A Greek Odyssey…. Maybe Not Quite, But a Fabulous Week on Crete

To be honest it was a joy to leave a very wet and rainy England behind – even though it meant leaving my gorgeous 300-year-old cottage, that I spent the summer decorating and turning into my beautiful home. After a couple of years travelling all over the world, I had enjoyed sleeping in my own comfy bed for a few months.

But the itchiness in my feet kept needing to be scratched. I found myself booking overnight hotel stays by the coast, or an Airbnb in a beautiful town. Finally, I made up my mind and took off on my first foreign trip since giving up full time solo travel. My destination? Crete.

A Fabulous Welcome

I arrived at the apartment just after midnight. Everyone had gone to bed except a Greek adonis barman (complete with hairy chest and gold medallion), who welcomed me with a huge smile and showed me to my room.

After a very comfortable night, I woke to the sight of a stunning turquoise sea, which always makes me happy. A quick shower, bikini on and a little sunscreen (it was 28C), and I had my first look around the small but beautiful complex.

The people who run the apartments had built the complex themselves and personally welcome everyone. Within 30 minutes, George, the owner, was whisking me and another guest, to drop us off in the local town. Now that’s what I call VIP service!

My Own Shirley Valentine Moment

Sitting by the beach in a little taverna, sipping a cool drink and watching the world go by, it was easy to see why Shirley Valentine escaped her humdrum life to move to Greece. Crete is truly beautiful with stunning mountains as backdrop, olive groves, warm blue seas and a welcome to match.

It has a wonderful eclectic mix of people from all over the world, and charming, charismatic natives. I had been a little worried my non-existent Greek would be a problem, but many people speak English. With Zorba the Greek playing in the background, I could honestly imagine myself spending the rest of my life in this beautiful slice of heaven!

A Short Cruise

With the warm blue waters so inviting, I decided to go on a cruise for a couple of hours. The boat slowly sailed out of the tiny port, along the coast, past a couple getting married, a nudist beach (the captain pointed it out, but we were close enough to see for ourselves!) and others swimming into a cave. As we pulled into a little bay, I surprised myself by being brave and jumping from the boat and swimming to the shore.

Back on board we were treated to a delicious BBQ lunch, followed by chilled wine and delicious slices of melon. The music making it difficult not to dance, Greek style, of course!

Great Company

Back at the apartment, days were spent lying by the pool, evenings chatting with the owners and other guests, and learning a little history about this gorgeous part of the world. Although there were only a few guests there, I was the only one who hadn’t been before, some of them have been returning for almost 20 years.

The apartments were closing for the winter (it was still 28C!) so there were only a handful of rooms occupied, and we often sat together. As always, it is the people I meet that make my travels so wonderful, and there was no exception here. Everyone was lovely and many hugs were exchanged upon my departure. Some of my new friends even walked down to wave me off in my taxi, even though it was nearly 11.00 pm.

A Little Greek Magic

It is difficult to be on this beautiful island and not be captured by its spell. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people will stay with me forever. As Shirley Valentine said, “I used to be The Mother. I used to be The Wife. But now I’m Shirley Valentine again.” Finding yourself is easy when you are surrounded by beauty, warmed by sunshine, and maybe even a little chilled by the local drink.

Also read, Guide to the Best Greek Islands for Over 60s.

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever thought about moving abroad? Is there a place you go to find yourself? Do you get itchy feet when you don’t travel for some time?