And the sun's tepid morning rays beam down on us, gently patting the world with their soothing and maternal balm, offering a regenerative if brief interval of respite, & a promise of limitless affection to a crying earth.
As the sun’s rays increase in warmth, leading us into a drunken stupor, they illuminate land and sea, some stretches of sea shimmering in the sun like a cluster of crystals taking it in turn to sparkle, virtual & forever elusive. Or like bulbs hanging onto a Xmas tree, alternately radiating a shining light, and celebrating this resplendent spectacle of nature.
- Melissa Saliba - Written during out last morning in Crete
After an early morning stroll along the old Venetian Harbour of Chania, we sat for our last breakfast at the Amphora Hotel Chania.
It was a breakfast with a difference, as apart from an exquisite miscellany of food offered as part of the breakfast buffet, the breakfast area consists in a small outdoor restaurant situated on the seafront, and with a good view of the harbour and its environs.
We were also pleasantly surprised by the particularly amicable and even jovial nature of the Cretan people, which though typical of Mediterranean people like us, yet I find exceeds that of other areas, making us feel welcome and enjoy our stay even more.
Take a stroll with your loved one/s along the Old Venetian port of Chania all the way to the lighthouse, which is clearly visible from the port, and/or to the golden sand beach of Koum Kapi.
If the weather permits, take a plunge into the Cretan waters. Though still early in the season in our case (beginning May), yet it was particularly refreshing and one of the highlights of our tour.
Browse through all kinds of tourist shops and the market located along the harbour seafront and on the lovely narrow side streets, and you will definitely find that special something to buy from Crete. I am particularly fond of my souvenir collection of fridge magnets and charms.
Let yourself meander aimlessly through the charming and colourful streets of Old Town Chania packed with quaint and medieval houses with the shuttered windows and an exhibit of flowerpots. Again, these streets are filled with more shops, restaurants and cafes, where you can stop for a coffee.
It was also our last day in Crete, and were looking to taste some local food.
After a wait of about 15 mins since we had no reservation, we sat down at a table on the inside of the much sought-after Tamam Restaurant in Chania, well-known for its traditional foods and local products.
Despite the restaurant being full of people, we were assisted in a timely manner and were soon served a sweet-tasting, tender goat fillet with ‘staka’ butter and baked potatoes on the side, and a carafe of deep ruby-colored house wine, and the perfect closure to our brief interlude in Crete.
© 2026 Mario & Melissa Saliba
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