Autumn Crete
Not a very large number of tourists, changeable weather, warm sea, silence and tranquility - these are the characteristic features of the end of the season in Crete.
Our vacation fell at the end of September - the beginning of October. Before leaving, the weather was the most disturbing and, as it turned out, not in vain. The first week turned out to be cloudy, cold and rainy, the sea was stormy, but on the second week the sun appeared, the sea calmed down and the real velvet season began. But even in bad weather, we managed to lie on the beach and enjoy the sun, we just had to take a car and go to another part of the island…
We lived in the village of Kavros (16 km from Rethymno) - a small, quiet village, just an ideal place for people who prefer a quiet measured rest. On one of the "non-flying" days, we decided to reconnoiter the area. 4 km walk, 1.5 hours of outdoor time and we are at the very foot of the mountains, where Lake Kournas lies. A beautiful place with colorful clear water and almost tame local inhabitants - geese and ducks. We went back through the village of Georgioupoli, throwing about 6-7 km more. Out of habit, of course, we were a little tired, but we were satisfied))) You can also go to the lake on a local train, if I'm not mistaken, this trip costs about 5 euros.
In the same Kavros we rented a car, the first time we rented a Hyundai Atos for 30 euros for 1 day, and the second time we rented a Peugeot 107 for 60 euros for 2 days. Here is another plus of the "low" season, there are no problems with rental, when you want to come, take it, and also at reasonable prices. I personally really liked their mini-cars, and especially their consumption, driving more than 500 km on 20 liters is very economical, especially when you consider the price of gasoline at 1.8 euros per liter)))
On the first day of renting a car, we went to the port of Kissamos, from there by ship for 22 euros per person to the island of Gravmousa with a fortress and the island of Balos (southwestern part of Crete). Very interesting, very beautiful places, BUT you need to choose the weather well. Firstly, sailing there on huge waves (at least they seemed like that to me) is creepy. Secondly, while on the beach of Balos there was a very strong wind, and all the sand, like hundreds of small needles, dug into the skin. Before the trip, I had already read about it somewhere, but I didn’t attach any importance, I didn’t think that it could be so uncomfortable. The islands themselves are simply amazing. The ascent to the fortress is difficult, the steps are destroyed in places, but it is worth climbing, breathtaking views open from the top.
The bad weather at the hotel continued, and we again went for the car. We drove Peugeot to Falasarna, then we wanted to get to Elafonisi, but when we arrived at Falasarna beach, we decided to stay there. Fascinating, calm, the sea playing under the rays of the sun with different colors, golden sand with pink splashes and a very small number of people on the beach, what else is needed for relaxation...
The next day we visited the palace at Knossos. Entrance costs 6 euros, if you wish, you can use the services of a guide. Personally, I'm not a big fan of walking through the ruins, but I liked it here. From there we went to the monastery of Priveli, in the southern part of Crete. The monastery itself is located in a picturesque place, on the territory there is a mini-zoo, a museum, and in the temple itself there is a shrine revered by Christians - the Miraculous Cross. Entrance to the territory of the monastery - 2.5 euros. From Priveli we went to Plakias beach, also a pretty beautiful place, but the waves and cold water discouraged us from swimming in the Libyan Sea and we returned to the hotel. And in the evening we swept through the evening Rethymno, nothing special, but you can take a walk.
And finally, what would a visit to Greece be like without Santorini. The tour was bought from street agencies for 136 euros + 12 euros (transfer to Rethymno). The trip is exhausting (left the hotel at 6.30 returned at about 10), but it's worth it. We sailed on the Speedliner for about 3 hours one way. On the island itself, accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide, we went to the cities of Oia and Fira, and then to Kamari beach with black sand. It makes no sense to describe all these places, they just need to be seen! No wonder this island was recognized as the most beautiful on Earth! The only disadvantage of such an excursion is very little time, 8 hours of stay on the island flew by so quickly, if possible, then, of course, it is better to go there for 2 or more days.
Crete is a truly bewitching place that draws you in, and where you definitely want to return, where every piece of land, every village is full of legends, its sights and stories. After that, you understand how little you saw, and how much is still unknown, secret and beautiful, which you would definitely like to know...
Before this trip, I had a dream to visit Greece. After that my dream was to go back there!
