Journey to Greece: A Memorable Adventure

 Day 1: The Journey Begins

Excitement filled the air as we left home at around 19:00, heading for London Gatwick Airport. Anticipation turned into a mix of impatience and relief when, after a slight delay, our flight finally took off at 22:04. The plane ascended smoothly into the night sky, and despite the six-hour journey covering over 1,680 miles, the peaceful flight offered some much-needed rest.

We touched down at Heraklion International Airport, Kazantzakis, feeling the warmth of the Greek air as we disembarked. A cab awaited us, ready to whisk us away to our home for the trip—Maritimo Beach Hotel in Sissi. Exhausted from the journey, the only thing on our minds was food and rest. After being shown to our rooms, we had a quiet dinner, enjoying local delicacies, before heading to bed.

At Gatwick London Airport waiting on the flight

Day 2: Exploring Sissi
The next morning, with energy restored, we set out for our first adventure. A visit to the Pleasure Beach Club Restaurant followed by lunch at Geitonia Malia-Cretan Creative Cuisine gave us a taste of the island’s culinary offerings. The views and atmosphere were serene, setting the perfect tone for the day. Later, we returned to the hotel to rest, had dinner, and chilled by the pool under the warm glow of the evening sky.

A sight of the pool at Maritimo Hotel

Dining at the Hotel

Maritimo Beach Hotel

Day 3: A Slow, Relaxing Day
After two days of travel and exploration, fatigue had set in. This day was mostly spent indoors, lounging in the comfort of our hotel, a short visit to Pleasure Beach, catching up on sleep, and basking in the tranquility of the Maritimo Beach Hotel. It was a much-needed break before another day of exploring.

Maritimo Beach Hotel

Maritimo at going down of the sun

Pleasure Beach Hotel

Still the Pleasure Beach

Day 4: Stunning Views at Sissi Harbour
Feeling recharged, we ventured to the picturesque View Harbour at Sissi. The breathtaking sight of the crystal-clear water and bustling harbor never disappoints. We spent hours watching swimmers, tourists, and locals alike enjoy the day. A quick dip in the water was the perfect way to cool down before heading back to the hotel for more relaxation.

A view of Sissi Harbour

Sissi Harbour

Still at the Sissi harbour

Sissi

Day 5: A Wild Adventure at Amazonas Park
Ready for a change of scenery, we planned a day trip to Amazonas Park in Kourones. This wildlife haven was a delight! We wandered through the park, marveling at the exotic animals—birds, monkeys, goats, deer, and even lemurs. The experience was a joy for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

From Amazonas Park, we headed to Limenas High Street for a leisurely stroll through the shops. The local craftsmanship was impressive, and the energy of the street was infectious. We ended the day at the San Antonio Boutique Hotel and Spa, where we treated ourselves to a delightful meal before making our way back to Maritimo Beach Hotel to unwind.

Sissi at Night

Maritimo Hotel at Night

Outside Amazonas Park

Inside Amazonas

Amazonas

Amazonas

Amazonas

Amazonas

Amazonas

Feeding the Lemurs at Amazonas

Amazonas

Still at the Lemurs

San Antonio Beach Hotel

Amazonas

Day 6: Preparing for Departure
The penultimate day was quiet. We stayed mostly indoors, soaking up the last bits of the hotel’s tranquility and preparing for the journey home.

Day 7: The Journey Home
With mixed emotions, we made our way back to the airport for the return flight to London. This time, the journey seemed quicker—less than six hours later, we were back in familiar territory.

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Reflections
Greece, particularly in August, is a land of stunning vistas and friendly locals, but the heat is intense—sunscreen and evening outings are a must! Each day brought something new, from mesmerizing harbors to thrilling wildlife encounters. Despite the heat, the sights and experiences were unforgettable. Greece is a place that lingers in your mind, beckoning you to return.