Незабываемая Греция Unforgettable Greece

Almost a year has passed since my return from Greece, but emotions, experiences and impressions still often pop up in my memory... As if it was yesterday)))
To begin with, we chose the hotel on the principle of only spending the night and as close to the city as possible. That city was Rethymnon. This is the western part of Crete. In 2008, I had a chance to relax at the Aldemar Royal Mare Village de Luxe hotel. The hotel is super with spa treatments . . and all possible "bells and whistles". However, this is not about him now. Odyssia Beach deserves a rating of 5 only because it is a 5-minute walk from Rethymno along the coastline and has its own beach, but sun loungers are paid))), according to all other criteria -3.
Territory. Small, but green, next to a bus stop, from where regular buses run to Rethymnon, Chania, Heraklion... A tiny pool in the yard, from which it smells of bleach. For a week of rest, I have never seen swimmers. Although the hotel was 100% full. This can be judged by the number of people in the dining room (that’s right, I can’t call it a restaurant). There are huge chess, mini golf and a cafe on the territory, where we sometimes sat in the evenings and enjoyed the sound of the surf and the music of the neighboring hotel. There was also a shower on the beach. For the territory score-3

Rooms. Small, old shabby bathroom, in the shower, if you can call it that, it was only in slippers. Otherwise, no way. TV showed 1 Russian channel - RTR. Yes, it didn't matter to us. Safe at the reception for an additional fee. The refrigerator was small. Rating-3
Nutrition. Took breakfast and dinner. Personally, if I stay at 3, I will order food only for breakfast. It makes no sense to take more in this hotel. I tell you why. So, for breakfast, the assortment is poor - muesli, 2 types of scrambled eggs, weak cheese and meat cuts, tea-coffee, very rarely fruits, vegetables (cucumbers-tomatoes), sour cream, (hoyat wrote that yogurt). As for me, it’s enough, but... having been in Aldemar, where only for breakfast there are 5-7 types of cheese . . mys . . and everything that the soul desires, up to champagne in the morning and a rose for every woman for dinner at the entrance to the restaurant... agree . . do not compare. Although, what's the soul to twist - Bachyly eyes scho kupuvali... Dinner. Mysnoy -1 species, as well as vegetables, pasta, potatoes....fruits, watermelons, melons, grapes... in general, not a fountain. For dinner out of 7 days we went a couple of times in total. I recommend everyone to eat in a cafe in the city. If we talk about prices, then for example a Greek salad is 2.5-4 euros, a large cup of cappuccino is 2.5 euros. Meat (comes with a side dish and a set of vegetables) - 10-15 euros. Portions are large, you can take 2. Fish plate (enough for 4), which includes deep-fried squid, mussels, shrimp, fried sardines and something else (I forgot) -35-60 euros. Pasta with seafood about 15-18 euros. I didn’t even eat half of it, although it was insanely delicious. Wine. A glass of dry wine 2-5 euros. In general, you can eat as much as 10 euros per person, or 50... to the best of your ability and desires. Every time it's different and delicious.
Animation. As in all of Greece, she was absent.
Contingent. Mostly older foreigners, there were some Russians over 50....There was nothing to do in the hotel.
Actually, this is not what we went to Greece for. To see the country while in a hotel... you know, it’s all the same that you don’t go there at all.

Even before departure, I had laid a route, clearly planned all 7 days of rest. On the 2nd day of our stay, we rented a car for 5 days. The cost of Skoda Fabia, 1.6 mechanics with air conditioning - 30 euros per day. There will be no problems with renting if you speak English. you are over 21 years old and driving experience - more than 2 years. As for the roads. In Crete they are very slippery. special asphalt. In cities, one-way traffic prevails, and what is most difficult (as for me) is the narrow streets, the movement is constantly active close, and constantly uphill, then downhill. Therefore, all the cars on the island, so to speak, are "pokotsany"))))) As for insurance. It is complete, BUT it does not apply to the wheels, the bottom . . well, everything seems to be. And yet, do not regret and buy a GOOD DETAILED map or navigator. And better than both. It's easy to get confused. Because it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the main road from others. And there is no one to ask. There are pointers.
So route.
1 day. Matala It is located on the southern coast of the island, so the road there is difficult, it passes through mountain serpentines. It took about 2-3 hours with stops. Why is it worth going? Firstly, the Libyan Sea....An unusual bay that is located in the mountains in the embrace of white mountains with caves. Pts beautifully. The sea is several shades from light blue to dark blue.
2. day. Chania. The extraordinary beauty of the old town with a beautiful embankment and excellent cafes. The view from the observation deck is mesmerizing.
Day 3 Elafonisi. Located in the southwest of the island. The road is still difficult and long. About 2-3 hours with stops.
Beaches with pink sand. . . I've never seen anything like this before. The water is clear, warm, without waves. But it was windy. Shallow prevails. so the kids can't do better. There are sun loungers and umbrellas. 9 euros for 2 sun loungers and an umbrella. If you go a little deeper into the beach, you can find deeper places for swimming, but already with black sand. BEAUTIFUL!! ! There is nowhere to eat.
4 day native Rethymno. Walking tour of the city. To be honest, the most beautiful city, as for me, in all of Crete. This is my subjective opinion. A beautiful promenade, bordered on one side by the beach (not wide0, on the other side by city hotels (we will organize our next visit in one of the city hotels), cafes, restaurants and very nice, kind people. The Greeks are, fortunately, not Turks and not Egyptians .
Day 5 Balos Bay. What can I say. . . it's a must see. . . For those who don't rent a jeep, it's better to take an excursion, which consists of a trip on a big ship, and then on foot. roads are not paved and very good. complex. Don't risk it.
Day 6 Complete relaxation . . rest on the beach near the hotel until lunch, a walk around the same Rethymno, lunch and dinner at the obdom from family, believe me, I didn’t get bored a single gram.....
7. Departure.

I have been to Crete twice. Summing up my (perhaps boring) story, I can say one thing. Greece really has everything! And even more. Who has never been - I recommend. After Greece, you will not go to either Turkey or Egypt. Trust me. I was both there and there. I can compare. In a year we will go to Greece again, but most likely to Corfu or Rhodes, because. Crete learned almost by heart. I am writing during my lunch break at work, so there are no photos with me. I swear I will load them at home in the evening.
If someone helped decide on a future vacation, I'm glad. If you have questions - write in a personal. I'll try to answer. Because I am an avid traveler and I understand how difficult it is sometimes to make a choice.
All good holidays, vivid impressions and unforgettable moments!! !