Crete, Europe's Secret Caribbean

Most people dislike long haul flights (not to mention the price of them) and settle for holidays in Europe. Many of us would like to visit the Caribbean. Why travel that far when we have the Island of Crete? 

Lets take a look

Turquoise seas

Clear Lagoons

Sandy beaches

Quiet waters

Blue skies and sea

Fishing

Time to think and meditate as the sun goes down

Blue on blue

Sparkling waters

Sunny days

Enjoy lunch in a quiet bay (Delphini, Plakias)

Elefonissi lagoon

Tamarisk trees

The contrast on a sunny day in spring with snow still on Mount Ida

Tone on tone

How about a Frappe and a Cranberry juice as you relax and enjoy the view?

Melon and Feta salad with ouzo

Finish your day with a cocktail ( these ones courtesy of Cotton Club Georgioupolis)

Mambo at Bali - Review

Wandering around Bali we rather liked the look of this cafeteria. Mambo!

Overlooking the beach it had little private "tents" to relax in

We found a comfy sofa with a huge table filled with stones and shells (I want one!)

Decor was nautical, pale blue and white with rope and driftwood style light fittings

Some of the tables were made from old industrial trestles

It was quiet when we arrived as many people were on the beach, but it filled up for lunches - I think it will be really busy in the evenings!

A great view

Cosy corners ( I want one of these too!)

There were other "tents" down on the beach and across the road in the gardens.

We just wanted a snack and ordered courgette flowers, stuffed with mizithra ( a local cream cheese) battered and fried

Light and crispy, with a melting middle, served with tsatsiki

Along with fresh crusty bread, orange juice and beer it was a tasty snack

We enjoyed "people watching" as families had fun on the inflatable water park

You may like to know:

Service: Pleasant, friendly and efficient. 

Type of food: Cretan snacks. Good quality, well cooked and fresh.

Prices, Good for a seaside cafeteria

"Star ratings"- on the "Guzunder" scale 7.5.

- Clean, modern, doors have locks, toilet seats present, paper and paper towels available. 

No complementary items, but we had only had a snack.

Would we return? Yes, certainly, probably at the beginning or end of season and perhaps in the evening.

A visit to Bali. Diving with the seahorses

Have you visited Bali? No, not the Bali in Indonesia, there is another Bali right here in Crete!

This Bali, on the North coat of Crete, between Rethymnon and Heraklion has five small sandy coves, Livadi, Kouskouras, Limani (main harbour ), Varkotopos and Karavostasis. It is sheltered and idea for families.

Bali is believed to have been the port for the town of Axos during Minoan times 

Clear waters and sandy coves

Inflatable water park for all the family!

We enjoyed sitting back with a drink and watching the fun.

Cosy nooks for a rest

The beaches were very busy - it was the height of the season, but there was still space for those who wanted their own umbrella 

Here is a video from the diving centre of Bali showing sea horses just off shore