Exploring the island of Crete, Greece

Tour of the center-west of Crete with the sea holiday at the Pilot Beach Resort in Georgioupolis Crete and the Iberotel Panorama Panormos. Among the locations visited in Heraklion, Rethymnon, the spectacular Samaria Gorge, the beautiful beach of Elafonissi, Plakias and the Libyan coast, Chania.

 

Milan – Heraklion

we opt for a taxi, a real steal, 2 minutes by taxi minimum fee: 10 euros.
The Sofia Hotel (€ 75 Triple room with breakfast, booking.com) is ideal for a short stay, not be raised easily accessible from the city center by public transport in about 10 minutes (€ 0.90).
For dinner we reach the center, althoug Surrounded By ancient ramparts, the city presents Itself With A Rather modern. However, the pedestrian streets are characteristic, full of shops, good pubs and restaurants Inviting. In modern Heraklion, one of the Most buildings representative of the past is an elegant Venetian Venetian Loggia, Which is still occupied by City Hall.
The building is located on the lively 25-Avgoustou and is characterized by the typical style and the beautiful porch. The entrance arch leads into an open courtyard, with glass windows and towering columns.
In reality the building, althoug the antique look, it was rebuilt as a result of Numerous earthquakes and damage as a result of World War II.
Inside are the municipal offices, but the Lodge is a symbol Citizens.

Heraklion - Palace of Knossos

Threatened the morning rain as expected, so we reverse the route: we start with the Archaeological Museum to continue with the Palace of Knossos, since the forecast is for rapid improvement. No Sooner Said Than Done: we get to the center and begins to pour, so we go straight to the museum: the illustrated guide in my possession the beauty of less than 16 rooms but we were very disappointed when, after paying the entrance miserably small (6 to 4 euros), we found That, Because of the renovation of the museum, visited the rooms were Reduced to just one! That said, it must be said That the Rarest and Most Significant pieces Have Been Concentrated in this room. Do not miss the beautiful and mysterious Phaistos Disc, circular stone carved with hieroglyphics clay. You Can Also Admire the Rhyton, bowl-shaped head of a bull, the beautiful Vasiliki-style vessels, the actual game and the precious bronze helmets and wild boar Tusks. Unfortunately we have not Been Able to See However the famous frescoes of the palace, but a small fragment. This visit has detected a reductio real disappointment, althoug this remains a pretty important step, to be joined without a doubt the visit of Knossos.

We go out and luckily the rain stopped, we take advantage to visit the historical center. The liveliest square of Heraklion and Most Popular is undoubtedly Platia Venizelou, meeting point of the city nightlife and tourist hub of departure for visiting the capital. The square is filled by the many tables of cafes and tourist restaurants, with large menus and waiters who Exposed invite passersby to sit. The center is dominated by the beautiful Venizelou Morosini Fountain, built During the Venetian period, with elegant decorations, Which Among the four lions spurting water from His mouth. The pedestrian path connects the square Dedhalou the rest of the city, a stroll through the elegant shops and nice taverns.

Odhos 1866, The Long Road That Leads to Platia Venizelou Kornarou Square, home to the bustling daily market of Heraklion, tourism is now as much Regarded as One of the best on the island. This road is full of stalls and shops fixed, with intense aromas of spices Reminiscent of an Eastern market. Althoug Most of the sellers is now dedicated to the halls of souvenirs, fruit stands are beautiful, fragrant fish shops, crafts and the usual cheese. At the end of the road, the market ends up in Kornarou Square, with a nice stand of Turkish origin, which effectively now houses a cafe.

25-Avgoustou Percorreiamo the way from the center down to the sea, the imposing profile of the Venetian Fortress, built in 1500, Overlooking the harbor.
The massive outer walls give an idea of? What this fortress was impregnable. The entrance costs 2 euros and allows you to visit the large, dark rooms inside, largely restored, where you can still find the old and heavy cannon balls and the steep slope That leads down to the floor. Climbing up the walls, enjoying beautiful views of the harbor and the city, with ancient walls surrounding the old ITS town and a general overview on the magnitude of the fortress


Returning to the center, we stop to visit the Church of St. Mark, though not today the cathedral of the capital of Crete, is without doubt one of the most impressive churches in the city. It is characterized by the typical Venetian style of the exterior facade, while the interior echoes faithfully the Orthodox religion, with the great chandelier, the valuable paintings, the great Orthodox crosses and altars full of classic candles. Outside is a pleasant patio Surrounded by greenery, with a small fountain in the center.

