Island life…
28th July 2016
I love the Greek Islands; crystal clear water, secluded beaches, cute tavernas, meze platters and the odd glass of ouzo… yes, island life is most definitely for me. So, when my housemate suggested heading to Crete for her 25th birthday I jumped at the chance to explore another one of Greece’s retreats.
Crete felt quite different from the islands I’d visited before, a little more rugged than the white and blue serenity of Mykynos and Santorini, but still completely beautiful. We stayed near Chania, an old port town that reflects Crete’s long history of colonisation in its really interesting mix of architecture, prominently Venetian but with distinctive Turkish elements.
Old doors, boat houses, crumbling churches and fisherman selling natural sea sponges, the perfect setting to while away a few hours with a bowl of olives and a glass of Aperol Spritz just watching the sailboats gently cruise the famously blue Cretan sea.
Walking inward away from the more touristy sea-front restaurants, you come on to a maze of narrow streets. It’s definitely one of my favourite things about old European towns. When I was young my parents used to draw chalk arrows on the city walls or stone floors, a little treasure trail to dinner. We’d excitedly run around the winding streets getting lost and going in circles, eventually finding my mum or dad sitting at one of the rustic wooden tables lined up outside an old taverna, bread, oil and balsamic waiting.
Yellows and pinks seemed to replace the classic blue and white backdrop that I remembered. Potted plants flowed over balconies and balanced precariously on window sills. Vines grew up buildings and laundry lay on washing lines strung between windows. Mixed bricks, painted shutters and ornate metal balconies – it was a real jumble of textures, materials and styles but it all seemed to work together so effortlessly. I really loved this peachy pink wall and cacti at the apartment we were staying in, it reminded me of that cool Californian style I love so much.
A little expedition driving along nerve-racking winding roads, passing pretty hilltop towns and roadside stalls selling homemade olive oil, raki and honey, took us to the incredible rugged coastline. Balos and Elafonisi, although a little windy, definitely lived up to their postcard reputation. Wandering through the dunes on Elafonisi I came across a more secluded part of the beach, parasols and sun loungers were replaced by bat and balls and picnic blankets…this was my kind of beach.
I strolled along the the waters edge, my feet half covered by lapping waves leaving fleeting footprints in the famous pink sand. I watched local Cretans enjoying a late Sunday afternoon dip and seagulls fly overhead. It’s only when you get to go back to the sea that you realise how much you love it, everything seems simpler, calmer, I just feel content. Yes, island life is most definitely for me.
