Last week, I went to Greece for the first time and wow. It quickly went to the top of my favorites list. The people, the food, the water, the wine. Crete was truly a 10/10, so I’m going to share exactly where to stay, what to eat and drink, and of course what to wear.
Crete
One of the best parts of traveling to Crete is that there is an airport on the island, so you can fly directly there without stopping over in Athens and taking a ferry.
On the island, there are several small towns worth visiting, but we spent our time in the Elounda region near Plaka which is where most of the luxe resorts are located. Next time, I’d stay longer and explore more of the island and its smaller inlets.
Where to Stay
We had the pleasure of staying at Phāea Blue during our time in Crete. It was without a doubt one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever experienced. Upon arriving, our bags were immediately taken to our suite while we went to check in.
At check-in, we were greeted with cold lavender towels and sparkling wine garnished with rosemary sprigs. It was so refreshing and spa-like after traveling all morning. The sparkling wine was made on the property and absolutely delicious. I should have known from that moment that I was about to experience some of the best food of my life at this hotel.
After a seamless check-in experience, we were shown to our suite which was absolutely stunning. There was a huge walk-in closet, a living area equipped with wine, homemade pastries, and fresh fruit from the garden. A canopy bed with plush feather pillows (heavenly). A massive bathroom with both a shower and bathtub (there was even a TV above the tub for a Pretty Woman moment). Not to mention the heated floors.
But that isn’t even the best part. When you open the sliding glass doors, there is a huge balcony with a small bistro table for morning espresso and then… a private pool overlooking the sea. It was literally perfect. I travel a lot, but most of the time it’s go go go, so this was the exact type of relaxation I was looking for on this trip. Next to the pool were two lounge chairs and an umbrella (insert me with a bottle of local wine and my latest romance novel). Love that for me.
Where to Eat & Drink
We spent the majority of our time in Crete at the hotel (& trust me you would too). Phāea has a few different restaurants, all of which were some of the best food I’ve ever had. Yes, even better than Italy (I know).
Quick note on food quality. Phāea makes most of their food onsite, down to their own olive oil from their olive groves. It made everything taste insanely fresh because it was.
Blue Door Taverna
We started with lunch at Blue Door Taverna which is their beachfront restaurant. As soon as we sat down and ate the first course, Brandon asked if we could come back for dinner. We had the anchovies, fresh pita, fish soup, wood-fired grouper, local white wine. The food was insane, but the view was maybe better. Overlooking the blue water and view of Spinalonga. We finished the meal with 2 shots of Greek water (see: Ouzo)
Anthós Restaurant
This was literally my favorite meal of the trip and not to be dramatic, but maybe favorite meal of my life. The ambiance is a 10, the food is an 11, Maria is a 12. We had the artichoke salad, grilled octopus, souvlaki, and wine the first night. It was so good, I had to get the souvlaki again on night two. We also had the lamb chops the second night and they were maybe even better which is crazy.
Daily breakfast is also served at Anthós, and when I say this is an experience not to be missed, I mean it. Breakfast here is - I’m actually at a loss for words. It’s so fresh and delicious, iced lattes, greek yogurt bar, fresh farm eggs with feta, pastries, fresh fruit, honeycomb from the Phāea bees (!) I loved eating here if you couldn’t tell.
Phāea Garden Dinner
The weather did not cooperate, so we were unable to experience this. But Phāea hosts a family-style dinner served over one long table with all of the hotel guests with dinner made from their garden. I was so sad to have missed this because knowing Phāea, it was probably perfection.
Votsalo Bar
If you know me, you know I’ll be at the bar. After dinner each night, we had a night cap at the hotel bar (either in the lobby on chilly nights or by the pool on warm nights). The perfect way to end the night.
Ta Kymata
Outside of Phāea, we went to Ta Kymata for a little afternoon aperitivo. This is located right in the small village of Plaka, which is adorable btw. It was a little chilly when we went, but on a warm summer day, it would be magic. We got the fried feta with warm honey, need I say more.
What to Do
Honestly relaxing on the hotel property is my top recommendation. They have the private suite pools, the main pool area, and a private beachfront next to Blue Door Taverna.
They also offer a traditional caique experience which is a wooden boat that sails around the nearby island. We had this on our itinerary, but the weather was a little spotty and had to cancel.
I was also lucky enough to squeeze in some time at the spa and get a deep tissue massage which was the perfect rainy day activity.
I’d also recommend venturing into Plaka and around Elounda. Both of which are within walking distance from the hotel.
What to Wear
My first recommendation for what to wear in Greece involves stalking Anastasia Souris, who is the Greek style icon. Think effortless, yet elevated. Loose linen, flowing sets, neutral tones, raffia bags.
Needless to say, Crete deserves a spot on your summer schedule.
Yamas,
x Alex
Koukla 💋
Mhmmm you can find me here 🥰