The monastery of Savvathiana

 Situated in a verdant ravine of Vasilikos mountain nearby Rodia village, 20km west of the city of Heraklion, in a beautiful wooded and well-protected position and at an altitude of 440m.

An one-day excursion that I love

14 November. St Minas day is a festivity for the city of Haraklion accompagnied with schools and shops closing.

For us (my family and I) it's an opportunity to drive away. Remember there are always wonderful spots to discover in Crete as long as you have a car and you drive :-)

Today's destination: Ierapetra, Southern Crete
Today's weather..... no comments.... just look at the photos. Observe the beautiful blue sky with the white clouds.... 

Means of transport: Ssang Yong Kyron from www.thebestcars.gr:a family spacious car, comfortable and safe for a relaxing drive! All passengers did enjoy it.

We took the national road to Aghios Nikolaos and turned right. Picturesque landscapes on the whole way (I really enjoyed taking photos!)

Strolling up and down, relaxing, admiring the nature, breathing fresh air, looking at the bright and clear blue sky... 

 kids enjoyed a November swim.... not me though ;-) I wasn't prepared for that but next week if the weather continues like this, I will.

I am sure the above photos "speak" loudly how lucky we are to be in Crete (permanently or for a short time, doesn't matter). 

The last ones: 

 Next time you pass by Ierapetra, stop here for a delicious meal :-)

Ta leme!
The Best Car Rentals, your favourite car rental company in Crete!

Keratokambos: a secluded village in a wild nature where one feels free...

Keratokambos is a small secluded, seaside village, 72km southeast of Heraklion, near Viannos and Tsoutsouros. See here

On the way to Tsoutsouros (Asterousia mountains, South Crete)

Located 63km on the south coast of Crete.

It’s mainly fishing/ farming community of about 100 permanent residents, who are friendly, kind-hearted and polite. 

A destination for a tranquil holiday, for visitors who prefer a less intense style of vacations, than that offered by big towns and popular resorts and who want to relax under the sun. Ideal for family holidays, because all necessary facilities for accommodation, entertainment and food are in close proximity. 

East and west of the port, there are two large sheltered bays, well protected from the seasonal winds, with a total length of 2km, which have lovely coarse sand and crystal clear water. 

Swimming in Tsoutsouras is considered therapeutic by many Cretans because of the high concentration of salt and iodine. It is recommendable for those with musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems. 

Drive with The Best from Heraklion to Tsoutsouros. You take the road that goes to Knossos. You pass through the villages of Kounavi and Peza and reach the village of Arkalochori. From then on, you follow the signs to reach Tsoutsouros after the villages: Moussouta, Ano and Kato Poulia, Garipa, Ano Kasteliana and Kato Kasteliana. Indications here

The drive is quite interesting passing through vine yards and olive tree groves. As with most beaches on this side of the island, to reach Tsoutsouros the drive is slow once you start ascending and then descending the Asterousia mountains. Beware of the sharp turns and the narrow roads that lead to the beach. The route is impressive with spectacular views to the surrounding mountains and the imposing peak of Kofinas.

Tsoutsouros is also accessible from Ierapetra, Arvi, Keratokampos, Dermatos from a coastal road in good condition.

Plakias- South Rethimno

Plakias is a village on the south coast of Crete, in the region of  Rethymno, about 30 kilometres south of the city of Rethymno. It is surrounded by mountains to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south. 

Plakias has a 1300-metre-long sandy beach and there are several other beaches within walking distance (Souda, Damnoni, Ammoudi, and Skhinaria). The southeastern end of the beach, near the Kakomouri headland, is used by nudists. The town is not on any major passage for traffic and hence traffic is minimal and it is quieter and less dusty than many other Greek resorts.

Ierapetra, the sunniest town in Europe

The Southernmost City in Europe, facing the Libyan Sea. It is the largest city in Lassíthi region and the sunniest city in Europe; Ierapetra enjoys the smoothest, almost rainless weather in Europe, and the most hours of sunshine with a temperature that rarely drops below 12 C all year long!  You can easily drive there from Heraklio (following the direction to Agios Nikolaos; before entering the town, you turn right).

En route to Asi Gonia

A wonderful one-day trip to the inland and the south of the island proposed by The Best Car Rentals:

A day in Apokoronas

Huyndai Getz from The Best Car Rentals (www.thebestcars.gr)

Last week I enjoyed a wonderful excursion with my family and I’m happy to share this experience with you.

Means of transport: a Hyundai Getz 2012 model from The Best Car Rentals (www.thebestcars.gr) with two baby-seats (necessary for my little angels).

Departure time: around 9 am

Destination: Apokoronas. North coast, region of Chania

Weather: sunny, as expected, though some clouds appeared in the sky but…. who cares if temperatures are 20-24C.