Our perceptions of Crete before going

Before leaving for Crete we decided to write about what we thought Crete was going to be like.

Emma – For me I think my perception of Crete can be summed up by one photo -

Sweetwater

 For me this image encompasses what I think the experience will be like in the South West of Crete. I have never been so far from the UK before and in my mind is an image of tranquil beauty which is unspoiled by man. I also feel that it is going to be very warm in Chora Sfakion, which at the present moment is much needed, but there is a little worry that it may be too warm. However; it remains to be seen whether or not this is going to be the case.

 

Laura – My image of Crete right now is very similar to that of Emma’s. It will be very interesting to see whether it lives up to this and how different it really is. From looking on Google Earth here are some keywords that have entered my mind:

• Tourists
• Picturesque 
• Semi- arid
• Dusty
• Warm Climate
• Clear Turquoise Sea
• Friendly Local People
• Insects
• Clear Blue Skies
• Long Evenings
• Beautiful Sunsets and Sunrises
• Rocky
• Small Villages

 

Katie – My perception of Crete is also very similar to that of Laura and Emma’s. Having been on many sailing holidays to the Ionian Islands In Greece I am intrigued to see the differences between Crete and the Islands of the Ionian. As Crete is to the South of mainland Greece and the Ionian Islands are to the West I am interested to see the differences in landscape and culture. I am used to visiting little villages in Greece as my family are very against “commercialised” holiday destinations but it will be fascinating to see the differences between Crete and Islands I have visited previously. I imagine Chora Sfakion to be very pretty and unspoilt with small scale tourism and a tradition laid back Greek way of life.

Dave – Having been to Greece a number of times and to Crete on a family holiday, when I walked Samaria gorge and was picked up in Chora Sfakion, along the well-beaten tourist track in 2004, I believe this has strongly shaped my perception of what the are will be like now 5 years later.

This is one of that the Southern coast of Crete is the nicest most tranquil part of the island with beautiful landscape, which I imagine will be much as I remember it, rugged, rocky and unique. It also seemed to be much less spoilt from tourism than the rest of the island.

The area around the White Mountains appears to have maintained its remoteness and identity along with its rugged landscape and is known for its flora and walks. In my opinion I don’t believe that much will have changed in the settlements of Agia Roumeli and Chora Sfakion from last time i went but I’am interested to see if there is much change in the gorge itself. Also i believe Loutro will be a much more unspoilt and traditional village due to its romoteness off the main tourist track.

 

From our blog you will be able to find out how we view Crete when we get there.