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324 Victoria Rd

Marrickville New South Wales 2204

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Stavros Beach (Zorba’s Beach): Crete Travel Guide

Looking for the best place to lounge on the beach in Crete? Stavros Beach makes a pretty compelling case!

Stavros Beach (a.k.a Zorba’s Beach) is one of our favorite beaches we visited that was close to Chania. It feels like you own a remote island, and the mountain across the bay is so beautiful.

It’s also just 15 kilometers from the city, which made it really easy for us to visit on a day trip.

We actually made a whole day of it and came here to relax for the afternoon after a long hike to Katholiko Monastery!

Its other claim to fame is being featured in the 1960s film, ‘Zorba the Greek.’

This gave Stavros Beach international recognition, and to this day, it remains a favorite among travelers to Crete for its clear waters, golden sand, and stunning mountain scene across the bay.

What to Expect at Stavros Beach

Stavros does have a beautiful coastline, but the real reason it’s arguably the most beautiful beach in the area is the 1000-foot craggy mountains jetting out of the cove. This mountain scene creates a dramatic view for visitors sunbathing and swimming at Stavros Beach.

The coastline is clean, the water is clear, and it is not as crowded as other beaches in Crete .

Even on windy days, Stavros remains quite pleasant because of the mountains surrounding the bay, blocking significant winds from the north.

Facilities at Stavros Beach

Stavros Beach has all of the facilities you would expect from a public beach, like restaurants, bathrooms, and sunbeds available to rent all along the coastline.

Plus, there are showers on each end of the beach and changing cabins available in between.

We loved having a convenient place to get out of our swimsuits before hopping back in the car.

Best Time to Visit Stavros Beach

The hottest (and busiest) months are July and August . These months are very humid and crowded in Crete. If you have the option, you should try to visit Crete in June or September.

During these months, the crowds are thinning out, but things are still lively and open!

We visited Stavros in October, and despite the approaching low season, it was a wonderful place to relax away from the business in Chania.

Try to avoid visiting between November – March. Although Crete has some of the best winter weather in all of Europe, most shops and restaurants close for the season.

Why is it Called “Zorba’s Beach?”

Stavros Beach is sometimes referred to as Zorba’s Beach due to the famous film from 1964, Zorba the Greek .

In the movie, Zorba teaches the main character (an Englishman named Basil) to dance on the shores of Stavros Beach. The dance is now called “ sirtaki “. If you spend enough time in Crete, you will eventually hear the song played at one of the local tavernas.

5 Things to Do in Stavros, Crete

You can easily fill an afternoon with things to do at Stavros Beach! From sunbathing on the soft golden shore to snorkeling in the lagoon or hiking in the mountains of Akrotiri above the beach!

1. Rent a Sunbed and relax

Stavros is full of sunbeds, beach blankets, and travelers soaking up as much sun as they can get!

But renting a sunbed at Stavros is quite expensive (€25-30 for two beds & an umbrella), so we recommend bringing your own beach blanket and sunbathing in the sand for free!

We recently started using a compact, sand-resistant beach blanket , and it’s fantastic!

2. Go snorkeling

Snorkeling is fantastic at Stavros Beach. The ocean floor is pretty rocky for a couple of meters, but after that, it’s calm water and a sandy ocean floor.

The water is also very warm in the summer, and some small vendors not far offshore have goggles and other gear for rent.

The geography also makes it really safe for children. The beach is tucked away in a calm cove, so even children can enjoy snorkeling without the risk of being pulled out to sea.

3. Visit Katholiko Bay & Monastery

Katholiko Monastery was one of the historical sites in Crete that surprised us the most!

The 500-year-old monastery has a huge bridge stretching over the gorge, caves to explore, and Greek Orthodox alters to see inside.

Continuing past the monastery, you will eventually reach Katholiko Bay . It is often called ‘Katholiko Beach,’ but this is a bit deceiving because there is no actual beach.

However, you can still swim in crystal-clear water and even try some small cliff jumps around the bay!

