Having checked in and off-loading all our luggage at the hotel, we went exploring near the hotel and walked to the harbour.
The harbour was beautiful! There was an iconic lighthouse and the terraced buildings all lined up next to one another with each building having a different colour which has a bit of a Tuscany feel to it.
The lighthouse which you can see from many vantage points
Very attractive waterfront lined with souvenir shops and restaurants
On the ground level were restaurants and gift shops next door to one another and this went on down the entire front line of the strip.
Shoppers paradise
Through the alley-ways it lead to the large market which was streets of gift shops, cafes and leather goods stalls. I learnt that Crete specialises in a few things being olive oil, honey and hand made leather goods.
My sister bought a hand made leather back-pack and the owner even customised it in the store for her to her liking. My Dad had a fat chat with the owner all about leather, which would be boring for most but the 2 of them were in their element, talking about the different types of leather hides, the treatments to use and ingredients in the treatments. The owner was very impressed with my Dad's knowledge on leather.
My dad being interviewed on the streets
Fascinated with these buildings above a huge anchor
We had a drink at a street cafe just passed this.
Huge seagulls swooping in to see what they can find
Yachts harboured close by
Panoramic view
We continued to explore the market and little streets which all had so much character to them before finding a nice little spot on the edge of the harbour to have lunch. I will post about the lunch we had in my next blog.