My best friend here on Crete once told me it would take a lifetime to explore all Crete has to offer. His idea sticks with me as we continue our exploration of the island the ancients called Keftiu. Here we share a view of Georgiopouli, maybe the most underrated Crete destination of all.
Our latest tiny adventure took us to Chania Prefecture and Mythos Palace’s blue flag beach. If I tell you were delighted to take in a new Crete surprise, maybe I’ll sound like an advertorial, but from the moment I and my little boy Paul-Jules stepped in front of the resort’s beach bar, we were both impressed. The sea and sand here are fantastic; there’s just no other way to put it. Mythos’ chic sunbeds add a visual texture that is almost as inviting as the undulating aquamarine of the Cretan Sea.
On this day we were visiting friends staying at this fabulous 5-star resort just a couple of klicks from the quaint, touristy fishing village of Georgiopouli. I mention the seaside town’s “touristy” nature for a purpose here, but I’ll get to that in a moment. The mental picture of Paul kicking off his flip-flops and shedding his shirt to run into the surf just stays with me now. The kid loves the wind and waves you see. The image below conveys a joy most parents will identify with.
Paul Jules loving the beach in front of Mythos Palace
Kiteboarders, suntan enthusiast, and beachcombers having already made it to Crete, the long strand of sand in this part of Chania Prefecture seemed to me to be more than capable of supporting the crowd. I found this a pleasant surprise since my initial fears included being trampled by the hundreds of vacationers. So, it was a welcome relief to see a resort area spaced correctly – unlike many I’ve known in America. Short version being, even though Georgiopoulis is a tourist Mecca, the region is not overdeveloped. Since we’d recommended Mythos Palace to our friends, the luxurious amenities of the newly revamped resort were less surprising than the main attraction.
Mihaela at the Mythos Palace upper bar
After visiting with our pals and a bit of play on the beach, Paul and I went back to gather his mom Mihaela from the pool bar to head back to Heraklion. Mihaela insisted we stay and explore the village for a photo op though, so we drove the 6 kilometers toward Georgiopoulis to take some photos and to explore. While the tiny village may seem cliche and a kind of tourist trap to many of my fellow Cretans, the place has something undefinable. It’s just plain nice while being extraordinary at the same time.
Mihaela in the foreground with Paul rushing across the rocks to the chapel ahead
Arriving at the seaside resort village we had a real vision of a Greek postcard. As drove around snapping pictures of the quaint Georgiopoulis shops, restaurants, and bars, there near a beautiful park we found famous Kalivaki beach. But the real postcard moment came when Miahaela caught sight of the Agios Nikolaos Chapel situated out in the small harbor. “Stop the car,” she demanded, for the church is just that picture perfect. The pictures of she and Paul scurrying across the rock causeway to reach the chapel tell the story of this place.
As I said, Georgiopoulis is another of Crete’s super tourist attractions. But you know what? There’s a reason places like Matala, Vai, Malia, Chania, and Rethymno become tourist haunts. We sat at the bar in looking out at the chapel two hours. I could sit there from now on, to be real with you. My best advice for Georgiopouli? Sit and drink Mythos til sunset for about a week – your troubles will surely melt.
[…] was once a fishing village is today a bustling seaside destination that gets busy every summer because it has some of the best […]