Crete in May

Mid May was a wonderful time to visit Crete. The resorts and gentle beach side restaurants were pretty much empty.

There was heat but enough respite; and a warm breeze on the beach. We stayed at The Royal Marmin Bay Boutique Hotel, set up on a cliff.

Victoria Hislop stayed here when she wrote her book the island, based on the true story of Spinalonga – which can be seen from look out. Spinalonga lies off the North-Eastern coast of Crete, just along from the Gulf of Elounda.

The island served as a leper colony through the 18th and 19th century, and even into the 20th century, the last leper leaving in 1957.

On the weekends, it’s lit up at night – a poignant reminder of its heart-breaking history. Boat trips go from either Elounda or Plaka, two villages that The Royal Marmin lies between.

The bay is protected by an uninhabited island called Kalydon – which provides a blank canvas for the magically sunsets here.

Pros: Private rooms set in these mini-villas. Choice of a gorgeous pool at the top of the resort looking into the horizon.

An incredible Sushi restaurant called Samura Sushi Bar & Restaurant headed up by a world famous chef called Dannie Mira. You don’t have to stay here and I’d definitely recommend. The staff here are also wonderfully attentive and kind.

Cons: The Gym didn’t open until 10 and was pretty minimal. Though they are said to be building a new one this summer.

It’s also tricky to get around the hotel because it’s set on such a steep hill (though the views make it worth it – and you can hear a gentle lull of goats mooing (?) and their bells ringing as they climb in the parched greenery around you) Don’t worry though, they’ve got it covered with golf buggies that timely pick you up when you need to get to Breakfast, the beach, pool, spa - et al.

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