Passion for Preveli Beach

Here is one random fact about me, I’m terrified of heights! This fear suddenly appeared in my life back in 2007 when I decided to salute the glorious Eiffel Tower. So when my friend Maria told me that there is no way in the world I will miss visiting the Preveli Beach, I had no choice but to kiss my fears goodbye! This magnificent beach is located on the south coast of Rethymnon town, where the steep Kourtaliotiko Gorge meets the Libyan Sea forming a cool lagoon and the famous sandy beach of Preveli. This beach is also very famous for its palm forest which consists of the precious type of palm tree known as Phoenix Theophrasti, a rare species which is under extinction. The palm trees have graciously grown along the river which leads to the beach of Preveli where you will find a miraculous heart shaped rock inside the sea. To get here you have to walk downhill for about 15-20 minutes. The view is extraordinary but getting back up was quite a challenge for me as my fear of heights crept up on me on the way back. Fear or no fear I am glad that I did visit this beach and recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in Crete!

In the evening on our way back we had dinner at a great taverna called Pyrgos which is surrounded by the mountains. If you manage to come here just before the sunset you are guaranteed to enjoy a spectacular view and delicious Cretan cuisine. Until next time, see the beauty around you. xoxo ES

Passion for Elafonisi Beach, Chania

Looking at the photos you might be thinking that I jumped on a plane and escaped to the Maldives! This heaven on earth is actually found on the island of Crete. Elafonisi is one of the most amazing, picturesque beaches that you will ever see. It is actually a tiny island located on the southwestern corner of Crete and on days that the weather permits you can walk to the island through the shallow water, carrying everything on your head! Part of the beach is organized therefore you can rent an umbrella and sun beds, but if you are an adventurer at heart you will definitely decide to spend the day on the tiny island under the burning sun! That’s what we did and it was worth it. Here you will the find the most crystal clear waters and pink sand.

The drive to Elafonisi which is part of Chania was a long one especially coming from Rethymnon, it took us about two hours to get there, but it is an experience of a life time. Until next time, enjoy the view! xoxo ES

Passion for Margarites Village in Rethymno, Crete

Happy Sunday fashion bunnies! It’s been a while I know, but life on the island of Crete moves to a different rhythm. The project I have been working on for the past two months, at the Be A Model Academy which took place at the Grecotel Creta Palace has come to an end. A total of four weeks of fashion, beauty, catwalk and lots of photo shootings, is over for now.

During my two months spent here on the island, I have greatly enjoyed agritourism which is all about bringing the visitor close to nature and to discovering the local way of life, traditions and gastronomy. In this post I would like to share with you one of my visits to the Margarites village which is located in the West of Rethymno in the foothills of Mt. Psiloritis. Margarites is one of Crete’s four main pottery centers, here the tradition of pottery making goes back many generations. In total there are 23 potters in the village.

I was very fortunate to visit a traditional Cretan pottery, one of the finest in Margarites, called KERAMION which is operated by George Dalamvelas and his family. George showed me the techniques of how the pottery is produced and all its stages of making from gathering the clay (which is done during the winter months) to the pottery firing process. George uses traditional techniques which go back to Neolithic period to create ceramics which are very useful in our modern lives.

In the evening I had the unique experience of a guided tour to collect chicken eggs and milk the goats. This trip was organized by George’s brother Pandelis who will be appointed President of Margarites and 9 other villages as of this coming September. To end this exciting day we had a home cooked meal at Pandelis house, where I must note that Irini, his wife is an exquisite cook and makes the most delicious goat milk cheese from their little farm. Anything that she cooks is yummy! My friends if you ever find yourselves in Crete, do make sure to check out this village and also visit their small monastery which is located on a hill overlooking the village.  Here you will discover a serene garden in full blossom, banana trees and peacocks, definitely a site you must not miss. Until next time, I will be back with more tales from Crete. xoxo ES

Passion for Zeus + Amalthia Sky Bar Restaurant

As summer continues and I am still spending wonderful days here in Crete, I would like to share a few more photos which were shot at the brand new Zeus + Amalthia Sky Bar Restaurant at the Grecotel Creta Palace hotel. The view here is spectacular and the cocktails are just sunsational! If you find yourselves in Rethymno this summer, make sure you check this place out. Until next time, enjoy! xoxo ES

Passion for Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort -Video

Happy Sunday fashionistas! How is August treating you so far? Here is the final video of the Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort campaign which I took part in a little while ago. You will see me in the pool scenes and the Jacuzzi. Let me know what you think darlings. Until next time, have a fabulous Sunday. xoxo ES