To Crete after 43 Years…

Some atmospheric Cretan music to help set the scene.

Chania was the last place we stayed in 43 years ago and it has mixed memories of illness and delight.Now in September 2021 it is the location for an extensive stay of 11 days,a walkable few kilometres from the town, in Lotus Hotel Apartments. This will be the longest time I will have spent in one place,on holiday ever – complete contrast to the many years spent camping,motorhoming and occasional city breaks – I hope I can cope !

The day began early- 02.15 alarm – taxi to Birmingham International Airport at 03.00 for a 06.20 four hour flight to Chania. The airport was relatively quiet and getting through check-in and security was painless and well organised.

Highlight during the flight was the views over the Alps in bright sunshine.

After all the kerfuffle of Covid Jab documentation and Passenger Location Form filling, again, getting through to the baggage carousel was easy – presentation of passport,stamped, then a cursory glance at the aforesaid bumf in a hallway just beyond passport control by some other bored looking staff.

With a two hour time difference I realised ,how glad I was to have pre- booked the taxi to the apartment as we met our driver in the Arrivals hall,holding my name ( correctly spelt – wonders! ). He greeted us with friendly fist bump and in no time at all we were meandering along,past Souda Bay and it’s historic WWII grave yard, the second deepest port in the Med. according to our driver – there was a huge cruise ship moored – then a long a stretch of motorway and some narrow back roads to Karo Daratso.

Although it was early, the apartment was ready and after filling in a simple form at the desk, unpacked and impressed with our surroundings- shrubs and flowers,carefully maintained,plus a couple of pools . Right outside the apartment balcony were Orange and Lemon trees.

Soon we were ready to find coffee and a light lunch at the Loca cafe bar just down the road. Spoilt for choice round here. The friendly lady behind the bar directed us to the beach areas,down a very quiet tree lined road adjacent to the cafe. There were a number of small hotels and restaurants en route and many of the names I could recall from earlier searches on Booking.Com. I was impressed by the variety of vegetation and flowers along the way.

The way to the beaches was not far and after walking through a small, pinewood which opened up on to a small inlet with a fine, sandy beach. My immediate impression was that it was understated, yes there was a section with loungers and parasols to hire, paddle boats and a couple of bars,but not too sanitised,rough around the edges you might say but extremely clean and uncrowded. Apparently there are over 500 blue flag beaches in Greece.

Paralia Agii Apostoli beach.

A spot of shopping on the way back,followed by a rest at the peaceful apartment poolside – it is only 18.00, local time – a long,but enjoyable day so far. Next up is the challenge of “ Happy Hour “and where to have dinner.