The hike to Katholiko takes about 4-5 hours roundtrip, but you can drive to Gouverneto Monastery to cut the hike down to just 2.8 miles roundtrip (4.5 kilometers).

4. Hike to Cave Lera

The hike to Cave Lera is known for its impressive view. The cave itself is not very big and sadly tarnished by graffiti, but the view from the top is impressive.

The short hike leads to one of the best views you can get of Stavros Beach. It’s an easy yet steep hike of half a mile that will take about 30 minutes to complete.

You can see the trail map here .

If you are looking for a longer hike in the area, you have two options:

• Take the trail leading around the left-hand side of the coast (1.8 miles one-way) for great views of the coast
• Trek all the way to Katholiko Bay (4.2 miles one-way).

These hikes will give you more solitude and alternative views of the mountains around Chania!

5. Venture to West Stavros Beach

If you walk 200 meters west of Stavros Beach, you might be surprised to discover that the shoreline continues for another kilometer!

There are fewer facilities on this part of the beach, but if Stavros Beach is really crowded, you may enjoy your time more by moving to this section of the beach.

Where is Stavros Beach, Crete?

Stavros Beach (Zorba’s Beach) is at the northwest corner of Akrotiri Peninsula, just outside of Chania, Crete. The beach is about 25 minutes by car from Chania and is one of the most popular day trips from the city.

It’s also called “Gold Coast Beach” on Google Maps, so if that’s all you see, know that you’re looking at the same place!

Directions to Stavros Beach

Stavros Beach is 15 kilometers from Chania, and you can rent a car, hire a taxi, or take a bus.

Chania to Stavros Beach by Rental Car : Renting a car is definitely the best way to travel around Crete. Driving to Stavros takes about 30 minutes from Chania city center. The drive is relatively flat and easy to follow if you have Google Maps!

Chania to Stavros Beach by Taxi – Hiring a taxi to Stavros will cost about €15 each way. You can find a taxi from anywhere in Chania, and the beach is popular enough that you shouldn’t have trouble finding a ride from the beach back to Chania.

You can also schedule a taxi ahead of time with Welcome Pickups.

Chania to Stavros Beach by Bus – You can catch a bus to Stavros for just €2! The bus departs from Chania Bus Station five times daily (four times on Sunday).

Where to Stay in Stavros (Zorbas Beach)

Stavros Beach is a gorgeous place to stay for a few peaceful days in Crete. It’s close enough to visit Chania when you want a more lively evening, but you can always retreat back to the peaceful atmosphere any other time.

During our trip to Crete, we chose to stay in Chania and take a day trip to Stavros Beach, so we included one recommendation for where to stay in Old Town Chania, too!

Budget villa – Nanakis Beach Luxury apartments

Nanakis Beach Luxury Apartments offers a high-end stay for a budget price. The apartment gets consistent 10/10 ratings and is just a couple hundred meters from Stavros Beach.

Each apartment has a bedroom, living area (with sofa bed), kitchenette, and a sea-view balcony. Plus, there’s a massive pool overlooking Nanakis Bay and sunbeds for relaxing in the afternoons.

Family Villa – Selene Villa on Stavros Beach

This Modern Villa is huge, with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It’s one of the most affordable large villas on Stavros Beach. The apartment is gorgeous, and the booking is for the entire villa + private pool.

This could be the perfect option if your family is traveling to Crete together or you are here with a couple of friends!

Best Hotel in Chania Old Town – Casa Kallergi

Stavros Beach is a great place, but you may want to stay closer to Chania Old Town and simply take a day trip to Stavros Beach. That’s what we did.

If this sounds like you, consider staying at Casa Kallergi . It’s an affordable boutique hotel with beautiful decor on Chania Port’s picturesque shopping streets.

Best Tavernas at Stavros Beach

There are only a few small places to eat at Stavros Beach that offer good food and mezze.

However, don’t expect to find many options on the menus. All the taverns at Stavros Beach serve Cretan food or specialty seafood dishes.

