There are, indeed, some certain places which, no matter how many times you have visited them, you just never get “full” of them and each time feels like the first time. This does not happen because you have not already seen enough sites of those places so far, but seems as if you are shielding them every time with different “look”! This is, exactly, what happens to me when visiting my beloved place, Chania !
Other than that, the area itself manages to create such an intimacy for its visitors, which almost convinces them that some of their distant origins must definitely draw from there. In a relatively short period of stay, it often happens that someone starts to identify himself more or less as a “local” !
Chania, for those who know me well, is the city I want to spend ALL of my summers – and not only those ! So absolutely & definitively, that is ! Fortunately, this “weakness” of mine is shared by the rest of the family, as well !
Well, yes ! Let’s admit it, the island is blessed, no doubt about it !
Let’s start with its divine beaches.. Falasarna, Elafonissi, Balos & Gramvousa, Loutro, Frangokastelo, the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea.. but also Marathi, Seitan Limani, Kalyves & Obrogialos…
The architecture, the history, the arts & the traditions that were developed in Chania for many centuries & are perfectly reflected in the historical center, the provinces & the Medieval settlements of the Chania’s prefecture, but also of all Crete. An impressive amalgam of civilizations that left their “mark” on the island.. Minoans, Venetians, Normans, Arabs & Saracen pirates, Ottomans & Jews.. all co-existed sometimes more and sometimes less harmoniously – it’s true – but all were united by the same admiration & longing for this wonderful city !
And the food, ah ! Now we are talking ! The most rewarded weight that we gain – and certainly do not even care until the time we return home ! Dreamy flavors, made with the purest raw materials, the “epitome” of the Mediterranean Diet is served right on our plates !
And as if these are not already enough, the Nature ! Lakes, rivers, plateaus, gorges, mountains, natural fjords, coves, desert islands, lagoons, waterfalls, springs & of course the most beautiful seas, most of which are adorned with their presence – “flirting” with the top places, in fact – at the best travel lists around the world !
Last but certainly not least, the most important… the locals themselves ! They are the absolute definition of the famous Cretan hospitality ! Their houses are always open for everyone – known & unknown – but their hearts are even wider, their hands are full of treats & their eyes full of love !
When leaving Crete you are always “full”, but more importantly you leave “complete” – apart that little piece of your heart which is left behind only until next time !
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