QUICK LOOK:
Location: Malia
Main Attractions: Agios Nikolaos, Ammos Beach, Paralia Kitroplatia, Potamos Beach, Heraklion Venetian Port, Rocca a Mare Fortress, Church of Agios Titus, Theotokopoulos Park
Transportation: Walking, car
CRETE - We made it to Crete! The largest island in Greece, Crete stretches about 160 miles (260 km) from east to west. It has mountains that reach over 8,000 feet in elevation, but those same mountains eventually meet with beautiful sandy and pebble-strewn beaches.
When we landed, it was quite windy. When there was turbulence on the plane, I reached over to both girls and Noe goes, “No. I’m okay, Mama,” not realizing it’s really Mama that wasn’t feeling perfectly okay (I can’t recall if I mentioned this in a previous post, but my motion sickness has increased significantly since having our girls). That being said, the sun was out and the girls were ready to enjoy the pool at the Real Palace (a nice family-owned hotel in Malia and only about 20€ per night) immediately. We had purchased inexpensive inflatable donuts back in Kotor for them to use once we got to a pool. However, we didn’t realize how small they were and, although appreciative of them, the girls didn’t feel comfortable swimming in them. Thankfully, this sweet group from Manchester let our girls use their bigger inflatable donuts. They even gave them to the girls when they left, but we left them for others to use. Pay it forward.
While in Crete, we definitely moved beyond the pool. Since we were staying in Malia, a town we later discovered is known for its nightlife (not dissimilar to Budva, in a sense), and the island of Crete is quite extensive and without public transportation, we rented a car (yes - I embarrassingly drove manual for the first time in my life. Don’t get excited, though. It was only in the parking lot and only to turn and park our car. Thankfully, I didn’t stall it or crash it. So, I would say it was a success). My parents were still traveling with us, so we rented two cars—Panda Fiats.
Our first full day, we took our Pandas to the east side of the island to Agios Nikolaos where we explored the area near its well-known Lake Voulismeni. After a delicious lunch at Karnagio, we headed to the beach. The first beach we stopped by was Paralia Kitroplatia, a small rocky beach by several restaurants. We didn’t plan to stay long, but up some steps and around the corner from the beach was a spectacular viewpoint of Mirabello Bay. If we continued long enough on that path, it seemed we could make it to Ammos Beach. But, the trek seemed a bit too far for the girls’ little legs. So, we hopped in our Pandas and headed over. I am so glad we did because this beach was perfect for Vienna and Noe. The waters reached just over Brad’s knees thirty to forty feet out, the waves were docile, and the sand was soft. We had to stay for a while because there was no way the girls were going to leave anytime soon.
The next day, we took our Pandas more west toward the major town of Heraklion (also home to the airport we landed in). We enjoyed strolling through its town, but our favorite part was walking the path of the Rocca a Mare Fortress just off of the Heraklion Venetian Port. With beautiful sea views and a nice walking path, it was a great way to end our time in Heraklion. After we got back, we headed to dinner at a place called Zorbas (Pizzeria and Family Taverna). I give all credit to Brad for this one. He found it the day prior while we were walking and wanted to try it out. I am so glad we did because we had one of our best meals there (and we would again the following evening). Their slow roasted dishes (you could choose chicken, lamb, or pork) were one of the finest and the fava bean dip became a family favorite quickly.
Side note (about cats): Much like Montenegro, cats are a plenty in Greece. Except in Greece, we experienced at several restaurants a single cat coming to wait at our table for food. Of course, restaurants do not want you to feed them to avoid them coming back; but, we saw them feed them later outside. Seriously, though, we would find one in nearly every restaurant. One even jumped onto my dad while he was eating. As you might have guessed, our girls loved seeing them (but not petting them). For me, the more I saw how the cats interacted with people, the more I realized how similar our girls are to cats. Obviously, they aren’t exactly like cats, but just humor me:
Both are cautious around people.
Both come closer to people when they see a snack they like.
Both like fish.
Both like climbing…everything.
Both like jumping/pouncing.
Both get easily scared/jumpy around loud noises.
Both prefer to be independent, but will cuddle when it’s time for a good solid nap or sleep.
Our girls aren’t what you would call animal people. They appreciate them, but from afar. Cats are the only animals I see them approach independently and it’s probably because cats tend to try to run away instead of come toward you. They let you in their space only when they are truly comfortable. Basically, I really think our girls are like cats. It’s no wonder cats are their comfort animal.
On our final full day, we headed a little past Malia Beach to Potomos Beach. It was a windier day, but I am glad we made it there because it was quite picturesque. Potomos Beach had long stretches of sand with large groups of rocky formations that, as a result, created what seemed to be little rocky tide pools. Our girls enjoyed “rock climbing” and wetting their feet even on this windy day. Like I mentioned above, we had dinner at Zorbas again—a perfect end to our evening and trip.
Side note (about Robot): every time we travel by air with Robot, Robot gets his routine security screening. He goes through the x-ray machine, they put it aside, Vienna goes up with one of us to watch him get inspected, he gets a little “bath” (that’s what she calls his wipe down), they ask if I know what is inside, I tell them I have never cut him open but that we get stopped every time and that we think it’s a doorstop or bookend, and then they laugh and give him to Vienna.
Our departure from Crete was different. This was the only airport security that asked multiple personnel, including the security manager, to inspect it. Honestly, I wasn’t so sure they would give it back to us. Vienna was trying to be brave, but you could see her tearing up. Finally, after the manager’s approval (who seemed totally fine with Robot and almost seemed as if calling her was unnecessary), the employees smiled and kindly handed it back to our teary-eyed Vienna. What a relief.
After that, we had a big conversation about the potential of sending it back home with my parents in their luggage, checking Robot in more (only when we can), or continuing to bring him on the airplane but risking his getting taken away. None of the options were great for Vienna, but she was willing (even though she was crying just talking about it). So, we brainstormed and came up with a different plan: open him up (I would have done it earlier, but he’s made of real leather. So, it’s not easy to sew him back up) via his bottom seam, empty out his mysterious remains (it’s only the lower half of the body and legs), fill him with cotton pads, and then patch him back up with tape and bandages. Once we got to Milan, we executed our plan. It was serious business (sorry, I didn’t get photos). We cut his thread and found the mysterious beads. I am still not sure what they were. They were tiny and black like chia seeds, but they seemed to be coated with some magnetic paint. It even stained my fingers for a while. After we emptied his lower half out as much as possible, we filled him up with cotton pads, and bandaged him up.
Our next few travel days are via train, so we don’t have to worry about security. But, I am eager to know how he will fair going through security since he probably still has a few “beads” lingering in there and we don’t know if his legs are filled with them. When we fly again, we will be sure to update you. For now, Robot has lost nearly 4 pounds and Vienna is loving carrying him everywhere again.
Thank you, Crete, for the beautiful beaches, delicious meals, fun swim parties, new friends, and relaxing times.
Τα λέμε!
I’m enjoying your blogs. So thankful you’re sharing all your adventures with us. Fun following your travels on a map. Special memories for a special family.
Crete is sublime. You publish such beautiful pictures, we almost feel we are there. Such a valuable experience for the family. Give your parents our love. Continue to have fun!