A few days ago I returned from Greece and I would like to share my impressions with you. On the 12th of September our plane landed in Heraklion, Crete’s capital. We were met by the driver, who was very friendly, and we started our journey along the shore. Unfortunately, we were not able to enjoy the beauty of the place, as it started to get dark quite soon.
We had to drive for two hours, but we were not tired. Villea Village means «Villa- village» and it’s located amidst the blooming gardens of Makrigialos, which means «long shore». It is a quiet place, about 100-150 meters from the sea, far from all the noise and commotion.
The sea was just great – warm, calm and transparent. I was amazed by the beach, as I have never seen a beach like that: pebblestones on the shore and then the sand. You enter the sea, and for the first few meters you walk on pebbles, and only then you start feeling the sand.
On the embankment, to the right of the hotel, there are plenty of taverns, where in the evening you can hear local music playing. On the left-hand side you can see various restaurants and European-style shops. On the first photo you can see the view of the sea and the mountains, and then there is a photo of the hotel room.
The rooms are clean, equipped with mini-kitchens which have all the necessary things.
Thursday nights there were grill-parties organized in the bar. You have to book a table in advance, and then the waiters and the cooks come, bringing raw meat and fish with them, and grill whatever you choose. The music is playing and there are candles burning, which makes it all very romantic. During those parties the guests get to know each other.
We have also visited the aquarium which is located close to Heraklion. We returned late at night, tired but happy.
I would also like to say a few words about our Crete tour. We went to Heraklion. The road to the city was very picturesque. The sea and the mountains can’t leave you indifferent. We have stopped on the way to visit some ancient monasteries: the male monastery of St. George and the female monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, from which an icon of the same name had been stolen three times, but it always returned to where it belongs.
Later on we went to the Cave of Zeus, making stops on the way to click some pictures. Picture 1 shows a place which is 600 meters above the sea level. We also passed small villages with windmills and local taverns.
In order to get to the Cave of Zeus, one has to go up the mountain. The tourists are taken there in carriages driven by donkies, and I also didn’t miss my chance to try this means of transportation. After we visited the cave, we went down walking. On the picture you can see the donkeys and me resting on the way. Below us is the Lassinia valley. In Heraklion we visited an open-air museum – the Palace of Knossos.
I would also like to share my impressions from visiting the mountain village of Pevki. In a local tavern we were introduced to the traditional Cretan songs and dances, and all the guests could participate in the dances, if they wanted.
Greece has so much to offer, you can find here anything you want and tailor your vacation as you wish. We enjoyed everything: the quiet and cozy hotel, the friendly staff, the warm and clean sea. We will never forget this trip.