Goodbye Amorgos, hello Crete

Today is a travel day, and a rather long one, as I leave this beautiful natural island for the vast island of Crete.

But to get there…the ferries…

To get to the port we drive to Katapola. Happy I’m not driving

I have no clue where my ferry is via this app. Miraculously it is on time

The cafe at the port. I’ll have water please

It is a 2 hour ferry to Santorini, then a connection to Rethymno. This route only run 2 days a week, Tuesday and Saturday, which was tricky to figure out but here we are.

Sitting in Santorini port for 2 hours. The craziest port watching these ferries load and unload within minutes

Now the big ferry to Crete

I’m sweating like a criminal getting on these boats.

On the ride, we hear music and find a couple of men playing Greek music. A dance erupts.

This guy looks like Jack Black

Crete

I arrive in Crete at 8 pm, coming from Amorgos it is overwhelming. Crete is the biggest island in Greece, a destination of its own. But even as the largest it is the size of Delaware. Still, a lot to explore. I’m landing in Rethymno on the north coast.

Talk about something different…I’m staying in the Grecotel Creta Palace, a resort compared to the small family hotels I’ve been staying in. Large art displays, multiple restaurants.

Crete is known for hospitality throughout Greece

But a lovely quiet beach bungalow to greet me

Rethymno is known for its historic old town. I will explore when I’m rested but tonight I go to old town for dinner. The taxi driver recommends a restaurant and I’m grateful to have a clear destination. I pass at least 50 restaurants on the way.

As shared in previous posts, the day of travel and arrival in a new place is very disorienting for me. Perhaps this is true for most people but I think especially a solo traveler. A new island, a new hotel; nothing is familiar. I think especially true for this change from a quiet natural island to a busy historical city.

As I walk thru old town, I see how much there will be to see and many opportunities to get lost.

Rethymno Old Town. I stole this photo and I keep looking at it to remind me why I came here

This town goes back to the year 6000, a Venetian port that was engulfed in different wars. The Turks grabbed it in the 1600s, the Germans grabbed it in 1940s.

The Mosque. Very well preserved and serves as a milestone when lost in the maze of the city

Now Rethymno is known for the history of old town and the long sandy beach. The taxi driver says it is the 2nd longest beach in Europe. The beach is loaded with luxury hotels, cafes and shops.

I’m renting a car to explore this island. This, I think, is necessary to see Crete. As always, there are online debates about where to go. I pick up the best tips from taxi drivers and people at the hotel. I usually ask them where they go on their day off, and they are happy to share.

I’m grateful for a safe journey and ready to explore this island.

Cheers!