Day 8 – Argiroupolis, Georgioupolis, Lake Kournas, Rethymno

After the long day yesterday, today we wanted to explore the surrounding area.

The first stop on our tour was Argiroupolis, a picturesque village in the mountains behind Rethymno. The village is famous for its springs, which feed numerous waterfalls.

We first strolled through the beautiful alleys lined with whitewashed houses. Again and again, we enjoyed magnificent panoramic views of the sea from the village.

At an idyllic street café, we ordered some cool drinks and simply enjoyed the peace and quiet this lovely place exudes.

Next, we continued on to Georgioupolis, where I had spent a vacation with my son ten years earlier. We wanted to see whether the place had changed during that decade.

Georgioupolis is a tourist destination right on the coast with a beautiful, long sandy beach. In the center, there are plenty of cozy bars, tavernas, and cafés welcoming guests from all over the world.

Especially impressive is the small chapel that stands on a narrow strip of land jutting into the sea.

Fortunately, despite the many tourists who come here every year, Georgioupolis has managed to preserve the charm of the fishing village it once was.

Our next destination was Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete, beautifully nestled between green hills.

By the lake, you’ll find the usual souvenir shops and a restaurant located on a small hill, offering a great view of the lake.

Lake Kournas is very popular with tourists as a day-trip destination due to its location.

You can rent pedal boats and swim in the lake.

After a few cool drinks and a delicious yogurt with walnuts and honey – my favorite dessert – we continued our journey.

The final stop for today was Rethymno. This coastal city boasts a rich history. Especially impressive is the very well-preserved Venetian fortress, which once served as protection against pirates.

We wandered for hours through the narrow alleys of the old town, visited several souvenir shops, and soaked up the atmosphere of this picturesque city.

We took a break in a small, cozy taverna and once again ordered our beloved pitas.

Rethymno is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Crete’s rich history and culture.

In the middle of the old town stands the famous Venetian fountain from 1629, one of Rethymno’s main sights. Around it are numerous inviting cafés that encourage you to sit down and enjoy.

Happy and a little tired, we made our way back to the hotel. Once there, we prepared dinner, which we – as always – ate on the terrace while watching the hustle and bustle in the street below.

We ended the evening by the pool. I love swimming at night, so I didn’t want to miss this chance under any circumstances. The perfect end to a hot, eventful day.