Fortresses, Lakes, Grapes and Theatre

Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, this vast fortress was initially designed to accommodate the city's residents in the event of an attack. However, it primarily served as a citadel (an administrative centre) until the Ottoman invasion in 1646 when the fortress was captured. Over the following 300 years, new structures were erected within the fortress walls, including religious and administrative buildings along with many houses, though much of these were devastated after World War II.
Buy a ticket at the main entrance and wander around the perimeter walls for glorious views of the town and coast. Also check out the wonderful mosaic ceiling inside the dome of the fortress’ mosque.

Return to the hotel and pick up your car.

There's no doubt that Crete has some stunning beaches, but sometimes it's good to seek an alternative, and that's why I like Kournas Lake. It's the only freshwater lake in Crete and serves as a crucial wetland habitat, safeguarded under the Natura 2000 initiative. The best way to explore the lake is by paddle boat, and there are a several lakeside agencies that offer one-hour boat rentals.
The water has a stunning emerald hue and is exceptionally clear. While you're paddling around, keep an eye out for the Diamondback terrapin in the shallow waters, as well as herons and cormorants along the banks. Swimming is also an option here (the water is 'refreshing' compared to the sea temperature!), and there are kiosks and cafes available if you'd like a drink or a snack.

Set up in the late 1980s, Dourakis is an award-winning organic winery producing a range of white, red, rose, and sparkling wines. If your previous experience of Greek wine was a pine-flavoured retsina, don’t be put off. This wine tastes nothing like that! Dourakis offers 2 wine tasting experiences, offering a chance to try either 5 or 8 of their wines. These tastings come with their home-grown olives and freshly made rusks, along with a tour of their cellars and production area.
The ingredients are sourced locally, and the menu offers traditional Cretan dishes, including delicious 'dakos', a type of bruschetta topped with local cheese and tomatoes, and 'gemista' – stuffed peppers and tomatoes.
The winery welcomes visitors from May to October. Advanced booking is required to arrange a visit.
If you travel during other times of the year, please get in touch with the establishment. They also provide private tours upon prior arrangement. Book online.

While the ancient city of Aptera traces its origins back to the 8th century BC, when it held prominence as a significant Minoan settlement, many of the structures you can see today were constructed during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Remarkably, these structures endured the earthquake of the 7th century, which destroyed most of the city.
Purchase a ticket at the entrance and head over to view the wonderfully preserved arched Roman cisterns that stored and distributed fresh water to the public and private baths across the city. From here, you can explore the remains of the Roman Baths and the limestone theatre that was carved out of the hillside. Take a seat in the theatre and imagine the space filled with the city's wealthy residents, enjoying an evening's entertainment.
It's also worthwhile to visit the 12th century Monastery of St. John Theologos, which contains exhibits related to the site.
Please note that the site is closed on Tuesdays.

If you haven’t tired of ‘rocks’ by now, the short walk to the fortress, to the North-East of the site, is worth doing if only for the breathtaking view it affords of Souda Bay. It was built by the Ottomans in the mid-19th century, as part of a large-scale program to control Crete through a network of defensive towers, called koules.

Chania is the second-largest city in Crete (after Heraklion) and boasts a history that traces back to Neolithic times. It was formerly a prosperous Minoan city, maintaining its economic significance throughout the Roman and Byzantine eras before coming under Venetian rule following the decline of the Byzantine Empire. The city's street layout and much of its splendid architecture are the legacies of the Venetians. It was later occupied by the Ottomans, who transformed Christian buildings into Islamic structures, before eventually coming under Greek governance in the late 19th century.
Nostos is a small, traditionally decorated hotel in a fabulous location, just around the corner from the stunning Venetian harbour in Chania.
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Walk to this restaurant via the harbour and pause for a pre-dinner drink at one of the waterfront bars. Observing the harbour illuminated at night is truly magical, and it's also an excellent spot for people-watching.
Kaiki Restaurant is situated on the quayside, overlooking the fishing boats in Chania's operational marina. The menu boasts an extensive selection of fish and seafood, but the 'must-try' item is a sea urchin, a popular local delicacy. Typically served within its half-shell, the vibrant orange ovaries inside are garnished with a drizzle of oil and a squeeze of lemon, and consumed raw – using bread to scoop out the flesh. It offers an intriguing taste, somewhat sweet and salty simultaneously, but when in Chania...
Please note that the restaurant is highly popular among locals, so it's advisable to book a table in advance. To make a reservation, please call +30 2821 094466

Return to the hotel after dinner.
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