Home from home, well almost
Crete can offer a great change of pace from Cyprus in what are almost familiar surroundings. But make sure you check the small print if you are booking a package deal
“I’m pretty sure we’re going the wrong way,” I told my fianc? as I looked out of the car window and watched a never-ending row of trees pass by. The hotel was only 10 minutes away from the town centre and we’d been driving for half an hour and all I could see were those trees. It was our first night in Crete and we were lost. Obviously, we could’ve asked for directions but if you’ve ever been to Crete or any other Greek island, you’ll be aware of the fact that directions don’t come easy. Signs are planted anywhere and everywhere making no sense to anyone (locals don’t need them, so what’s the point in correcting them) and driving can turn into a nightmare. My seven-day, six-night holiday was not out like a luxury pull-out in Glamour.
Limited funds and fear of flying were the two main reasons we decided to go to Crete this year. I hadn’t left Cyprus in over a year, so suffering from island fever, the idea of holidaying anywhere away from home attracted me. I was told everything from the scenery to the traditions in Crete were similar those here. And so they were. However, everything seemed targeted at tourists, with souvenir shops literally pouring onto the pavements and restaurants, bars and caf?s being the main attraction. Is this how Cyprus is perceived? Have I become so jaded I fail to notice this appalling habit that has overpowered traditions in my own home country? Is this the real reason why places like Cyprus and Greece are so popular? I don’t think so.
When you visit a spot like Crete or Cyprus, you expect an exquisite cuisine and fine village wine, right? How about arriving and realising that every road you follow leads to the port where dozens of restaurants are situated advertising traditional Greek food but in reality you get slapped with cold French fries and fish my dog would even reject? Not nice! We decided to head for the villages to give the island a chance and taste some real food. Car? Check. Map? Check. We were off.
Chania, the town we were situated in, is known to be one of the most beautiful places on the island, leaving Iraklion – the capital – and Agios Nicolaos – the Agia Napa of Crete – behind. We avoided the main attractions and headed into what seemed like the end of nowhere. The map showed a main road that ran through a dozen or so villages before leading to a very popular beach. The ‘main’ road couldn’t have been more off road though and in our tiny Hyundai Atos we drove past wild goats scattered in the road, unfinished bridges and paths not fit enough for one car let alone two. I was enjoying an adventurous and interesting day. Even though most of the villages sited on the map consisted of no more than five houses, we decided to stop and try a traditional meal at a tiny taverna. Accompanied by singing cicadas and a hoarse cock, I tried mousaka and my fianc? opted for lightly fried goat. Delicious and educational, as the lady who owned the tavern told us that wasps and flies are attracted to meat so she ought to ‘burn some coffee’. Coffee smoking away showed up and not a single mosquito dared come near us. Tip of the day.
One of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean is Falassarna. Just like Konnos Bay in Protaras, this is reached by a winding road that meanders down to the sea and eventually reaches the deep blue waters where endless rows of sun beds await. Successful and notorious jam-packed beach parties are held on this particular beach every summer and people flock to this bay from all over Greece.
But the most exhilarating fact about Crete isn’t the beaches or the hotels and the views, it’s the shopping. Life is cheap in general but as far as shopping goes, you can fill your suitcases and still be left with a couple of euros for a gyro. A pair of Air Max Nike trainers could cost you up to £120 in Cyprus; I got the same pair of trainers from Crete for 95 euros (roughly £65). Amazing! Clothes and accessories shops are everywhere while you could fill you bags with beautiful handcrafted ornaments at one third of the price. It seems as though the Greeks are yet to discover pumping up prices like us Cypriots.
Crete is also a great place for relaxing if you decide to stick by the hotel enjoying the pool, the food and the entertainment. However, we had to do a bit more of this than we had planned. A delayed departure knocked the best part of a holiday as we were leaving and on the way back a flight after midnight meant we had to check out of our hotel rooms more than 12 hours before leaving the island. Although this is common practice when booking a package holiday it is well worth checking the facts before you leave as no amount of begging will get you a room for one more night in the middle of the season. Not even to dry your hair.
Will I complain? Yes I will. Do I regret it? No way! This was one out of the ordinary holiday!
