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Time Zone Crete

25/9/18

When September is still hot and humid in Israel, it is the perfect time to experience the change of seasons in Crete. I chose to spend one of the Tishrei holidays in front of a dramatic and mesmerizing view of mountains in the village of Bali in the Rethymno region, right in the center of the island of Crete. We stayed in a new suite hotel called T Hotel Premium Suites, which is located on the hill uphill, with views to the bay and lots and lots of nature.

 

הנוף הנשקף מהמלון בבאלי

 

The great advantage, in my opinion, in this hotel is the serenity that is possible there, without unnecessary background noise and with utmost comfort. The hotel is surrounded with open nature; sheep in the nearby farm provide the soundtrack of bells in the background and the aromas are courtesy of the herbs, carob trees and eucalyptus trees around.

 

עדרי כבשים בסביבת המלון

 

Our suite was very large and consisted of two double rooms with a shower and toilet in each, a large fully equipped kitchen and a central space with a sofa bed and large windows opening to a the small pool adjacent to the room, outdoor seating and a beautiful view of mountains covered with olive trees. The feeling was that of a large, spacious apartment where six people could easily live.

 

 

The beaches in September begin to dwindle with tourists, the weather is very pleasant, and the whole island becomes quite, with magical light and room for a deep breath. Along the sides of the roads tall and beautiful drimias are growing – a sign that autumn is just around the corner, and it is time for car trips on the rural and green roads to the authentic villages of Crete.

 

Margaritas – the potter’s village

Margaritas is a small village about half an hour’s drive from Rethymno, in the direction of Heraklion. A visit is recommended especially during off-season (not in July – August), to enjoy a peaceful village, without huge groups of tourists. You will find workshops and ceramic shops of local potters (for my taste, the products are quite touristic). It is worthwhile to stroll through the old houses and narrow alleys, to have a Greek coffee in the center of the village, and to visit the Karakalou monastery from the 15th century.

 

 

 

 

The climb to the monastery is easy and takes only a few minutes. It is well worth a visit since the place is well kept, and you can walk among Venetian buildings, visit the lovely garden, take the kids to the small petting zoo, enter a Byzantine church, and look out over the entire village from the roof of the main building.

 

 

 

 

Fodele Village 

 

Not far from Heraklion, 15 minutes from the main road, lies the village of Fodele. In the center of the village flows a small river all year long, surrounded by shade and plants, bridges, and magical corners. On the main street are shops of handmade crochet made by the ocal women, cafes and taverns. Don’t miss the local orange cake and homemade ice cream at BISTRO CAFÉ DOMENICO.

 

FODELE

 

 

For art lovers, you can visit the restored home of the Renaissance painter El Greco who lived there, and the nearby Byzantine church.

 

 

flickr-Marty-Robertso

 

MILATOS VILLAGE

A 10 minute drive from the main road, through olive groves and orchards lies the picturesque village of Millatos, built on the ruins of an ancient city. The village is situated on the top of the mountain between olive trees and its lower part ends in a port and a small beach with seafood taverns. I liked the buildings in the Upper Village, especially the original restored houses that make the village one of the most interesting and beautiful in the area.

 

flickr-John-Freeman

 

Sandrine-flickr

 

Radisson Blue, a five-star hotel is near the village, and for bathing in the sea you should look for small coves and a sandy beach nearby. Not far from the village, you can visit the cave of Milatos, a beautiful stalactite cave, covering an area of about 2,000 square meters.

 

ELUNDA 

Elounda is about 10 kilometers from the island of Aios Nikolaos, in the east of Crete. Elounda is a fishing village with a marina that has developed over the years and is now home to magnificent resorts. The village is famous for its beauty and proximity to the nearby island of Spinalonga, the island of lepers. In Elounda the sea water is clear and quiet, and the climate is comfortable most of the year. In September it was so hot that you could bathe in the sea and the area, which at the height of the season is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world, is still vibrant even in the off-season.

 

 

FERRYMAN

 

 

We visited the resort located between the village of Plaka and Elounda called Royal Marmin Bay Luxury Resort & Spa.

 

 

The hotel complex is built on a hillside and facing a nice beach with all the amenities. In order to go up and down the steep slopes, guests use a shuttle service that is always on call. The hotel is for adults only.

 

 

 

 

If you want to eat at one of the taverns in the Elounda marina, you should definitely go to FERRYMAN RESTAURANT, named after the 70s movie “Who Pays the Ferryman”. This chef restaurant bases its menu on traditional Greek-Mediterranean cuisine but takes the dishes to another level in terms of taste, creativity and appearance. Prices are a bit more expensive but worth it!!!

 

 

The conclusion – visit to Crete in the coming months. Rent a car and go for a walk, there are so many wonderful places to see there.

 

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