Our first full day on Crete we took the opportunity to enjoy the nearby Golden Beach. The water was warm and clear, but toward the afternoon the wind kicked up and our efforts to shade ourselves with our small umbrella began to fail. After that we stuck to renting sun loungers and more sturdy umbrellas from one of the small establishments lining the beach.
The water was really warm, as was the sun, but we spent a lovely day reading on the beach while drinking beer and periodically dipping into the water to cool off. The water of the bay is shallow very far out, so as a consequence, even if there seem to be a lot of people on the beach you can step in the water, drift out a couple hundred feet and be alone once again. Magical!
Golden Beach
Our second full day we decided to check out the old town of Chania, a short 10 minute bus ride from where we were staying. With the weather being so hot during the day (high 80’s-low 90’s mostly, with lots of humidity), we figured going earlier in the day would be best. That was the goal, however, even being there before noon we were drenched in sweat after only an hour or so.
Still, the old town was beautiful, with lots of shopping along the winding side streets, including lots of great handmade leather items.
And treat ourselves we did! I finally found a great red leather purse and Matthias found a new wallet. Niiiice.
A small plaza in the old town.
Chania Old Town.
Afterward we made our way to the harbor. The old town of Chania has reportedly been inhabited since Neolithic times and has undergone various changes of hands during its existence. The famous harbor (with its towering lighthouse imposing a gateway to the sea) was built during the period of Venetian rule from around 1200 until 1640ish.
The harbor is now the biggest attraction in town, with numerous restaurants lining the water’s edge.
Chania harbor.
We walked along the harbor, intending to walk to the lighthouse, not realizing the way forces one to go all the way around the harbor and back around on a rock wall.
Walking along the harbor wall.
The sea on the other side of the harbor wall.
Venetian lighthouse.
View of the harbor and lighthouse.
After boiling under the Greek sun for about 40 minutes, we gladly took refuge at one of the resturants by the water, where we had fabulous, fresh local salads. When we had sufficiently cooled off, we wandered the shady back streets of the old town back to the bus station.
One of the small boutiques.
From there we made our way back to our apartment outpost before cooling off in the sea and relaxing at home. The next day was going to be an adventure and we needed our energy!
Until Next Time,
Chelsea
Daheim is where das Herz is... 