Take the bus to the Palace of Knossos Which is Reached in about 20 minutes (€ 1.3). The tail is long and Rather at the place very crowded. Despi The Importance of the site, not a place That has left me with unforgettable memories: in short, after visiting Angkor Few months ago, there is little to do in the Few parts are visible Completely rebuilt and do not give the feeling of old but do not leave even the slightest insight into how the city was In Its heyday. Much more interesting to read the guidance of What's Actually Observed.
Back at the hotel we treat Ourselves to A Couple of hours relaxing by the pool, then walk to the airport to pick up your rental car at the small local company Olympic Car Rentals. This company has an office Directly at the airport and do not know anyone, you have to go Directly into the parking lot rent a car where there is a small office for collection. The price is unbeatable and the best, € 360 for 16 days (booked on-Sea Car). The strange thing Is that the car is delivered with full details and be returned empty, but with the first fully charged! (A little trick to earn a little bit).

Rethymnon

We start in the direction of the west coast of the island and reach the town of Rethymnon, one of the most beautiful of Crete. The town is dominated by the fortress, at his feet a maze of cobbled streets full of atmosphere, quaint restaurants and shops of spices with The Venetian Loggia and the Mosque Neratzes (unfortunately, the minaret is being restored). The most picturesque is without doubt the old Venetian harbor, where a row of pretty pastel buildings overlooking the sea. Wandering through the reservation center transportation for the Samaria Gorge at a small local agency to 23 euros (entrance to the gorges and ferry not included). An organized transportation is a must to visit the gorge, as the starting point and destination several miles away.
Let the beautiful Rethymnon and continue until you reach the Pilot Beach Resort, where we will stay for 5 nights.

Pilot Beach Resort
Beautifully positioned on the long sandy beach of Georgioupolis, Pilot Beach Resort is an elegant and beautifully worth its 5 stars, both in terms of services offered, both for the quality of the service.
The hotel blends harmoniously into the landscape, with two-storey cottage immersed in the extensive gardens, some pleasant, others placed around the various pools. The rooms are elegantly furnished, have all modern comforts and a terrace.
Each area has its own pool but the main one is truly beautiful, surrounded by sunbeds and umbrellas that, at least in June, are free at any hour of the day. From here the beach is reached via an underpass in less than 5 minutes: Very ambles, fine sand, clear water and clear. Also free sunbeds on the beach at least through June, the resort's beach is pretty full.
The service at the restaurant is tasteful, as is the extensive buffet, which impressed me in particular the variety of fish served, always different and cooked in various ways, such as the prawns are not even missed, as well as grilled swordfish, and much more. Many Greek specialties proposals, do not even miss the pasta, although it is not a specialty of the place. Opportunity to dine at the main restaurant, buffet service, with a large terrace, or, without reservation, at the greek restaurant, with a buffet of appetizers and desserts and main dish served a la carte with a choice of 3 different menus.
Light evening entertainment program, mini-club for children.
Drinks expensive in both the restaurant and bar. Impeccable cleanliness in our rooms, which in the common environment and in outdoor areas.
We booked directly with the resort, half board. During their stay in the room we were offered a fruit basket and a bottle of wine, while at the check-out we have honored with a pack of olive oil of own production.
Overall, an excellent choice.

