The magical island of Crete

This trip came out as a big positive surprise. I had been to Greece before, but not yet to Crete...

I like to study places I’d like to visit before my trips, both to understand the distances to get an idea of the place, what to expect, what to pack. To cross the island horizontally, you’d need over 5 hours... so it is more of a country within a country rather than an island.
In fact, the history of Crete is also quite special, and though common to the Greeks in some aspects, the Minon civilization had its own very personal allure and particularities. Crete is full of ancient ruins of palaces and villages to be seen - definitely worth a visit!

This island has definitely unique landscapes... a gem to be discovered. Breathtaking views, unique geology, rocky mountains, turquoise waters. Arid, but green. Big, yet cozy. A powerful energizing place!

We were also lucky to have rented a villa with friends that was absurdly magical... that kind of “vacation home” that makes each day worth it, and puts a smile to your face each time you return to it after a day exploring around... we had there our happiest happy hours, set by the most perfect sunsets.

Local food not to be missed:
All eggplant recipes (Moussaka a must)
Tzatziki
Feta cheese...! Everywhere
Octopus - very tasty
Greek salads
Cheese recipes

Places we visited:

Beaches:
Balos
Falassarna
Elafonissi
Kedrodasos
Skinaria
Preveli
Dyonisos

Ruins:
Knossos

Towns:
Chania
Rethymo - restaurant:

Places we missed:

We were staying on the eastern part, north of the island. So unfortunately these beaches/island were a bit too far, but definitely worth going to:
Vai Beach
Matala
Chrisi

Shoes to pack:

• 1-2 pairs of flip flops or jellies
• 1 basic flat leather sole sandals: for the more dressy evenings and some shopping in the little towns
• 1 pair of sneakers: best to take an older pair (that you don’t mind ruining a bit). They’ll get very dusty and may stain from the orange earthy sole in Crete...! To visit Knossos it is also a good idea.

What not to take:
(Absolutely NO heels needed!!!)
Irregular paved streets

What NOT to forget...!
Sneakers...! Maybe even 2 pairs.
Many beaches have difficult access and lots of ups and downs. Make sure you know what to expect from places you visit, take the flip flops with you in your beach bag... and wear sneakers on the way there. I regretted not doing so to Balos... I got a pair of light blue jellies stained and tripped all the way back and forth :)

Conclusion
What I will never forget about this trip, were our villa amazing sunsets. We definitely picked the perfect vacation place. The sea is amazing everywhere in Crete, so you really cannot make mistakes... rocky beaches and the arid geology make this island so unique, and even though it is very touristic, it still feels unspoiled.