Crete: An Island of Legends and Endless Blue

Aug 31

5 min read

In the heart of the eastern Mediterranean lies Crete, the largest Greek island and a place where history, mythology, breathtaking nature, and the Mediterranean way of life seem to meet at every turn.

To the north of Crete lies the Cretan Sea, a regional sea within the Aegean Sea. To the west, it meets the Ionian Sea, while to the south, the Cretan Sea gives way to the Libyan Sea, part of the Mediterranean.

Chania. This beautiful coastal city is known for its old Venetian harbor, narrow streets, and the fascinating mix of cultures that have shaped it over the centuries.

Chania, Crete

Crete was also home to the Minoan civilization, one of Europe’s earliest civilizations, which flourished more than 5,000 years ago. The remains of the magnificent Palace of Knossos still remind us of a time when people lived here whose stories would later become part of some of the most famous myths of ancient Greece.

An Island of Legends

Crete is also the birthplace of some of the most famous legends of ancient Greece. The story of King Minos, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth, and Theseus is perhaps the best known, while Ariadne’s golden thread has become a timeless metaphor for finding a way through even the most difficult maze.

Agia Apostoli: Our Little Corner of Crete

My husband, our daughter, and I stayed in Agia Apostoli, just outside Chania, the second-largest city in Crete. From the beginning, we loved the location. It had beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and was still close enough to the city to explore it easily.

We spent time at Iguana Beach, Yannis Beach, and Golden Beach. All three are sandy and tucked into sheltered bays, so during our stay there was very little wind and hardly any waves. That was something we especially enjoyed.

Crete, Agia Apostoli, Iguana Beach

My favorite was Golden Beach. Even in the afternoon, during our stay in mid-August, the water was still beautifully clear and perfect for swimming.

Crete, Agia Apostoli, Golden Beach

I would especially recommend Yannis Beach Place. With a drink or a meal, you can practically spend the whole day there by the beach. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. It was one of those places where you easily stay much longer than you originally planned.

Crete, Agia Apostoli, Yannis Beach

Chania: Venetian Charm and a Little Shopping

Of course, we set aside a whole day to explore Chania. This beautiful coastal city is known for its old Venetian harbor, narrow streets, and the fascinating mix of cultures that have shaped it over the centuries.

Chania, Crete

The old Venetian harbor is the heart of the city, and its most recognizable landmark is the lighthouse. It was built by the Venetians in the late 16th or early 17th century and was later restored during the short period of Egyptian rule over Crete. That is why it is also known as the Egyptian Lighthouse.

Chania, Crete

Walking around the old harbor is a wonderful experience. Venetian buildings, narrow streets, old fortifications, the sea, and small restaurants create an atmosphere that makes you feel as if time has slowed down.

Chania, Crete

And then, of course, there was our daughter. 😊

For her, Chania was also the perfect place for a little shopping. For a reasonable price, she even managed to bargain for a beautiful black leather jacket and a bag. The leather sandals she found on sale were another great purchase. Everything she bought was made in Italy, which made her even happier.

So we each took something different home from Chania: I brought back photos, memories, and stories, while she brought back her little fashion collection.

Marathi Beach

We also visited beautiful Marathi Beach on the Akrotiri Peninsula. Unfortunately, we chose a Saturday and arrived after 11 a.m., when the beach was already quite crowded. If I were giving advice to someone visiting, I would definitely say: come early.

Crete, Marathi Beach

Still, the crowds could not take away from what makes this beach special. The sea was crystal clear, calm, and absolutely wonderful for swimming. Marathi is one of those places where you simply get into the water and forget about everything else for a while.

Balos and Gramvousa: A Day We Will Remember

One of the highlights of our trip was the boat trip to Balos. Even the journey there is part of the experience, and when you finally see the lagoon, it is easy to understand why Balos is one of the most famous places in Crete.

Balos lies on the northwestern coast of the island, along the Cretan Sea. Its shallow, crystal-clear waters seem to change color at every turn: from blue and turquoise to emerald green and almost transparent shades where the water meets the pale sand. The combination of white sand, countless shades of blue and green, and the surrounding wild landscape makes Balos look almost unreal.

Crete, Balos lagoon

Seeing all those shades of blue, turquoise, and green from the water was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.

After Balos, our boat took us to the island of Gramvousa.

Balos and Gramvousa are part of the Natura 2000 network, protecting this remarkable natural environment.

Gramvousa is especially interesting because behind its natural beauty lies a fascinating and turbulent history. The island is often associated with pirates, but the real story is more complicated than the legend.

Island of Gramvousa

During the Greek uprising against the Ottoman Empire, Cretan rebels captured the fortress of Gramvousa. The island was later isolated and placed under an Ottoman blockade. Cut off by Ottoman forces and with very limited supplies, the people living on Gramvousa eventually turned to raiding passing merchant ships out of desperation.

Island of Gramvousa

This is how Gramvousa became associated with piracy, and the legend of the “pirate island” eventually became part of its identity.

Today, it is hard to connect this beautiful landscape with such a turbulent past. Yet that contrast is exactly what makes Gramvousa so fascinating. Behind its turquoise waters and rocky shores lies a story of struggle, isolation, and survival.

Crete on a Plate

Crete is not only an island you explore – it is an island you discover through food as well.

We had a wonderful culinary experience at Pergola restaurant in Agia Apostoli. We tried halloumi cheese, shrimp, swordfish, and traditional Cretan spinach pies. Everything was delicious and generously served – exactly what we wanted from a Mediterranean meal: simple, fresh, and meant to be enjoyed without rushing.

And there was a lovely little surprise at the end of our meal. The waiter brought us a complimentary shot of local raki and ice cream. For our daughter, instead of raki, they served a colorful fruit drink in a tiny raki glass. It was such a simple and thoughtful gesture, but it made the whole experience even more memorable.

Wonderful culinary experience

Perhaps food is one of the best ways to keep a travel memory alive. Later, you don't remember only what you saw. You remember the tastes, the smells, the little conversations around the table, and those small gestures of hospitality that make you feel welcome.

Crete is a large island, and although we explored some of its most beautiful places, there is still so much more to discover.

We would happily return one day and explore the parts of Crete we did not have the chance to see this time: different beaches, landscapes, and towns, and perhaps experience another side of this fascinating island.

For now, we are taking home beautiful memories, plenty of photographs, and the feeling that Crete is a place we could easily visit again.

Until next time, Crete.❤️

Crete: An Island of Legends and Endless Blue

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