The Samaria Gorge - Crete's most impressive

The gorge of Samaria, with an area of ??18 km, are defined as the longest in Europe, its territory is protected in a national park and is now one of the most characteristic excursions and missed during a stay in Crete.
Along the route, which starts from an altitude of 1229 meters to finish the sea, meet amazing landscapes different from the typical mountain to the Mediterranean.
The trekking route starts at the village of Agia Roumeli Omalos and ends, a small village where there are no roads, where the ferries leading to Hora Sfakion or Souyia. To make your hike, you can use the public buses that depart from Chania or, more comfortable relying on any local agency that organizes the entire transfer starting from your hotel, will cost about 23-25 ??euros, in addition to ' entrance to the gorge (6 euros), and the cost of the ferry (about 9 euros). The departure varies between 5.20 and 6.00 am and return is between 20.00 and 21.00, depends on the place of departure.

I booked the bus stops on the road in front of the Pilot Beach. A narrow winding road leading north from the coast up to Omalos, at the beginning of the trail called Xiloskalon (wooden staircase): the first section can be traumatic, not because of the steep descent that puts a strain on the muscles of the legs, just to the heavy traffic of people, starting more or less at the same time, are stacked on the narrow path as a ring road at rush hour. Fortunately, after the first stops, the group of hikers inevitably dissipates, so much so that almost all the way, I almost single-path, a sense of peace and tranquility that certainly did not think to find.
The 18 miles is not particularly strenuous, the route is often in the shade of pine trees or the gorges, the climate rather cool at least one half, but the length is felt and the bottom of the path is mostly stony and uneven. In total I spent just under 5 hours to cover the whole route, including refreshment breaks and photo stops. Matches floor, I saw their real torpedoes and rush his way along the first stretch, then naturally passed before the middle of the trail because they were broke.
Along the way there are many sources of fresh water, toilets and picnic points.

Despite being declared the longest gorges in Europe, in fact, the very trait that penetrates into the narrow gorge is much more limited, most of the trail is located in a wide green valley, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the White Mountains, with beautiful landscape. The first section is quite steep and you make a 4 km climb of over 600 meters. Samaria, the path becomes more pleasant and level, to the entrance of the gorge which is the most spectacular, where the vertical walls rise powerfully to the deep blue of the sky, until it reaches the narrowest point, the so-called Iron Gates (Sidheresportes), where the distance between the two walls is a few meters. This tract is crossed by a limpid stream which has to cross several times with small bridges or stepping stones. Among lone pine seeking the light in the middle of the canyon, wildflowers sprout from nowhere, harsh and reddish cliffs, the landscape is really fabulous.
Once the grooves, you still have to travel 2 km to reach the beach of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax for a few hours in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea, before embarking on the ferry, which leads to Skafion Hora, where we depart by bus to Chania or to your destination.
There is also the possibility to do the short tour from the point of arrival of the ferry back to the Iron Gates, which is strongly discouraged, because in my opinion, the most spectacular section is far ahead, at the mouth of the gorge also, go up the climb, and sunny during the hottest hours.
The gorge of Samaria is only open between May and October, as in other months, the flooding of the river make the path impassable.
Although this is a long and difficult trip, I strongly recommend to anyone visiting Crete and they have the opportunity to raise your buttocks from the sun for a day, firming the buttocks and down to a little 'stuffed from the buffet of bacon Hotels: Gorges of the show is truly unique and fascinating, a true natural wonder to be enjoyed in peace and quiet.
In addition, upon your return, you can brag with 99% of the idle tourists who stayed at your resort purring lounging under the umbrellas, even complaining that Crete, in the end, it's not big deal is ...

lake Kounas

Between a dive and the other, we decided to go to a noon picnic at the lake Kournas, located a few kilometers behind the Pilot Beach.
It is the only natural lake on the island of Crete, is enchanting at first sight. Along the road leading from the coast, before reaching its shores, we must continue along the road that winds for a couple of miles past the village of Kournas, to admire the incredible lake from above: water colors are amazing, with a long blue stripe reminiscent of the Caribbean, then lost in the deep blue, surrounded by mountains. On the shore of the lake there are many taverns with tables in a panoramic position, picnic tables and a couple of establishments that offer sun beds and umbrellas. Agrees to rent a pedal boat (treating you pay about 5 euros per hour) and take the entire lake to the opposite bank, where you can observe turtles. The water is clear and pleasantly warm in summer.
It can be reached along a well-marked route, about 5 kilometers from the village of Georgioupolis. You can also arrive with a tourist train that leaves from the center of town.

