Some places stay in your memory, while others become part of your soul. Crete is one of those for me.

I have visited this island many times, but that very first journey, back in 2010, left an indelible impression that has not faded with time. Everything seemed to align perfectly then: the rugged nature, ancient culture, living mythology, and unique cuisine created an ideal harmony. When talking to friends, I invariably recount that first trip; the feelings and quiet nostalgia for this place are simply too strong. And this remains true despite having traveled almost all over Greece in the years since, seeing its many different facets.

It was the Cretan landscapes that set my internal standard for travel. Not just the mountains or the sea in isolation, but their complex interplay: high mountain plateaus where time stands still, narrow gorges where the coolness lingers, and villages situated on the rocks. The roads hold a special place in my memory — endless switchbacks that demand attention, yet with every turn reward you with another stunning view.

Whether exploring Madeira in Portugal or the Lycian coast of Türkiye, I inevitably compared them to Crete, trying to find that same scale and depth of experience.

Today, I would like to share a piece of my inner world, where this island has settled forever. In pictures, of course. 📸

"Let the mountain streams heal your soul, o weary traveler"