Crete Day 1

Since our flight has been delayed it was already 4 p. m. when we landed in Iraklio. The airport isn't huge but incredibly crowded and chaotic. After we've picked up our baggage we went to the Sixt booth to retrieve the car we've rented. We got some route information and of it goes. The traffic was very chaotic. It seems there were no lanes - everybody drove where they wanted. Originally it was a 2 lane road but there were 3 or sometimes 4 cars in the lanes.

After a 1 1/2 drive we arrived at the Hotel Coral in Matala. Since it was hot - even in the evening - we decided to have a bath in the pool.

After refreshing ourselves we wandered around the village for first impressions and a nice restaurant for dinner. We didn't had a clue about a great restaurant so we choose a nice one right beneath the church. It was a good choice. Food, red wine and beer were excellent.

After dinner we've made a detour to the caves before we went back to the hotel for some sleep after an exhausting day.

 

From September 12 until September 19, 2008 my bf and me flew over to Crete. It was our first time there and we were very excited. Since we are not fond of huge hotels and all-inclusive-holidays we booked a little hotel in the suburb of Matala. Although it's just a 2* house the reviews were great and we weren't disappointed. The owner was very kind, the rooms were clean and the breakfast was ok.

Matala is famous because of its caves. In the 1960s lots of hippies from all over the world lived there. Today it's only crowded by tourists ;) I learned that the caves  originally were made during the younger stone age as houses. Later they became a roman cementry.They are worth a visit especially at night when they are spotlighted.

Matala itself isn't very exciting. It's a small village with lots of taverns, shops and hotels. The beach isn't great at all.

I can recommend the hike to "Red Beach". Although it's exhausting with the heat it's really worth it. In the middle of the village you'll find a little sign. It leads you up to the cliffs. The walk is about 30 minutes. Don't forget a had there's no shade up there!!!