Falasarna

Permanently leave the Pilot Beach to reach the far west of Crete: our intezione is to drive to the lagoon of Balos, before the arrival of boats loaded with tourists. Unfortunately, our plans are altered by the bad dirt road from the village of Kaliviani: do not come easily to about halfway, we find a road to the sea, full of holes crazy: our car is quite low and almost left after the muffler and the oil pan on the dirt road, we are forced to turn back. Really do not recommend going down this path by normal means, unless the car is not particularly high (I've seen some cars that have passed some critical pieces with less difficulty, but you really risk breaking things, the insurance does not cover any damage on this road). Abandoned the idea of ??reaching the place by boat (no lover of beaches reached by the mass ...), we start to an alternate destination: the beach of Falasarna.
Obscured by the famous beaches of Balos and Elafonissi, the beautiful beach of Falasarna is practically unknown by mass tourism and offers one of the most beautiful and less crowded coasts of the island of Crete. The long beach of fine sand, washed by a sea of ??stunning colors, ranging from turquoise to blue, with water clean and crystal clear, even when the massive waves of the sea forms. A steep road leads from the village of Platamos, in the far west of the island, thanks to a series of switchbacks. When you get up amre, you will find two paths that lead to the beach, I recommend the second, reaching the most beautiful stretch of beach and less frequented. At the end of both branches, are small taverns that also have sun beds and umbrellas (6 euros for the whole day, umbrella and two chairs), while the central part of the long beach is left virtually untouched and wild. At the north end, is a rocky area that forms picturesque bays. A place to be if you love quiet beaches.

After a few hours relaxing on the beach, we reach the village of Maleme, where we booked 2 nights at the Hotel bad Mike, a real rip-off. You can read my review:
http://www.trivago.it/maleme-53595/hotel/mike-33348/opinione-o565477
It matters little, we'll be there just to sleep and as a basis for achieving Elafonissi.
Maleme has a beautiful waterfront (the beach is very ugly), full of small outdoor restaurants to enjoy a good fish.

Elafonissi

We start early to reach the beautiful beach of Elafonissi, which is located in an uninhabited corner of Crete, in the extreme south-west and to get there you cross the mountain range of the central island, with picturesque streets bitter and lonely landscapes that embrace dominated dallla White Mountains, also known as Lefka Ori. They are the largest and most impressive mountains of Crete and form a real barrier between the north and south of the western part of the island. In fact, to connect the two sides, you must use the scenic roads that climb the sides of mountains, valleys between the green and lush, narrow gorges and villages where time seems to stand still.
They come with their stark and imposing appearance from the characteristic light-colored rock, here comes precisely from the pseudonym of the White Mountains.
We arrive early to Elafonissi, after a stop at a church down the road, tucked away in a cave and reached by a steep staircase.

Mamma mia what a beach! Cabbages, having discovered it sooner, I booked a couple of nights at the only small inn I've seen in this area, instead of limiting my visit to Elafonissi a single day.
Indeed, all the experiences I had read left to guess that the place is really a show, but not trusting of myself even in the reviews, I doubt it.
Elafonissi is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach I've ever seen around the Mediterranean and can easily be compared to some trampled in the distant worlds: soft white sand, tending to pink in some places, very calm water, turquoise, transparency and nuances unbeatable dream. Inviting a huge lagoon, a beach that bisects a stretch of sea separating it from an island, reachable on foot along the lagoon. On the island, other delightful coves, the most distant deserted at any time of day.

The place is really a paradise, but only in the morning until 11 o'clock in the afternoon and after 3, when the beach is owned by a few souls in the middle of the day in fact, with the arrival of the buses of mass tourism, is better away in some remote cove, where carve out their own personal space. However, Elafonissi offers enough space for everyone and the sense of crowding can not breathe even when people start to be too much.
In the central part of the beach there are a couple of rows of umbrellas, which do not disturb the environment, the modest price of 7 euros for two sunbeds for the whole day. Behind a couple of small tavernas, some public showers and changing rooms, a parking area in a wide dirt road. A small, true, authentic corner of the Caribbean in the heart of the Mediterranean!

