Opus wine bar, Heraklion

Let's admit it. Heraklion is a big city and not a typical traditional one that someone expects to find on an island. People who live in Heraklion often complain about the lack of character in the vast majority of the bars and cafeterias that are plenty around town. That was our problem too. Even though we have lot's of choices for a lazy night out it seems that all places around town are copy paste of each other.

Drosia village on the old Heraklion-Rethymnon national road

An alternative way to drive from Heraklion to Rethymnon is through the old national road.  If you feel adventurous this is an excellent way to explore the rough Cretan landscape and the villages along the way. The road is snakelike and needles to say it will take you  significantly longer to arrive. A favourite destination about 30-40 minutes drive from Heraklion is small village called Drosia. The village is famous for its taverns on both sides of the road that specialise in grilled pork and lamb. Every weekend hordes of  hungry visitors, especially from Heraklion, arrive at the village to taste the specialities.

Spinalonga

Spinalonga is a small rocky island at the entrance of the gulf of Elounda. Because of its position, in antiquity the islet was walled to protect the ancient city of Olous. The Venetian cartographer Vincenzo Coronelli reports that Spinalonga was not always an island, but was once linked to the adjacent peninsula of Kolokitha. According to Coronelli, in 1526 the Venetians cut down a portion of the peninsula and created the island. 

A Man Fishing

A man fishing in the town of Aghios Nikolaos. Although inside the town, the waters are very clean to swim or even catch fish!

Sunday Morning

A Sunday morning ritual involving a newspaper, cigarettes and of course coffee out in the balcony. What a better way to spent one of the last sunny Sunday mornings of the year.

Sirocco, Agios Nikolaos

Sirocco is a fantastic place for food or drinks, overlooking the Marina bay in Agios Nikolaos. Our favourites are the Italian style pizzas they prepare, accompanied by a cold glass of beer. Sirocco offers an excellent value for money, as it is the case with most places serving food in Agios Nikolaos. For example, you can get a large glass of beer (0.5l) for €3.20 and a large pizza for  €6.00-9.50. 

Welcome - Φίλοι καλώς ορίσατε

Ok then! We finally managed to create what we have been discussing for ages. We both looove the unknown Crete (not the world wide known touristic one). We had the idea to share all the places we enjoy visiting with all those of you who have been, are going to come, live or love Crete as we do.  And we are talking now about places that are not written on those fancy travel guides.