Crete is a place that will always hold a special place in my heart. I don’t know if it’s because I first visited this beautiful island during the pandemic in 2020 , when everything was so peaceful and nothing much was happening – or because it felt like the crazy world had finally hit the pause button. One way or another, I loved it!
With not many places open, we ended up in Anissaras – a quiet coastal village on the northern coast of Crete, near Hersonissos. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and small local population, which, under the circumstances, sounded just about perfect.
So, the decision was made: I packed my suitcase, flew to Poland to meet my parents, and from there, we caught a flight to Crete. I’ll never forget the strange, yet oddly exciting feeling when we finally arrived. The weather was absolutely beautiful and, best of all – there was no one around. Perfect!
The first couple of days were spent exploring the area around the hotel and familiarising ourselves with the place. I’ll never forget our first walk – we were genuinely shocked to discover that every other hotel in the area was closed. With no one on the streets, it honestly felt like we were the only people left on the planet. And no, I’m not exaggerating. But we quickly adapted, and before long, we were off on our first adventure.
We rented a car (no small feat during a pandemic!) and decided to visit Knossos – because if you’re going to do ancient ruins, you might as well go big. Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was the center of the Minoan civilization and is often considered Europe’s oldest city. According to legend, it’s also where King Minos kept the famous Minotaur in a labyrinth, which made me slightly nervous – don’t ask me why When we finally arrived, we were amazed. The ruins were impressive -ancient columns, faded frescoes, and just enough mystery to make you wonder if you’d accidentally time-traveled.
Walking through what was once the grand palace of the Minoans, I couldn’t help but imagine what life must have been like back then. After Knossos we went for a little wonder around and then back to the hotel.
The next day meant a new adventure 😊 – we decided to visit a place called Balos, also known as the Blue Lagoon.
Balos is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Crete, famous for its shallow turquoise waters, white sand, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and islets. It’s a protected natural area, which adds to its untouched charm.
Oh my god, I can’t even describe how beautiful it was. The color of the water was simply mesmerizing. Nobody lives there, which makes it feel even more unique and peaceful. I honestly wanted to just pitch a tent and stay forever… but sadly, it was only a day trip.
There was one other island I really wanted to visit- Elafonissi. It’s famous for its pink sand beaches, crystal-clear shallow waters, and the feeling of being somewhere truly magical. Unfortunately, there were no available excursions to this place at the time.
But hey, what’s meant to happen will happen – after all, as the saying goes, “What’s meant to hang won’t drown.” 😉
All I’m going to say about Crete is that it’s an amazing place – one I’ve visited more than once, and another trip is already in the works. I can’t help it, I just love it there.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention: if you’re looking for a nice, not-too-big hotel to spend your vacation in, Ocean High View is a great choice. It’s not located right on the beach, which means it’s in a slightly quieter area – perfect for those who prefer to avoid the crowds and noise. But don’t worry, the beach is still within walking distance, so you get the best of both worlds. The super friendly staff and delicious food will make your stay in Crete truly unforgettable.