Along the way back we stop at the monastery of Chryssoskalitissa (€ 2), a short distance from the famous beach.
I stress that does not fall very quickly among the most beautiful monasteries of the island and is widely exploited for tourism. The postcards show it in immaculate white, on top of a promontory overlooking the sea, but the impact is quite different: a brownish color and surrounded by scaffolding for renovation. To climb to the monastery you have to pay 2 euros: Legend has it that one step is the pure gold of spirit, there was no doubt that I could not see it ...
The Church is very small but decorated and is located adjacent to a small museum with the tools used by the monks

Chania – Frangokastelo – Plakias

We move towards the south, towards Plakias, stopping to visit Chania.
The quaint old town extends along the harbor area, the most distinguished district of the city, always busy, both day and night, by a large number of tourists. Access is along the tourist road, the Halidhon, where endless succession of shops. The road ends in a characteristic square, called the square of the harbor: There is a fountain surrounded by tables of the many cafes and restaurants.
Opposite is the inner harbor, with its long promenade and the Mosque of the Janissaries, the oldest Ottoman building of Crete, bizarre-looking mosque that dominates the landscape with its large dome. Along the seafront, the view over the beautiful buildings that overlook the sea, colorful houses that seem to lean to one another. Some boats offer trips in the harbor and along the coast, particularly at sunset.
The Cathedral of Chania, though not an imposing building, whose interior features beautiful decorations. It overlooks a cobbled square with palm trees and cafes and is presented with a simple facade, ocher-colored. The interior is characterized by the style and contains some Orthodox Byzantine works, also you can see the elegant wooden chairs, the massive silver altar, the rich decorations and some display cases, very elaborate, containing relics. The church is fairly recent and dates back to 1860.
The covered market of Chania it is without doubt one of the most characteristic of Crete. Housed in an imposing structure with two large access doors, looks out at a green square, surrounded by benches. Inside there are shops that sell a little 'to everything from classical tourist souvenirs to the typical food stalls, among which the delicious olives, available in different grades, with the curious butchers hung goat heads, complete with language and eyes, the tasty goat cheese and even huge baskets of snails still alive. Within the market, rather large, there are also cafe where they meet the inhabitants of Chania.

Chania abandon and move south through the heart of the island again and the mountains, until you reach near the village of Chora Sfakion. After getting off to the sea by Libyan impresisonanti switchbacks, we continue to Frangokastelo. Here the roads are very winding and scenic, nestled between sea and mountains. Stop at the castle and the homonymous beach, nice and sandy, very busy and lapped by crystal clear sea, which is the background of the impressive silhouette of the castle and the wild mountains. Built in 1371 as a defense against possible invasions of the Saracens, in fact never used for this purpose.
Finally we go to the seaside village of Plakias, a really nice place, a beautiful promenade with restaurants that overlook the beach of pebbles in a natural environment than the rest of the island virgin. The prices are much lower than the north coast, an excellent dinner of appetizer greek, grilled mixed fish and beer does not cost more than $ 10.

Preveli, Spilli, Panormos

In the early morning we reach the beautiful beach of Skinari, nice location and beautiful water, plus there's just us. In late morning we continue along the south coast, the road climbs a hill, until Orthodox monastery of Moni Preveli (€ 2.5), one of the most beautiful and revered throughout the island. The atmosphere at the monastery is absolute peace and quiet, despite the many tourists.
After visiting the monastery and its museum, we look at the views on the beautiful beach of Withdraw, along the short stretch on foot in about 30 minutes to reach the beach, along a road outlined in the rock. The view is really lovely, Withdraw Beach is set like a little gem at the mouth of a stream, surrounded by palm trees.
We return to the north of the island, with a brief stop at the mountain village of pins, with a beautiful modern church and a picturesque old town, where there is a curious fountain surrounded by a beautiful square.
We reach Panormos, where we stop for a week at:

