Friday, 15 July 2016

The Crete story

The Crete Story

 

So have just come back from a relaxing holiday in Crete. It is a lovely island and great for rustic photography. Here is a short summary of our holiday. 
Crete views

Elounda
Elounda beach
Views from Elounda beach


Relaxing in the sun

Clear waters



Perfect waters for snorkelling or diving

Happy Baby


Blue skies

Scenic Crete



Hotel: Elounda Mare hotel, Relais & Chateaux
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Hotel Entrance



Hotel views



Hotel Views

Hotel rooftops



Hotel views



Soaking in the sun



Hotel grounds



Love this little balcony



On the beach




Daddy-Daughter Day on the beach



Hotel beach



Elounda Peninsula (sister hotel) beach





This is a lovely hotel located on the beachfront in Elounda. It is a very rustic hotel with some amazing sea views and charming exterior. In addition, the hotel grounds are massive with amazing views and a lovely beach.


You can also use their nearby sister hotels for beaches or kids daycare. The hotel arranges a free shuttle anytime you ask for it.   

Reception Lounge

Hotel reception lounge

View from hotel reception



Hotel grounds



Baby had a lot of space to explore!


Miniature pomegranate tree!



Cutie running in the hotel grounds



..and her bunny!



Rustic




Walking in the lovely grounds

 


I was disappointed with the Breakfast, which is limited and very uninspiring for a Mediterranean hotel and extremely limited room service after 11 pm. However, they more than make up for it with delicious lunches and dinners and great service

Pool at Night





Hotel exterior



Enjoying the summer night outside our room





So overall it's a great hotel and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can’t wait to go back!


Pool Day

Love this view

Lounging in the sun



Hotel Grounds: Walk to the beach



Baby and Mommy swim time

It is a very quite hotel so I had the pool to myself most days!

Pool to myself




Water baby

Baby at Kid Club in Elounda Peninsula

Baby enjoying the gardens

Elounda town

Elounda Town centre



Elounda Port



Posing in the port


Baby loving the boats!

This a truly charming rustic Greek town with many local sovenier shops and authentic restaurants.


Elounda port


Food
Taverna Leonidas 
Rating; 5 out of 5


Taverna Leonidas exterior




Taverna Leonidas: Interior


This is a small Greek restaurant near Elounda bay. The food is very authentic and absolutely scrumptious. True taste of Mediterenean cuisine.

Stuffed Vine Leaves



Greek meatballs in tomato sauce



Stuffed peppers


In addition, the service is fantastic and very friendly
Highly recommend it.

Rustic charm

Accessorising



Taverna Vachus
Elounda
Rating: 3 out of 5

Taverna Vachus Exterior


This is a lovely restaurant located in Elounda village. The service is great and staff are very helpful and friendly. 
However, the food was disappointing. It was very average and catered for tourists. Some dishes were good while others very average
Hit and miss sort of place. 

Lamb kleftiko



Meatballs in tomato sauce



Mezze


Blue Sea Restaurant, Elounda
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blue Sea Restaurant Exterior

Views from Blue Sea Restaurant


This restaurant is by Elounda town beach area. The service and food were absolutely fantastic and the location is stunning. 

Grilled Fish Steak

Greek meatballs

Hummus and pita bread


In addition, they have high chairs for babies so that was great.
The Greek meatballs in tomato sauce were amazing! Highly recommend them.

Cocktails

Lunching on the Aegean!



TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Spinalonga Island
Rating: 4 out of 5


Spinalonga



Spinalonga



Spinalonga: Boat drop off







On the way to Spinalonga


Spinalonga is a small island near Elounda. Spinalonga has a long history due to its strategic location but up until the 1950s it was used as a leper colony and is also known as the leper island. It is the last European leper colony. 

Fort at Spinalonga



Views from Spinalonga



Gate to the Aegean



Aegean sea



Ruins of leper colony at Spinalonga



Views from Spinalonga



Fort at Spinalonga

Aegean



Rustic architecture


It is a fortified island about 20 min by boat from Elounda. You can get tickets from Elounda harbour for only €10 per person. However, the boats are not really on a particular schedule and no information is provided re pick up from the island so be preformed to wait - which can be very annoying in the heat. 
The island itself is uninhabited and has some stunning views. It also includes ruins of the leper colony and the fort.

Views of Crete



Admiring the views



Streets of Spinalonga



House in Spinalonga


Definitely worth a visit but the disorganised boats annoyed me.


Ruins at Spinalonga



Peering from old houses







Colourful doors



Rustic Blue









Relaxing after exploring the island



Scenic



View from fort at Spinalonga



Ruins of the leper colony at Spinalonga



Bye Bye, Spinalonga!


Agios Nikolaos
This is the main town of the Elounda region. It's bustling with shops and tourists and has some lovely silver jewelry to offer. 

Lake in Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos Town Centre


There are numerous restaurants and cafes along the marina and the lake so great place for shopping and chilling! 
However, prices can be greatly inflated on local wares compared to surrounding towns. 

Bracelets at local shops




Jewellery at local stores



Locally crafted and hand-knitted bags


Holiday style



Top: Miss Selfridge; Jeans: Zara; Sandals: Juicy Couture






Sandals: TK Maxx



Sandals: Prada; Hat: Local shops in Elounda



Kaftan: Elena Antoniadus; Sandals: Juicy Couture; Hat: Local selection



Top: Zara



Bikini: Michael Kors; Sandals: Juicy Couture



Dress: Dries Van Noten; Sneakers: Prada



Sandals: Prada



Dress: Selection at local shops; Bag: Mulberry; Belt: Versace




Top: H&M; Pants: Zara; Bag: Mulberry; Sandals: Juicy Couture

Sandals: Juicy Couture

Bag: Prada



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