“Why Crete?”
The question I was met with when telling friends and family of my first trip abroad in 2021. And to be honest, I didn’t know myself.
I’d put Greece on the backfoot since a *typical* girls partying holiday in Kavos, Corfu for a post-A levels celebration in 2012. Memories of a mini-England in the sun, full of steamy young Brits, drunken tattoos and €2 English breakfasts meant I’d subconsciously dismissed Greece as a destination for years.
But, COVIDs change everything right? After a 9-month drought from international travel, a friend suggested visiting the historic northern region of Chania on Greece’s largest island of Crete. My reluctance eased when researching October temperatures of 25 degrees+ and the alluring charm of the South Mediterranean.
“When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be”- Mandy Hale
And simply put, I’ve fallen completely in love with Crete.
Free from the rush of London life, the slower pace of living of the Cretan people stuck out instantly when arriving in central Chania. A far cry from the white and blue buildings of Mykonos or Santorini, I rented a small penthouse with a skyline view leading down to the old Venetian harbour. A colourful setting surrounded by amber tones and plant-filled balconies of the local Cretans.
I stood on the balcony, kissed by a radiant warmth on my arms and a fresh ocean breeze- ready to soak up the bliss of this new destination. With no expectations, everything became a gift, here are 8 reasons I fell in love with Crete:
1. The Old Town of Chania
We’d spent the first day on our closest beach, followed by a soft evening stroll as the sunset over the mountainous terrain. The beach was lined with umbrellas and sweet tourist-priced cocktails at various restaurants with picture menus. While a coconutty pina colada tastes lush gazing at golden rays glisten atop the Mediterranean sea- we could have been anywhere.
But when we strolled to the other side of the harbour and stumbled across the vibrant ambience of old town Chania, we’d landed in the depths of Cretan culture. Amber lights glow on old stone buildings, ruins neighbour new apartments, the streets filled with locals, the odd tourist would stick out like a sore thumb.
2. Samaria Gorge
We thought about braving the Samaria Gorge alone as we did not want a guided tour. But upon doing some research, the logistics were not adding up. The start and endpoints of the Samaria Gorge tour are different, meaning you must either double back on yourself (for 16km no thank you) or, get a bus AND a ferry back to your vehicle and then drive through windy (and dark) mountains!
As such, I would advise taking a guided tour unless you have plenty of time on your trip, or you plan on staying the night at Agia Roumeli. Our tour of Samaria Gorge with Fantastic Crete was perfect. As a slow-paced and friendly tour guide strolled behind the group in case of any emergencies. We were free to venture at our own pace and they provided convenient pickup and drop-off locations for just €48.
Be aware, that a 16km gorge hike can be dangerous, visions of Mufasa yelling ~Simbaaaa@ in the gorge came to me when a small rock fell from above the moment we began. However, it was worth it! With views that are just unimaginably spectacular. The walk is a challenge, climbing over large rocks and big steps up and down, good shoes are a must! Even friends that wore good walking boots were aching for a number of days after.
White mountains and luscious greenery complete with a stunning black sand beach with all of your Greek favourite foods and drinks. The pictures really say it all!
3. Food & Service- Plus a free shot & dish with every meal.
Beautiful dining experiences night after night is really what sold Crete to me. Almost every restaurant greeted us with friendly smiles, water, and luxury hospitality. Most of Greece’s food is based on the simply delicious flavours of lemon, garlic and olive oil. So from fresh-caught sea bass to tzatziki and fresh (+cheap) white wines, I fell in love with the simple delight of Cretan food. Keep reading to the end to reveal the 5 best places I ate in Chania, Crete.
Even better, most restaurants kindly give you a complimentary course at the end of your meal. My favourites included a bottle of rose-flavoured local Raki, and salted caramel tarts. One place even strangely served us cauliflower & broccoli with our cocktails! My top recommendations for restaurants you absolutely must try in Chania can be found at the end of this article!
4. Local buses
It’s always a pleasure to stumble across an efficient and economical local transport system. I love chilling on a bus and watching a landscape of mountains, sun and sea appear and vanish into the distance. With buses to and from the airport and central Chania for just €2.50 for a 30-minute ride- you cannot go wrong!
5. Balos beach & Gramvousa
I really never expect much from ‘a boat tour’ in any destination. We booked a bus and boat via GetYourGuide to visit the remote locations of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island. P.s do not fall for the price quoted on their website (this is only for the bus) and they will ask for a further €30 for the boat. So, for roughly €45 per person, we were delighted by the turquoise blue waters and blown away by the landscape that looked like something off of a postcard. Balos beach treats you to stunning clear waters, pink sand and even goats on the beach. While Gramvousa offers a decent beach and incredible views from the old Venetian fortress on the highest part of the island, at 137 meters.
6. Slow pace and presence of locals- in pictures
The slow pace of life in Crete is what I really loved when I visited Chania. Not only is every tucked-away restaurant or hidden corner beautiful. By adopting this mindset, my feet led me to wander random streets, appreciating the colours and individuality of local life.
From the luscious and vast plants hanging from the balconies of locals to the smells, sounds and activity of the streets. I felt like I was floating across this island. The only way to describe it really is: to feel like living in a state of bliss.
I’ll let the pictures do the talking!
7. Elafonisi
A more touristy spot but a lengthier drive if coming from Chania. Elafonisi is home to the pink (ish) sand beaches of Crete and beaches lined with Umbrellas and Europeans. Nonetheless, the beaches were stunning, sunny and washed by crystal clear waters. A stunning panoramic view of lagoons, mountains and the open ocean.
8. Cat sanctuaries
We get used to seeing stray cats and dogs across Europe and the rest of the world. But, what’s delightful to see is when locals and strays build a supporting and loving connection. These cats and kittens are unfortunately faced with a harsh reality of starvation and fleas. But dotted across Chania are cat sanctuaries where locals collect donations and handle the veterinary costs of sick and hungry cats and kittens. See side-stepping the normals fabulous blog post on how you can do more to help!
Crete as a destination is full of flavour, friendliness and colour. The slow pace of living and non-touristy vibes makes it one of my new faves in Europe. As promised, the following restaurants I visited delivered outstanding food and quality service, they and are not to be missed!
My Top 5 places to eat in Chania:
- Senal- £££ yes more costly but it’s been a year since we’ve been able to travel. Highly recommend the beef tartar, veal pappardelle pasta, ceviche and ‘Trippin’ cocktail. Some unique dishes I wouldn’t usually get, with flavours that dont lie!
- Salis- ££ just stunning quality and incredible dishes including their duck and beetroot risotto and carbonara. In a charming location on the harbour with beautiful interiors. Salis lived up to its reputation!
- To Steki- (££) Firstly, To Stekis house white wine for less than €8 was the best I tried in Chania. Combined with large starters, friendly service and ambience in the tucked away streets of the old town.
- Thalassimo Agiari- (£££)- A fresh glass of wine, succulent shrimps, or a fresh caught piece of fish or squid as the sunsets over the harbour. Prices are higher and the staff are a little less friendly, but none the less an impressive meal with stunning surroundings.
- Mikro Kelari (£) – When a group of 4 eat a delicious meal and 3 bottles of house wine, for a total of €66 there is absolutely nothing to complain about. The greek salad was refreshing, pork chops delicious and smokey sausage top quality for extremely low prices!
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What a stunning & beautiful portrayal of Crete! Can’t wait to visit there myself now xx