Greece is one of those European countries which is a little tricky to get to. Ok, so it is just one plane journey, it’s just it is nearly a five-hour flight. There is something about spending five hours on an aeroplane to end up still in Europe, that just feels wrong.
But there is one place in Greece worth the plane ride without any doubt at all. The island of Crete. The economy in Greece is quite up and down at the moment and with exchange rates being so poor, a trip like this could very quickly add up so you need to ensure you have saved enough money to enjoy what the island has to offer.
Use sites such as lastminute.com to find good deals on flights, you could also consider using https://www.moneyboat.co.uk for a short term loan, just be sure you can keep up with the payments. We all need a holiday from time to time though, so consider all your options financially.
Crete is where most of the Greeks head out for their own holidays. A gorgeous island that is completely self-sufficient and has its own brilliant way of life that is so different from the Greek mainlanders. You can expect the same gorgeous architecture with stunning whites and blues however there is a more relaxed and welcoming attitude here
Ditch the south and west side of the island and stick to the north, in particular Chania and the lovely coastal villages all the way to the east. Heading south or west will take you to the party side of the island, this is not traditional Crete and is full of British and German tourists who want to get drunk and party regardless of the location.
You will not find a single trace of that on the north coast and it will also be less windy as you are protected from the African winds. Chania itself is incredible, the centre of it is a picturesque harbour that was created by the Venetians.
The island is fantastic for food, fresh and delicious vegetables grow in abundance and you have to sample the wild Horta and Capers which can be found all over the mountains. Olive Oil is also rated amongst the highest in the world, pipped only by the Spanish. Both have seriously heavy flavour notes and will knock the Italian stuff out of the park.
You also need to sample the octopus, it is everywhere in Crete and they do some pretty incredible things with it but don’t stick to the tourist restaurants, there are places here that top those in the South of France. Pop into the local butchers and ask them where the locals go, you will not be disappointed at all.
Crete is surrounded by the most beautiful beaches you could ask for, we aren’t just talking white sandy beaches either. The east coast is mainly pink sand and truly is a delight to see at sunset, the pink sand really marries up with the sky. It is like nothing else on earth.
Don’t just take our word for it, get on a plane and try Crete out for yourself!