Iberostar Creta Panorama

Situated in a panoramic position overlooking the sea, in a wide stretch of pristine coast, the Iberostar Creta Panorama offers guests a multitude of quality services.
The structure is modern and large rooms with central and distributed at a series of bungalows scattered in a large landscaped garden. It offers 6 swimming pools including a huge sea-water, a buffet restaurant with large outdoor terrace, various leisure sports such as tennis, archery and rifle shooting, mini golf, football and basketball as well as an outdoor theater with bar and tables.
The rooms are spacious, bright and well furnished, well equipped with a balcony, LCD TV and all modern conveniences.
The food is excellent, served buffet (theme dinners) with a wide choice of Greek dishes, and the inevitable international dishes of our cuisine, freshly prepared by Italian chef very good. Also show cooking corner with grilled fish and cards, unlimited choice of drinks and all day at the bar (all inclusive). The theme is also very nice drink at the restaurant in the evening.
Good team of international animation, many proposals throughout the day for those who are interested.
The hotel has a small artificial coves lapped by the sea quite clean, but the space is quite short, with sun beds and umbrellas placed on concrete platforms. A public beach can be reached by walking for 5-7 minutes: Water very clear even in rough seas, but mostly made of pebbles.
Among the flaws: very salty water of the pool, the usual morning run to get the best position of the umbrella rather small and artificial beaches, while the public could be cleaner. Few people go to the beach, the result is that the main pool is very crowded.
During your stay we visit the small village of Panormos, on the northern coast of Crete, is about twenty kilometers from Rethymno and comes as a pleasant village that is built around the marina. Here you will find many local restaurants and well-kept, with a cuisine based mainly on fresh fish, as well as various shops specialized in selling local products and souvenirs. From the harbor you can make boat trips along the coast, to explore the many caves. The center is connected to the various resorts in the area with a tourist train service.

Melidoni Cave, Monastery of Arkadi, Heraklion

Last day in Crete. Panormos leave and head towards the Monastery of Arkadi, with a stop at the cave of Melidoni. This beautiful cave is located inland about 5 km from Perama. Known since the time of the Minoans, and often cited in mythology as the home of Talos, the protector of the coast of Crete, is infamous for the events of the revolution against the Turks, when an entire village took refuge inside, and suffocated by the smoke a fire set deliberately. Going down the steep staircase leads to the impressive central chamber, where there is a tomb in memory of the dead. The interior has a Gothic cathedral made by stalactites and stalagmites lit by colored lights that create an environment of great beauty.
The entrance to the cave is a fee, € 3.

We continue to the Monastery of Arkadi, without a doubt the most beautiful and interesting island (2.5). Situated in an idyllic position and hits the intact elaborate facade in stone, with the central tower that stands in the blue sky.
Completed our visits, we reach the evening flight to Heraklion Easyjet, which will bring us back to Malpensa.

Various costs (hotel in triple or double with extra bed, child of 9 years):
Easyjet flight to / r: € 98
Car 16 days: € 360 of CarDelMar booked with Olympic Car Rentals
Sofia Hotels Heraklion - € 75 (breakfast) - 7 votes - booking.com
Pilot Beach Resort - € 153 (half board) - 9.5 rating - the official site
Mike Hotel & Apartments Maleme - € 47 (breakfast) - 3 votes - booking.com
Lamon Hotel Plakias - € 63 (breakfast) - 5.5 rating - booking.com
Iberostar Creta Panorama - € 122 (all inclusive) - 8 votes - hotel.info

It also tells an incident that occurred with the site
www.hotel.info
with whom I booked the Iberostar Creta Panorama
The reservation was visible online before departure. Upon my arrival I presented the voucher at the hotel but the reservation was not and, after checking on the site, my reservation had disappeared. I requested information from hotel.info and they told me only after 2 weeks, saying that it was the fault of the hotel. Yet, on my return, I came by email questionnaire on their overall assessment. Very little seriousness.
Thanks to the kindness of the General Manager, however I was immediately assigned a room and made a new reservation instant (on the same day and directly from my room) with another booking site, among other things, paying a lower rate.