Kolympari
Following the mail street. This is the easiest way from one end of sea-front Kolimbari to the
other. Unlike the sea-side promenades in the
UK, and many other places,
Kolimbari has the buildings between the sea and the main thoroughfare. That's Greek. But very nice as it separates the traffic from the
tavernas, the beach, and you.
There are five tavernas, a gift shop, a unisex hairdressers and directly facing you at the top a very old,
genuine and very Cretan Kafenion. Men only but then Cretan chivalry being
what it is I have seen at least one lady having a drink outside. An
original experience which you might never be able to re-live. Try it -
but don't look for the juke-box.
The first gift shop, on the
left walking up the street towards the kafenion sells, in common with it's
peers, just about everything. Ice cream; cold drinks; air beds; Sun
creams; leather goods; ceramics; jewellery; postcards; paperbacks; magazines
and newspapers in several different languages. English, German and of
course Greek languages predominate. I like the jewellery - it's typical
of all Cretan gift-shops but my daughter likes ear-rings. This guy has a
very excellent selection at good prices.
The second and newest gift
shop on the street is 'Elaia'. Standing on the right side of the
street opposite the post office. Fairly new they don't yet sell
everything but have a good selection of pottery, some of which you won't find
in the other shops. They also sell books on
Crete;
guidebooks; cookery books; maps and very useful being so near the post office,
postcards.
Towards the Monastery...
Walking past the past office the second half of the main street presents a
small greengrocer, the second baker; third and fourth gift shops, two tavernas
and the Plaza Cafe.
Turn right just by the
motorcycle in the picture above (remember it will have moved!) walk down
between the buildings and you will find yourself in a small open plateia facing
the sea. The small fishing harbour is on your left and the Restaurant-Bar
Mylos on your right.
This is the view from the
small harbour to where you should be standing if you are following the
guide. A new extension to this harbour is being built to attract yachts
and I would think other pleasure craft. But don't worry, the bay here is
very shallow. There is no chance for car ferries and commercial vehicles
spoiling the place.
The Mylos Restaurant Bar.. This is a good place to sit
and view the the beach-front scene while enjoying a frappe, a beer and a
snack. From a short distance.... In front is the open sea with no
beach, bathers or brolleys between you and Stavros, of Zorba the Greek fame,
across the sea at Akrotiri. Very pleasant.
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Reference No : #Kolimbari Hideaway
