This was one of the most beautiful and craziest days we experienced in Crete during our three-week trip around the island (June 2017).
It feels like just this morning, we picked up our rental Opel at Agia Marina and set off with no destination in mind, just exploring the island. We had a lovely breakfast at Cafe Mixail Malandrakis in Kalydonia, spent some time at the beautiful beaches near Kissamos, followed a rough route to Balos Beach, turned back, and enjoyed one of the best Cretan meals at Gramvousa in Kaliviani. We also found a cafe with a spectacular view and even met a donkey at Beata's Orange Juice Bar.
Sounds like a lot? Nope, it wasn’t nearly enough! By the end of the day, we had visited at least three more beaches—although, admittedly, I lost track of their names (just captured the moments in photos). Late in the evening, we booked a room at the 4-star Libyan Hotel in Palaiochora (Top Hotels and Apartments to Book in Palaiochora, Crete). And as if that wasn’t enough, a wrong route (thanks, Google) led us off-road, literally—some 900 meters above sea level.
That’s what I call independent travel! In today’s Piece of Life photo series, here’s a small glimpse of a whirlwind afternoon in Crete. Crazy, stupid, love!
Rocky beaches in Crete
Beautiful scenery with flowers and small rock formations, almost like a miniature version of El Torcal, which we explored a year ago: In Search of El Torcal - Wilderness in Spain. These secluded, rocky Cretan beaches also remind me of the beaches near the Black Sea. See: Postcards from Batumi, Georgia.
Beautiful, non-touristic beach in Crete
Rumor has it, this beach was popular among hippies in the 1970s. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep a record of the name.
Our rental Opel
This car went through a lot of rough roads that day.
Chasing sunset in Crete
Another beautiful beach in Crete, captured in stunning HDR as we chased the sunset. See: Chasing Sunset Photography with a Strong Foreground (Pāvilosta / Jūrkalne).
Girl and the sea
I have the most beautiful girl to photograph. See: Postcards from Chania.
Culmination for the night
Our car at the top of the hill. Thanks, Google Navigation :)