Postcards from Crete

It was a last minute flight I caught to Chania, Crete in August 2013. I carried one hand luggage of 5 kg and I had no idea what I was going to do there, neither where my hostel was. As it turned out, the whole Crete adventure was one of the most exciting and surprising things that happened to me that summer (more in my next blog posts). I was seriously blown away by the scenery and landscape of Greece, its crystal clear turquoise water, soft white coarse sand and blue sky. Here are some of my photos from Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion I would like to share with you.

Postcards from Chania

Chania is located on the North Coast of West Crete. It features a perfect combination of stunning beaches, high mountains, deep gorges and small fertile plants.

The church in Chania, Crete
Local church in Chania
City center of Chania
City center of Chania

Chania is a very historical place with the fast-growing tourist industry. It is considered to be one of the most picturesque cities of Greece for the sake of its Venetian Harbour and the Old Town.

Fountain in Chania, Crete
Fountain, Chania
The Old Town, Chania
Chania Harbour
Chania Harbour, Crete
Chania Harbour, Crete

Nowadays, Chania is the second most populated city on the island, a city which has preserved its traditional architecture and most of its monuments from Venetian and Turkish times.

Lovely balcony in Chania
Lovely balcony
Local market in Chania
Local market
Venetian Harbour in Chania
Venetian Harbour

Chania is also famous for its the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants.

Dry octopus in Chania
Dry octopus
Venetian Harbour in Chania
Stunning Venetian Harbour

The Chania harbour is wonderful and at any particular time of day the light produces a different result, creating a very romantic atmosphere.

Venetian Harbour
Venetian Harbour
Dry fruits sold at the Venetian Harbour
Dry fruits sold at the Venetian Harbour

Postcards from Heraklion

Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. It is commonly known for its Knossos Palace which survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete.

Ancient painting on the wall in the Palace of Knossos
Ancient painting on the wall, the Palace of Knossos
The ancient ruins, the Palace of Knossos
The ancient ruins, the Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos
Ancient writing on the stone, the Palace of Knossos
Ancient writing on the stone, the Palace of Knossos

Postcards from RethymnonĀ 

Rethymnon is located on the north coast of Crete, between Heraklion and Chania. It is the third largest city of the island and is a fascinating combination of old and new- the Old Town vs. the New Town.

Local church in Rethymnon
Local church
Charming restaurant
Charming restaurant
The Harbour
The Harbour

Rethymnon is claimed by many to be the artistic and intellectual capital of Crete and is rich in culture and history.

The Venetian Harbour
The Venetian Harbour
The Venetian Harbour
The Venetian Harbour
A fridge magnet in Rethymno

Rethymnon is famous for its long sandy beach that stretches for miles towards the east.  Here you can find plenty of local hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and services catering for the summer tourist! Don’t forget to get a waterproof camera when you go snorkeling.

The church in Rethymno
The church in Rethymno
Delicious pastries in Rethymno
Delicious pastries
Blossoming flowers, Rethymno
Blossoming flowers
Street art in Rethymno
Street art
A beautiful beach in Rethymno
Beautiful beach!

Have you ever been to Crete? What was your first impression of Chania, Rethymnon or Heraklion?

See also  Xiushan Temples, Chongqing Province

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Agness Walewinder
Agness Walewinder
Travel freak, vagabond, photography passionate, blogger, life enthusiast, backpacker, adventure hunter and endless energy couchsurfer living by the rule "Pack lite, travel far and live long!"
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50 thoughts on “Postcards from Crete”

  1. Avatar of kami

    I’ve been planning to go to Greece so many times, especially that flight prices are so tempting, yet I haven’t ended up there yet. But it’s pretty high on my list and I’ll do my best to hopefully visit it next year! And after seeing these pics I think Crete might be a really good choice!

  2. Avatar of noelfy

    My arrival in Crete was also unexpected!! We supposed to dock in Athens, but back in 2010 it was a huge strike in El Pireus Athens port and we had to divert last minutes…Our guests were so upset! But I was amazed but the opportunity of visiting Chania, even last minute and sacrificing sleeping hours as usually!! Well worthing!!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Wow, that must have been an awesome journey! I didn’t make it to Athens unfortunately. The flights were expensive and the ferry was overloaded with tourists. I didn’t have enough time either, preferred to see some places in Crete! :)

  3. Avatar of The Guy

    Wonderful pictures Agness, it looks stunning in the sunshine. Also great to hear that an impulse trip turned out to be so rewarding. I look forward to your future articles on Crete.

    I wish I could pack as light as you!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Many thanks! Cez taught me how to pack light and yes, random decisions often turn out to be the best ones! (especially when it comes to travelling).

  4. Avatar of Stefania - the Italian Backpackers

    Hey, beautiful photos! I like the ones about the market in Chania. Unfortunately when I was there (just one day) the weather was so-so. I had planned to stop in Rethymonon on my way to Heraklion, but I ended up having a late night and therefore not an early start as I had wished. I had a lovely time in Heraklion anyway: the night life isn’t so bad at all!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Thanks Stefania! The best time to visit Greece is definitely summer, although it was a bit too hot in August. Heraklion was great indeed. I missed out Athens though, not enough time.

  5. Avatar of Mike

    Hi Agness, I’ve never been to Crete but with the weather turning colder here it looks sooooo inviting right now! Those ancient ruins look amazing! Wow, the history…I love stuff like that always. I would want to eat outdoors at one of the tables at that restaurant and have a pastry most definitely! Awesome photos :)

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Thanks a lot Mike. Crete is hot all year long so when you start freezing book your flight to Greece and here you are!

  6. Avatar of Marisol@TravelingSolemates

    Hi Agness,
    I haven’t been to Crete but I’m definitely going there sometime! Keith and I got married in Santorini and our plan is to go back to Greece during one of our anniversary trip. And we would like to spend sometime in Crete during that trip. Thanks for this lovely photo essay. The photos are gorgeous and very inspiring. It’s also nice to learn about some of the different villages in the island.

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      What!? Did you get married in Santorini? I’ve heard a lot of nice stories about this place. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to go there :-(. That must have been an amazing wedding. Thank you xx

  7. Avatar of Kathryn Burrington

    I’ve been to Crete a couple of times but it was a long, long time ago. Really longing to go back as I loved everything about it. Food, people, scenery and the history, oh and did I mention the food!
    These are lovely photos that bring back happy memories. Are you on Flickr, by the way?

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Yes, I also found Crete a perfect place. No, I’m not on Flickr. Just joined Pinterest and Stumble Upon so I need to get more familiar with them first :).

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