CULTURE

I would like to present the Cretan traditions through lovely stories, in this section: while I am sharing useful information!

I arrived in Crete at18 o’clock, last time. My accommodation was in the center of Chania’s old town. A taxi was waiting at the airport. We left for Chania.

Unfortunately, I didn’t count, with the most basic Cretan Greek tradition! – the center of the cities and settlements of Crete, the old town part will change, in the evening!

The streets, where people can travel by car during the day – are occupied by restaurants and traders!

– the restaurants put the tables and chairs on the street, and serve the delicious Cretan delicacies

– most restaurants traditionally prepare food, always from fresh ingredients

– traders also occupy the streets with their porticoes

– the streets of the old town turn into a huge cozy bazaar row in the evenings

Good advice!

[swpm_protected format_protected_msg=”1″] 1. In the center of the towns and villages of Crete, in the old town, it is not possible to drive in the evening!

2. Even the best navigation systems don’t see: how restaurants and merchants have occupied the streets!

3. Who is booking accommodation in the old town of Chania and would like to get there in the evening: it must be taken into account, that a taxi or any other means of transport can only travel to the border of the old town!

4. In the evening from the border of the old town – to the old town center – in the old town: possible to move only on foot!

5. Who has luggage, have to reckon with the fact: that transport will be very difficult in the bazaar row or between restaurant tables! [/swpm_protected]

The taxi stopped at the border of the old town. According by GPS and Google navigation, my accommodation was only 700 meters away.

I had to cross a street first, in which the leather goods merchants offered their porters.

I had a big suitcase and handbag. I had to fight myself through the crowd: between people walking and shopping on the street.

I arrived at the fountain, which was very cozy.

– pleasantly cool air flowed from the sea

– I was surrounded by gourmet scents, from the restaurants

– the people enjoyed, the unique atmosphere of the city

– the lights, among the historic buildings of the old town, in the cavalcade of scents, by the sea: all this together was truly wonderful

But between the people! – between restaurants! – to get to the accommodation on foot: it took almost an hour and a half!

Unfortunately, the navigation didn’t see: how the streets were busy!

The navigation didn’t see the places: where restaurants and merchants closed the streets. I had to improvise several times. I had to look for opportunities, that to get closer to the accommodation.

So in the evening – 700 meters – in the old town of Chania – on foot: it can take up to 1.5 hours!

The part of the culture and tradition in Western Crete, that families have dinner together in restaurants! – that’s why they need a lot of restaurants in the evenings.

The people like to talk and exchange ideas during dinner.

Good advice!

[swpm_protected format_protected_msg=”1″] 6. In the center of the towns and villages in a lot of part of Crete, in the old town, it is not possible to drive in Sunday afternoon!

7. If possible, do not plan to drive in the Old Town or in the city center on Sunday afternoons!

8. Only the very important main routes are definitely available on Sunday afternoons and every evening of the week![/swpm_protected]