Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Balí
BALÍ
, on the coast about halfway between Iráklion and Réthymnon, is a charming
small resort with a beautiful setting and sandy beaches. The village is built around a
trio of small coves, some 2km from the highway, and is similar to Ayía Pelayía except
that the beaches are not quite as good and there are no big hotels, just an ever-growing
proliferation of apartment buildings, rooms for rent and a number of smaller hotels.
You'll have plenty of company here, and it has to be said that Balí has become a
package resort too popular for its own good; it's a beautiful place to splash about,
surrounded by mountains rising straight from the sea, but there's rarely a spare inch on
the sand in high season.
Týlissos
Daily 8.30am-3pm • €2
TÝLISSOS
, 11km inland and west of Iráklion,
has a significant archeological site where
three Minoan houses were excavated; unfortunately, its reputation is based more on
what was found here (many pieces in the Iráklion Archeological Museum) and on its
significance for archeologists than on anything which remains to be seen. Still, it's
worth a look, if you're passing, for a glimpse of Minoan life away from the big palaces,
and for the tranquillity of the pine-shaded remains.
7
Anóyia
ANÓYIA
is a tempting place to stay, especially if the summer heat is becoming
oppressive. It's a large village, with two centres, spilling prettily down a hillside below
Mount
Psilorítis
. It looks traditional, but closer inspection shows that most of the
buildings are actually concrete; the village was destroyed during World War II and the
local men were rounded up and shot - one of the German reprisals for the abduction
of General Kreipe by the Cretan resistance. The town has a reputation as a centre of
lýra
playing (many famous exponents were born here, most notably the late Nikos
Xylouris) and also as a
handicrafts
centre. It's a thriving place today thanks to a
buoyant sheep farming sector - farmers here are some of the richest in Greece; don't
miss the
spit-roast lamb
if you're carnivorously inclined.
GETTING AROUND
WEST OF IRÁKLION
By bus
Iráklion-Réthymnon line buses, running hourly
along the main coastal highway, stop at the exit roads to
Ayía Pelayía, Balí and Fódhele; you'll then have a 2-3km
(hot) walk down to each village. Ayía Pelayía also has a
limited direct service from Iráklion to the centre of the
resort (3 daily, 8.30am, 9.15am, 2.30pm; 30min).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
AYÍA PELAYÍA
Most accommodation here is block-booked by package
holiday companies, although in quieter times you shouldn't
have any problems finding a bed
.
The Pangosmio travel
agency (
T
28108 11402) may be able to come up with
something at the last minute.
Irini
Beach road
T
28108 11455,
W
irini-hotel
-apartments.gr.
Cheery apartments, above a good snack-
bar and café of the same name, and just a few metres from
the beach. Apartment
s slee
p 2-6, with a/c, balcony, TV,
and kitchen. April-Oct.
€45
Out of the Blue, Capsis Elite Resort
T
28108 11112,
W
capsis.gr.
This five-star luxury resort complex sits on a
private peninsula, comprising four hotels, seven pools,
luxury villas with private pools and thr
ee pri
vate beaches. It
even has its own zoo. April-Oct. From
€200
Zorba's
Beach road, near the beach
T
28102 56072,
W
zorbas.gr.
Pleasant apartments and studios with
balcony, located above a shop just seconds from the beach.
Facilities include a/
c, kit
chenette and fridge. Wi-fi is also
available. May-Oct.
€45
BALÍ
Mira Mare
T
28340 94256.
Good-value rooms located
on the main thoroughfare, a short, but steep, walk from the
beach, and above a supermarke
t, w
ith a/c, fridge and
balcony with sea views. May-Oct.
€35
ANÓYIA
Aetos
Upper village.
A popular local meat taverna,
specializing in lamb and goat (€7-8) cooked on the outdoor
barbecue. Some good local cheeses too.
Daily lunch & dinner.
