I have heard it claimed that Chania is the most beautiful city in Crete, even in Greece. These are quite some claims to make, but that anyone would consider making them should tell us something about the town. It is effortlessly sublime.Richard Clark, Crete, A Notebook.

A final meander along the headland and beaches to Chania,with no other purpose than to enjoy the views and just walking…

The walk takes just under an hour,proceeding at a leisurely pace.

Flowers and plants are still to be found even in the driest of sand and rock.

Eventually,you come upon some low key hotel development but the beach is still accessible as you near the city.

And a sweep of whitesward atop the rocks.

Kandylakia – shrines often but not always found by roadsides – this one was on a Restaurante terrace – Although road accidents are mostly the reason for placing these shrines, on numerous occasions they are placed as a promise and a gesture of thankfulness. They celebrate miracles and those who survived dedicate a kandylaki to their patron saint.

It is a custom that every anniversary relatives and loved ones pay a visit to the shrine which draws upon the ecclesiastical tradition. This tradition represents the Greeks outlook on religion, family ties, remembrance of family history, culture and finally fate. These unique roadside shrines are there to remind us to appreciate every second and every opportunity to be alive. ( From “ Flymetothemoontravel.com”

Chania is small enough to wander the enticing side streets and alleyways without ever worrying about getting lost.

Apparently it’s good for shopping,too.

The coffee in Crete is excellent and this one was no exception,enjoyed in a favourite cafe.

Bus number 13 to Souda Bay – this proved to be an unlucky choice as much of it is off limits – no photography – A massive NATO base. There is also a huge,allied cemetery .

You can walk close by the ferry port.

Wikipedia provides basic information : Souda Bay is a bay and natural harbour near the town of Souda on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. The bay is about 15 km long and only two to four km wide, and a deep natural harbour. It is formed between the Akrotiri peninsula and Cape Drapano, and runs west to east. The bay is overlooked on both sides by hills, with a relatively low and narrow isthmus in the west near Chania.

There are quays for both ferries and cruise ships.

Penultimate day was mainly spent on the beach, with a final meal out at Talos.

Cretans, well, most Greeks I know it seems, have little appreciation of the concept of timed arrangements, or indeed the passage of time itself. That morning I noticed that the church bells rang six times at seven o’clock, when I commented on this to Dimitri he just smiled and said ‘God is slow…’

Philip Mann, Second Wind, Journey to a new life in Crete.