Walking in Cretan Shoes

Thank you, Heraklion, for the most relaxing morning we could wish for! 

Heraklion is always a ray of sunshine

We spend a long morning in Heraklion throughout the summer and fall months, meaning that we arrive as the city wakes and dawn breaks.
Some guests have been taking an early swim and then soaking up the morning sun on deck with a coffee. Others prefer to take it slow (who can blame them!). A few explore the harbour in their own time, grabbing a bougatsa for the wander before a refreshing dip in the shimmering Aegean. And we take others on an adventure of the city’s hidden corners.

We always get so excited to show our guests our favorite bits of the islands, but Crete reminds us that part of the island-hopping experience is unwinding. Because when the water is glistening, the sun is shining, and the seabirds are singing, there’s nothing better to do than just watch and listen with a coffee in hand. Picture perfect moments like this creep up on us all the time, and this week, Heraklion’s serene side gave us all the feels.

Following our noses around Crete’s capital

Crete is in a league of its own when it comes to food. For centuries, the islanders have celebrated produce from the land and the catch of the day from the surrounding ocean. There are so many dishes that you can only get on the island’s shores. Loads of the villages even have their very own cheeses and they’re not to be missed! So, when we bring our guests to Crete, there’s one thing we say everyone must do – feast.
This year, we’ve been taking a handful of guests for a truly indulgent morning on the island. We walk from market stall to market stall, over to bakeries and to the outskirts of the city to a special olive farm. And of course, we try something new at every stop. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of the island and take a breather from the whirlwind adventure that is cruising.
When you’re tasting new flavours, you have to live in the moment. That’s why we think a foodie tour is good for the soul. And that’s the only excuse we need to tuck in.

A slice of the Cretan lifestyle

Cretan food is delicious, and so is the way of life. It’s slow and rich. The islanders here live in harmony with the world around them. They celebrate the small things and keep family traditions alive. They’re sociable people, often meeting for a drink and a bite (more of that local cheese, please!).
We can all learn a thing or two from the Cretans. Whether we’re tasting sweet bougatsa in a bustling bakery or watching the seabirds swirl in the distance from a hilltop, we take a moment to pause – just as they would.
There’s nothing like a little dappled shade in the warm afternoon as you while away the hours at one of the calming cafes on the square. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you people-watch the day away. You never know what new delight you might notice when you slow things down.

Make every moment matter with us
We know how important it is that you have the time to make new discoveries of your own when you’re island hopping. Heraklion is the perfect place to do just that. During the summer months, we set sail at midday, giving you plenty of time to meander your way around the alluring markets and tavernas lining the way. And if you want to find the places the locals love, you know exactly where we are.

 

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