Crete is an island that invites you to dream, and my recent trip to the west definitely made those dreams come true. It was a trip full of unforgettable moments, breathtaking landscapes, wild goats and the sheer joy of exploring.
My adventure started early – very early. At 7 a.m., I set off from Suite Leon in Panormos in a south-westerly direction. The destination: Elafonisi. I had heard so much about the pink beach and I wanted to experience it in its full glory before the crowds arrived. The drive through the awakening landscape was an experience in itself. I stopped off at 2 cafés and enjoyed my Fredo cappuccino.
When I arrived, it was exactly as I had hoped: the light was soft, the water glowed in countless shades of turquoise and the beach actually shimmered a delicate pink. Incidentally, the pink hue comes from the countless tiny fragments of shells mixed in with the white sand.
The tranquillity in the morning was magical. I spent two wonderful hours exploring the unique lagoon, wading through the ankle-high, warm water and simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect start to the day and a memory I won’t soon forget.
After enjoying the beauty of Elafonisi to the full, I moved on to the west coast, more precisely to Falasarna. This vast sandy beach is known for its size, clear water and spectacular sunsets. I arrived at lunchtime and spent a relaxing three hours on the beach. The sea was refreshing, the sand soft and warm – ideal for relaxing and enjoying the Greek sun. The wind was also playing tricks on me, it felt like my parasol flew off 5 times 🙂
In the evening I checked into the Hotel Balos Beach in Falasarna. A cozy place that was perfect for reviewing the day’s experiences and preparing for the next adventures.
The next day was dedicated to one of the absolute highlights of Crete: the Balos Lagoon. It was only a stone’s throw from the hotel in Falasarna to the starting point. The journey there and the subsequent descent to the lagoon are an adventure in themselves, but every step is worth it.
As the lagoon spread out beneath me, my breath caught in my throat. The panorama is simply indescribable: a symphony of turquoise, azure blue and emerald green hues, surrounded by wild nature and a small island. It’s like stepping into a postcard. I spent 2 hours splashing in the shallow, warm water, admiring the unique landscape and taking photos that can never capture the true beauty of this place. Also check out the goat photos below this paragraph:). Balos is definitely a must for every visitor to Crete!
Before heading back to Panormos, a visit to Chania was on the agenda, where I have spent time with Leon, Sabrina and my parents-in-law on several occasions. This charming town in the west of Crete is a real gem. The Venetian harbor with its striking lighthouse is simply picturesque and invites you to take long walks. I got lost (in a good way!) in the narrow streets of the old town, discovering hidden squares, small boutiques and cozy tavernas. Chania exudes a very special atmosphere, a mixture of history, culture and lively Greek everyday life. It was the perfect end to a trip full of unforgettable impressions.
After so many new impressions and experiences, I started my journey home to Suite Leon in Panormos, filled with the beauty and hospitality of western Crete. It was a trip that exceeded my expectations and left me with many wonderful memories.