I recently got back from a holiday in Crete, where I stayed in a small, quiet village called Gouves. Normally, I tend to travel to Spain or the Canary Islands, but with all the recent protests this year I decided to try the Greek island of Crete instead. Life on this island feels very different from back home. It is slower paced, there are no pushy waiters demanding money for the bill, and the atmosphere is overall friendlier and more relaxed.
When we arrived at our hotel around 11 o’clock in the evening there was no rush to check in or pay the tourist tax, which was a stark contrast to how we have been treated in Spain. Instead, the lovely lady at reception offered us a drink and showed us to our rooms. A wrap and an apple had been left out for us as we had missed dinner. The hospitality did not end there. Throughout our stay everyone was so welcoming, which is definitely a reason to return to this beautiful island.
This warmth was also clear in the way the community cares for the large number of stray cats living on the island. They could be a little annoying when we were trying to eat, begging at the table, but it was obvious from their shiny fur and full bellies that they are well looked after by locals. At our hotel I even saw huge bags of cat food and fresh meat pouches being given out. A small family of cats lived on the property, a mother and her six adorable kittens. One kitten had an infected eye, but the hotel called a vet to treat it, which was lovely to see.
Around the village it was common to spot trays of food and bowls of water left out for the cats. Some of them looked healthier than cats back home. I don’t usually stroke them, but one very friendly cat in the street won me over. He had a small clip in his ear which usually means he has been seen by a vet and vaccinated, so I felt safe. The way the community looks after its cats says a lot about the people here. To me, anyone who respects and cares for animals is highly admirable.
The beaches in the area were incredibly clean, with water so clear I could see exactly what my feet were standing on. The salt made it easy to float, which was such a relaxing feeling. There was a small charge for sunbeds, but again there was no pushy service. One gentleman simply said, “Relax, enjoy your time, I will come back later for the money.” That kind of trust is something I am not used to. Paying after you have used something feels completely the opposite of what I normally experience.
The food on the island was also lovely. Portions were huge and very fairly priced. As a vegetarian I was pleasantly surprised to find plenty of good options. Traditional Cretan salads are vegetarian, which made things simple, and my hotel also offered a number of vegan choices. As part of our stay, we were given one complimentary visit to the à la carte restaurant, and even there they were able to cater to my needs.
We took part in a couple of day trips and also explored the city of Heraklion. Our experiences were a bit mixed, and we actually found better value for money when we explored on our own rather than joining a group trip. That said, one clear highlight was experiencing a traditional Cretan evening in a small village up in the mountains. It was so memorable that I think it deserves its own post, so look out for that next.
Overall, my time in Crete was both relaxing and enjoyable. I can see why the island appeals to so many people as a holiday destination. I am already keen to return and explore even more, even though the plane ride over was a little bumpy.
Have you been to Crete or any of the other Greek islands? Let me know in the comments. Keep an eye out for more posts about Crete, as I have plenty more holiday stories to share.
Sincerely,
Catherine
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