I have just returned from my hols in Crete and wanted to share what a fabulous time I had. The Mistral experience was just wonderful and the staff were lovely. I met some great people there, saw some beautiful scenery, got a tan, ate loads of Cretan cooking which was just divine - all in all a fabulous time was had and I don't want to be back!
If you are thinking of having a solo holiday experience for whatever reason, I would highly recommend the
Mistral Hotel. Its in Maleme on the West side of Crete. Its a small place about 35min drive from the original capital of Crete, Chania. The town of Maleme has a historical part in Crete's history as it was where the German troops landed to invade the island in 1941. The hotel itself is near the very airstrip that German paratroopers landed on and many soldiers of all nationalities lost their lives.
In fact a little way to the back of the hotel is a beautiful cemetary of Peace where many German soldiers are buried. Its a very humbling experience going there, regardless of "who won what" in WW2. Its aim is to promote Peace in our time, something it does very well.
It overlooks the Maleme Airstrip and has a room which explains the history of the place and who fell there. The red carpet of flowers are stunning and the place is so quiet and fitting for what it represents. What is so sad, is the ages of many who fell. 18, 19, 20 year olds. The motto on the wall as you go in says something to the effect of "may this never happen again". How very true.
Outside the
Mistral hotel, there are buses (air conditioned, and more like coaches) that run in the direction of Chania (pronounced "Hania") or Kissamos. They are very reasonably priced (1.80 euro for single which about a £1). Platinias is the first larger town en route to Chania and has a large selection of Tavernas and bars if you'd like to venture out. It has a nicer beach than Maleme which is rather shingley and the surf is a bit choppy.
One thing worth a mention is the "Blue Nipple" bar on Maleme beach (not its real name but you'll see what I mean if you go past it). It has one of the most stunning looking Greek men behind the bar - tall, slim, golden and blonde with a fabulous body and a cheeky smile. Worth a visit for his hospitality and complimentary cocktail. His brother isn't bad either, and is a tad more manic. Both are very friendly.
Chania is a pretty little harbour town with quaint little streets selling lots of various goods (leather, ceramic, soaps, olive oil etc) Plenty of nice restaurants and tavernas too. The naval museum is also worth a visit as it tells about the Battle of Crete.
You can take pony rides around the harbour, go on boat trips around the bay and further beyond. I didn't have time to explore thoroughly, plus it was roasting the day I went.
One thing that was an experience was the Chania Bus Station. We asked the ticket booth man and eventually found our bus. If you look and listen, you'll be fine. Be warned, if you need the loo, DON'T use the ones at the bus station as they are pretty grim looking turkish type loos ( a hole in the floor!). Wander further towards the harbour and find some better ones.
The Mistral offers the solo traveller a safe, welcoming environment. I was put at ease after a few hours of being there as the staff make an effort to know your name, smile. Small touches that mean so much. I propped up the bar many a night with new found friends and drank into the wee small hours. I was truly sad to leave and will hopefully return next year. Granted its not the cheapest of holiday's I've had but certainly one of the ones where I've felt very at home. Its that personal touch from the staff and family that make this place different. That along with meeting some great guests, returnees and newbies, made my holiday a real good giggle. Some highlights included the trips on offer with the hotel. These are optional but the ones I went on were:
Fsinfari Fish trip -A leisurely day out to a beach for a few hours then a
Long lunch with a family who are friends with hotel owner Vassilis. They catch your lunch that day or the day before, show you how they prepare it, then bring out dish after dish after dish of delicious food. I'm not a huge fish lover but my motto this holiday was to try new things. And boy am I glad I did. It was lovely to taste traditional Cretan food. All this was served to us on a long table by the seafront. Very Shirley Valentine-esque! We were all stuffed when we rolled back around 3pm but somehow STILL managed another 4 course meal at dinnertime!
Gramvousa Boat Trip -
A large boat takes you from Kissamos to Gramvousa Fortress then onto Balos bay across the way. The journey is about an hour and a bit. You stop at Gramvousa first for a couple of hours. Its your choice whether you can manage the HUGE STEEP climb up the fortress. If yo're fit enough its worthwhile as the view is beautiful.
Then onto Balos Lagoon which is reached by smaller boats docking to our big one. You spend about 2 hours there where you can snorkell in shallow waters or sunbathe. The only thing I'd say is be warned, there isn't much shade.
Horse Riding at Deres -You are taken to the Deres Riding School high in the hillswhich has beautiful views of the Olive Groves below. The stables are lovely and the horses well looked after. They are safety concious and you do wear decent riding helmets. I've riden before once in Corfu and those horses looked old and parched, plus we had no head gear.
You can then choose to ride 1 or 2 hours into the hills and enjoy the views. Its a little nerve wracking on these little sturdy horses but once you get used to it, it's good fun. The place where you go in also serves Cretan food which can be enjoyed on the terrace over looking the views below.
Other trips worth mentioning -I didn't go on these, but other places are Elafonissi which has a very sandy lagoon and monastery. Samaria Gorge - the longest one in Europe. Knossos - Ancient ruins. Trip to Santorini. Outside the hotel also has a little train company that run various trips in and around the Maleme area to various places of interest.
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All in all I had a fabulous holiday. I would personally recommend anyone who is apprehensive about "going it alone" to save your pennies up and go there. They will make you feel part of their family and you are free to do as little or as much as you want. If you only want to lounge by the pool, thats fine, if you'd like to go wandering, thats fine too. Some people only appeared at dinner times. The drinks are free flowing, food is lovely and the setting is a good base to explore the beautiful surroundings of Crete. Roll on next year!
See for yourself...
www.singlesincrete.comThere is a great chat room on the site which will answer any questions you may have and even may meet friends! Yassas!!
