A couple of weeks back we had the privilege of spending time with one of Russia’s most successful TV producers here on Crete. Ramilya Gilyazova of Channel 360, was on Greece’s biggest island for two weeks in June and July, and we thought to get her impressions about the island. We spent a few days with Ramilya and her husband at various locations, and I asked her about her trip planning, her impressions, and her Crete experience. Here’s the Q & A along with some highlights.
Argophilia Travel News – We know this was your first trip to Crete, what made you decide to vacation here?
Ramilya Gilyazova – I love to travel and have been to many countries discovering. Part of what I love best about these travels is experiencing the culture and traditions of the places where I’ve been. For a long time, I’ve dreamed of visiting Greece, inspired by the legends of ancient gods and everything related to them. We chose Crete in part, so we’d be able to visit two islands during our first trip to Greece. It’s very simple to get to Santorini and some other islands using Crete as a home base.
Argophilia Travel News – What was your impression of Agia Pelagia and SeaScape Luxury Residences where you stayed?
Ramilya Gilyazova – Well, we rented a car to be able to travel across the island. So, we experienced lots of amazing places and beaches. For me, by far the most beautiful seaside experience is Agia Pelagia. The tiny village is cozy and quiet, a kind of heaven on earth after roaring Moscow.
The beach itself is unbelievably comfortable, with crystal clear water and with no high waves. Our family is fond of observing the rich underwater world so we’ve enjoyed very much snorkeling and enjoying all the rich beauty of the sea in the bay. SeaScape Luxury Residences offer the perfect basecamp with very clean and comfortable residences that embrace you like a soft blanket. The sea, the local restaurants, and shops, everything you could want for is a few steps away. The staff there is unobtrusive, always smiling, and ready to help too.
Argophilia Travel News – Was there a favorite experience you and your husband had on Crete?
Ramilya Gilyazova – Our most memorable experience while visiting the island was a marvelous cultural event at the Minoan Theater. The owner of the theater, Anna Bastakis, spent many long years researching the ancient Minoans before organizing the drama and the Cretan cultural experience afterward. Anna had to unlock many puzzles of ancient culture and compiled her knowledge into a fascinating show. The open-air dramatics made us dive into history and see how people worshiped the Earth and their beloved gods far back in antiquity. After the show, we had a friendly dinner singing and dancing sirtaki ( συρτάκι ). It was unforgettable and very atmospheric.
Argophilia Travel News – When you return to Crete, where would you like to stay? To go?
Ramilya Gilyazova – I’d like to visit all the Greek islands but Crete is the place that makes me want to come back again and again to our friends and what seems like an unending land of adventure. The people make this place even more beautiful, and we are anxious to meet more of them.
Argophilia Travel News – What experiences are you anxious to discover next time.
Ramilya Gilyazova – During our next trip, I would love to know more historical facts about this picturesque island. We will definitely seek the help of a guide-historian who can acquaint us to the timeless history of Heraklion, and the dozens of other locations that present fabulous history under each footstep. During our last visit the owner of Crete Urban Adventures, Rebecca Skevaki sent us on an amazing gastronomy tour of the capital. I’ll bet her team has a lot more in store.