Note: Almost all restaurants in Stavros, including the following two, are closed for winter.

Mama’s Place

Mama’s place is located right on Stavros Beach (the Google Maps pin is slightly off). The taverna has quality food and fair prices for the beach. They primarily serve breakfast and lunch dishes, like omelets, greek salads, fresh seafood, moussaka, and more!

We ordered a Cretan Omelet, which was arguably our favorite breakfast dish we had in on the island. It’s a traditional omelet stuffed with tomatoes, onion, and authentic feta cheese.

We had no clue that feta on eggs tasted so good!

Almyriki Restaurant

A fancier restaurant on Stavros Beach is Amyriki Restaurant.

As you can see from their Menu , they specialize in seafood and creative local Cretan dishes.

But it’s a little more expensive than Mama’s Place. Expect to pay at least €14 per plate.

Other Beaches nearby

The Akrotiri Peninsula has a few beaches worth visiting, and they’re so close together that it’s easy to combine two or three of them into one day, especially if you have your own car.

Kalathas Beach

Kalathas Beach is a small beach that you pass on the way from Chania to Stavros Beach. This beach has super clear water, but it is packed all day.

We didn’t stop here for long, but it’s the most accessible beach from Chania. Just be sure to get here early if you want a sunbed near the water since they fill up quickly.

Although it is more “touristy,” it’s still a beach worth considering!

Marathi Beach

Marathi Beach is on the opposite side of the Akrotiri Peninsula, but we enjoyed spending the evening here and having dinner on the ocean. There is a small beach with sunbeds and showers available, and the restaurants on the ocean are great places for a romantic dinner.

Seitan Limania Beach

Seitan Limania Beach is tucked deep in one of Crete’s many gorges, and it’s the best beach near Chania for more adventurous travelers.

To reach the beach, you have to hike about 0.5 kilometers down rocky terrain. Then, at the bottom, you will arrive at a small beach with gorgeous blue water flooding into the cove.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has answered all your questions and you feel better knowing exactly what to expect from Stavros Beach!

It’s truly an epic place to visit, and since rental cars are less than €15/day in Chania , there’s no reason to leave beach-hopping around the Akrotiri peninsula off your itinerary!

This beach is also really close to Chania Airport, so if your flight arrives early and you can’t check into your hotel yet, schedule your airport transfer to drop you off here for a few hours!

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Zorba The Greek or Zorba From Crete?

Zorba from Crete, is the ideal excursion for families with children ...

... who are looking for a day or evening short excursion to escape Chania town

... and visit the beautiful monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity)

... and the famous beach of Stavros in Akrotiri of Chania

Both attractions are only a very short drive from Chania’s old town ...

... located on the Peninsula (Akrotiri of Chania), made famous by Anthony Quinn in the film of Zorba the Greek

Patriarchal and Crusading Holy Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Jagarolon in Chania, Crete ...

... is one of the most important monasteries in Greece

The monastery, whose name means Holy Trinity, was built in the 17th century ...

... by two brothers of the Venetian Zangaroli family on the site of a pre-existing church

The church is built in the Byzantine architectural cruciform style with three domes

The monks produce and sell bio wine and bio olive oil on the premises

Stavros beach is generally sheltered from rough sea conditions, therefore ...

... making it perfect for swimming and especially safe for children

The beach is located east of the village, at the foot of the mountain Vardies, and next to the picturesque harbor

The contrast of the wild mountain with the calm beach makes Stavros a unique place for swimming

Description book now.

Zorba from Crete. It is the ideal excursion for families with children who are looking for a day or evening short excursion to escape Chania town and visit the beautiful monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) and the famous beach of Stavros in Akrotiri of Chania.

• Gastronomy (Wine Tastings & Cooking Workshops) History & Culture Monasteries Agrotourism/Ethnography
• Gastronomy (Wine Tastings & Cooking Workshops)
• History & Culture
• Monasteries
• Agrotourism/Ethnography

Both attractions are only a very short drive from Chania’s old town located on the Peninsula (Akrotiri of Chania), made famous by Anthony Quinn in the film of Zorba the Greek .

