Page 42 - BLUE INK 2019

THe DesTiNaTioN MeMo

Eerie Remnant – Spinalonga in Lasithi, a fortress islet which housed a leprosarium,
was the setting of a 2005 novel by Victoria Hislop.

Anyone who hAs traveled to Crete will attest to the and harder-to-reach beaches possess a wild, untainted beauty
magic of this island, seen in its wild, fragrant landscape, stun- that speaks to the soul. Back on Crete, stefanos beach north-
ning waters and beaches – welcoming or hidden away. There east of Chania is also very popular. Three parallel, oblong bays
are mountains and gorges, ancient ruins and contemporary form beaches sheltered from the waves – the northernmost
landmarks, valleys and plains, olive groves and colorful gar- one is perhaps the most special. You can get here by car, fol-
dens... Then, there’s the unique charm of Cretan lifestyle, lowed by a small hike. Nearby, Agios Pavlos beach has dunes
from the long hours of chatting over raki and delicious meze towering over it – part of why it was voted as the best beach
to spontaneous feasts with old and new friends at village in Rethimno! The land caves and warm waters make it ideal
squares and out in nature. almost throughout the year. Try to stay long enough to watch
the sun set over Mt. Thronos.
seA, sAnd And surf There’s also world-renowned Matala beach, once the seaside
It’s said that Crete offers such a wide range of beaches with playground of nature-loving hippies. It has fine pebbles and
such distinctive features that you don’t ever need to travel deep, crystal-clear waters, but is also susceptible to westerly
anywhere else. Have you been to Balos lagoon northwest of winds that raise enormous waves – a plus for many! From there
Chania yet? The Caribbean allure of the light blue waters sur- towards Elounda, Crete’s Riviera, a detour at Kolokytha islet for
rounding the stripes of sand is unmistakable, while uninhabited Agios Loukas beach is a must, for its olive trees that almost
Gramvousa island’s turquoise seascapes lay claim to similar touch the surf, and its alluring waters. South of Ierapetra, Chrysi
fame. You can get there by car, although you’ll have to walk a (Gaidouronisi) has plenty of seashells, teal waters and golden
bit, too. Alternatively, you can hop on a boat from Kissamos. sand. Also near Ierapetra is Myrtos, favored by many for its dark
To the southwest is a bucket-list entry for anyone in the know sand, crystalline waters and for being sheltered from northerly
called elafonisi island, with some of the most exotic, relax- winds. Nearby is equally mesmerizing Agia fotia (Makrigialos)
ing and enchanting beaches in Greece. Another relatively un-
known but much-adored destination you can reach by boat is
Gavdos – Europe’s southernmost point. It’s where Calypso is there are 81 uninhabited
said to have kept Ulysses prisoner for seven years, but once
you arrive, you start suspecting it might have been his choice islets dotted around
instead. Here, the beaches of sarakiniko and Agiannis (Agios
Ioannis) beckon from sunrise to sunset, while the hinterland the iConiC Crete.

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