End of summer getaway before getting back to work and
having a baby! Crete has turned out to be a perfect island retreat with the unexpected unfussy treats absent of hipsters along the way. We are in the northwest part of Crete at
Kissamos, our base. It’s an off the beaten track location where prices are really fair, tavern owners hustle for your business, and just minutes from bus stops to go to nearby crystalline beaches like
Elafonisi, Falasarna or port city Chania for the day.
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WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET: TELEPHONE BOOTH IN KISSAMOS
REVEALS WHAT MOST OF THE VILLAGE LOOKS LIKE TODAY |
After the second day, we noticed an almost complete absence of top 40 commercial music everywhere. We, however, became acquainted with the type of music usually accompanying
Sirtaki, the traditional dance and liked it.
Kissamos is a place that teeters in time. It’s an alluring non-chic place for many of nationalities, modern families and couples to come and spend ones summer break. As you walk in the village centre it’s easy to find electronic goods stores dress their windows with piled up boxed radios, microwaves and TVs. Older LG air conditioner units butt halfway outside windows of many homes and businesses to keep them cool when the strong westerly winds aren’t enough.
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| FULLY FUNCTIONING LG RETRO AIRCONDITIONER UNITS |
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KISSAMOS-STORE FRONT
PILED-UP BOXED ELECTRONIC GOODS |
A lot of cars are smashed up, old rusted motor bikes to get you where you need to go, helmetless locals and boys who travel in tandem popping wheelies are the scenes my husband says existed in Sicily thirty years ago, and still go on here today. There are abandoned buildings, dogs roam the streets undisturbingly, and dress shops whose mannequins sport hair just a little off center. And then there’s the dominant and enchanting blue of the sea and the persistent sound of waves that coalesce neverendingly and perfectly just as it is.
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TOP-ELAFONISI BEACH,
LEFT TO RIGHT-VESPA IN KISSAMOS, BOY SELLING SEA SPONGES AT CHANIA PORT |
We weren't there as bonafide foodies, however, there are plenty of locally owned taverns to choose from. We found ourselves at
Aretousa a few times and would recommend it in Kissamos. It
has an abundant menu, good food, honest prices and a treat at the end of dinner.
We roomed at family owned
Galini Beach Hotel. If we ever find ourselves in Kissamos again, we wouldn’t hesitate to go back. The hotel is economical, very clean, helpful and full of smiles.