Zorba the Greek (Greek: Αλέξης Ζορμπάς, Alexis Zorba(s)) is a 1964 British-Greek comedy-drama film written, produced, edited, and directed by Cypriot Michael Cacoyannis and starring Anthony Quinn as the title character. Based on the 1946 novel of the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis.

During this unique tour, you will be able to taste the Cretan wine, virgin olive oil, and other local products that the monastery produces while your local guide will talk you through the making processes and then going through local plantations you will get to the beach where you will have plenty of time to enjoy a swim in shallow turquoise waters.

Patriarchal and Crusading Holy Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Jagarolon in Chania, Crete, is one of the most important monasteries in Greece. In recent years it has been doing systematic biological olive cultivation and produces this fine oil which has been awarded international competitions and is mainly sold abroad.

Stavros beach is generally sheltered from rough sea conditions, therefore, making it perfect for swimming and especially safe for children. (you have the option of sunbed/umbrella service and a variety of tavernas to choose). The beach is located east of the village, at the foot of the mountain Vardies, and next to the picturesque harbor. A semicircular lagoon is formed, fully protected by north winds and Meltemi during the summer. This small bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise water. The contrast of the wild mountain with the calm beach makes Stavros a unique place for swimming.

At the peninsula dividing the two beaches of Stavros, you can see the remains of the ancient quarry, used for extracting limestone for building the Walls of Chania during the Venetian Era (13rd- 17th century).

Prices per group 

Of 1 adult  –      340 euros Of 2 adults –     370 euros Of 3 adults –     450 euros Of 4 adults –     560 euros Of 5 adults –     625 euros Of 6 adults –     690 euros

0 to 2 years old – FREE of charge 3 to 12 years old – 50 euros per child

Persons per private tour: min 2 adults – max 10 persons

Total duration: 6 hours 

- personal pick up and drop off with flexible start time - private sightseeing tour with a local insider guide - transfers in a fully air-conditioned car/van - entrance tickets to the monastery - traditional Cretan lunch (including drinks) - all taxes

Not included

- personal expenses

Departure place 

Chania center (at 09.30 am - flexible time) or from your hotel - please indicate your pick up point when booking ( for pick up points 15km+ away from Chania's center, an additional fee will be charged)

Booking terms - Payment terms

- All excursions are available upon request. - Booking at least 2 days in advance is necessary.

Cancellation policy

- Up to 2 days before the excursion’s date - no cancellation fees - Less than 2 days before the excursion’s date - 100% cancellation fee

Please note

As this tour involves walking, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, please do not forget your sunglasses, towel, swimming suit and sun hat.  

Honest Reviews

The reviews for the Zorba from Crete - Private Tour

Reviews ( 2 )

Since we were great fans of Zorbas the Greek decided to join this tour. It was an amazing experience and our two children enjoyed it too. Very many thanks for organizing it for us Yiannis.

Definitely worth the trip from Chania. Our guide was very helpful and well informed. I definitely recommend this trip and would probably do it again on our next visit to Crete.

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Zorbas Cruise Trips

Zorbas Cruises

Sail along the Hersonissos coast and

discover its mesmerizing natural beauty

A family boat trip along the Stalida and Malia Bay. A stop for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water of a tiny lagoon.

We promise you warm hospitality, good music a lot of fun friendly atmosphere.

Departures at 12:00 pm with arrival on 15:00 pm , with a second route as well, departing at 15:00 pm and arriving on 18:00 pm

Fishing Trips

Welcome aboard and enjoy a perfect combination of relaxation and fishing experience. Follow us on fishing forays in places carefully chosen to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Fishing and snorkeling equipment is provided for your entertainment.

