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 :)
