer and goats.
Part of the anatomy of this little lady looks popular!
The journey back up wasn’t quite such a ‘walk in the park’ and we were very grateful for the walking sticks we had been given at the ticket office. Once at the top we treated ourselves to a welcome ice cream.
Falssarna Beach
The nearest beach to where we were staying is Falassarna, just a few minutes away and has the most stunning pink sand. As it was out of season we were virtually the only people there.
We went for a paddle on one day, although it was warm the sea water was still quite chilly.
Cave Churches
Just a little further down the road were two delightful little ‘cave’ churches.
Random Vintage Car Rally
On Sunday we’d stopped to have lunch in Platanias and then all these vintage cars started pulling up and parking outside the restaurant we were in.
This one was the most popular. Not surprising given how much detail the owner had gone to. Everything was colour co-ordinated even down to the little yellow ducks in the back window.
I couldn’t get over how blue the sea was and stopped off many times just to look and take a quick photo.
This chap spent all his time sitting patiently outside the local shop in Platanos.
I loved Crete and can’t wait to go back there.
I’m definitely going back to Crete sometime. It looks lovely and what a great place to go in April away from the cold and wet in the UK. Not too hot at this time of the year, so perfect!
It was great accommodation but it was a 50min drive to Chania, so a bit out of the way, but if you want a gorgeous beach on your doorstep. And you’d love Aris the dog ?