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.
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.
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.
Chania is also famous for its the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants.
The Chania harbour is wonderful and at any particular time of day the light produces a different result, creating a very romantic atmosphere.
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.
Postcards from Rethymnon
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.
Rethymnon is claimed by many to be the artistic and intellectual capital of Crete and is rich in culture and history.
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.
Have you ever been to Crete? What was your first impression of Chania, Rethymnon or Heraklion?
50 thoughts on “Postcards from Crete”
We love Crete. Chris traveled there when he was in lived in Sicily since it was just a short flight away. They water is gorgeous and the people are friendly. We have been talking about going back for a while now. Great pictures by the way…stunning.
That’s true. Locals were extremely kind and friendly to us! Thank you!
I love the photo of the beach!! I’m very protective of my personal space at the beach (must have something to do with living on an island where cruise ships stop…ugh…) and that looks like a good solution!
I fell in love with the beaches. I did some jogging there and sunbathing :)
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!
It’s a great choice! Rayanair has really cheap flights from Wroclaw, so you definitely gotta go there!
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!!
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! :)
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!
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).
Great photos! Makes me feel like I’m there with you.
Thank you! That’s what I wanted to do – take you all with me!
Great pics – especially the ones of the Venetian Harbor. And those pastries look delicious!
Thanks! These pastries were so good, especially with iced latte :)!
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!
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.
The blue in these postcards and pictures is just out of this world!!!!
All Crete is about blue and white colors :)
Excellent pics … something about the church exterior ..
Thank you Rachel!
Great stuff, and no I have not been there. I am having to be there vicariously. ;O)
Thanks Kymee. You definitely need to go there one day, absolutely stunning! (hope the photos prove it :)).
Gorgeous photos! What more can you ask for – stunning scenery, architecture and beaches and all those delicious pastries. This is a beautiful, underrated gem.
Thank you Mary. That’s so true. Crete makes all your dreams come true :).
I still don’t understand why I haven’t been to Greece yet, what am I waiting for????
Don’t ask me! :P Take Dave and go there right away!!!
Looks fab! I can´t wait to go to Greece!
Awesome!
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 :)
Thanks a lot Mike. Crete is hot all year long so when you start freezing book your flight to Greece and here you are!
Venetian Harbour looks so beautiful and cozy and magical!
It looks even more beautiful when you are there and look at it :). STUNNING!
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.
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
Lovely photos! I traveled there in 2008 and absolutely loved it! I was surprised at all the stray dogs on the street, which seemed to be the norm in Athens, as well.
Looks like everyone loves Crete, including me!
I have never been to Crete but after looking at your photos I could picture myself there right now!
So incredibly picturesque!!
I have a thing for places by the water..
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?
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 :).