Private Trips

Enjoy the crystal sea the blue cloudless sky, magnificent landscapes and sail to the adventure that best suits you. Organize your ideal cruise vacation under the Cretan sun, your wedding trip, or bring your own group and sit back and revel your own private tour.

Stavros Beach (Zorba’s Beach) in Chania, Crete

Stavros Beach, also known as Zorba’s Beach, is a beautiful beach located in the northern region of Chania, Crete, Greece, just 15 kilometers from the city of Chania. The mountain is famous for being featured in the film “Zorba the Greek” where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki Dance in 1964. Stavros Beach is a favorite among travelers to Crete for its clear waters, golden sand, and stunning mountain scene across the bay. The 1000-foot craggy mountains jetting out of the cove create a dramatic view for visitors enjoying the coast of Stavros Beach.

Stavros Beach has all the facilities you would expect from a public beach, including restaurants, bathrooms, and sunbeds along the coast. There are also showers on each end of the beach and changing cabins available in between, making it easy and convenient to get out of your wet suits before hopping back in the car.

While sunbathing and swimming are popular activities at Stavros Beach, there are also many other things to do, such as snorkeling around the lagoon, hiking in the mountains of Akrotiri, and enjoying a sirtaki dance. Snorkeling is particularly fantastic at Stavros Beach, especially for children, as the ocean floor is rocky for a couple of meters, but then it’s calm water and a sandy ocean floor. The water is also very warm in the summer, and the beach is tucked away in a calm cove, so even children can enjoy snorkeling without the risk of being pulled out to sea.

Stavros Beach is located in Akrotiri at the northern tip of Chania and can be reached with a half-hour drive from the center of the city. The beach is situated at the foot of the camel-shaped mountain Vardies, which rises opposite the harbor of Stavros. Today, Stavros is a major tourist resort with many hotels and important tourist infrastructures.

The main beach of Stavros is located east of the village, next to the picturesque harbor, and a semicircular lagoon is formed, fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The small bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise water, making it a unique place for swimming. The beach is well-organized and provides all possible services, while the second beach of Stavros is located north of the village, 200m northwest of the main beach. In summary, Stavros Beach is a beautiful place to relax away from the busy city of Chania, with its clean coastline, clear water, and stunning mountain views. With plenty of activities to do, such as sunbathing, snorkeling, hiking, and enjoying a sirtaki dance, Stavros Beach is definitely worth adding to your Chania itinerary

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Zorbas Travel - Business Conditions

are the prices and services described in the prospectuses of the respective organizer. Accommodation, transport and transfer are mediated by us as an agency. Zorbas Travel principly acts in the name and on behalf of the event, service provider, or carrier, even if the invoice is being issued by Zorbas Travel. Therefore, we will only be liable for properly communicating these offers. A security certificate is therefore not necessary.

1.1 THE RESERVATION must take place on the form overleaf in writing.

2. PAYMENTS

shall be made exclusively and directly to Zorbas Travel. With our confirmation / invoice a deposit of 125,– € per person is due within 5 days. The remaining invoice amount must be transferred 30 days prior to departure without further demand for payment. If this deadline is not met, we may withdraw from the contract and will then claim the appropriate cancellation charges. Withdrawal, processing and rebooking fees are due immediately. For payments from abroad we charge a flat-rate bank fee of 10,–.

3. CANCELLATION / CHANGE OF RESERVATION

3.1 CANCELLATION / CANCELLATION OF BOOKING ALEXIS ZORBAS

is possible at any time by written notice. We will charge - regardless of the reason of the resignation – and unless otherwise indicated, the following cancellation fees: From invoicing 15% until 28 days before departure. Up to 7 days prior to arrival 50% from 6 to 1 day before departure 75% and on day of departure and early departure 100%. For mediated flights, ferries and car rental the applicable cancellation conditions of airlines and operators apply.

3.2 CHANGE OF BOOKING / SUBSITUTE PERSON / SURCHARGES

Changes after completed booking and invoicing a processing fee from 15,– (including VAT.). will be charged according to expense. For booking a replacement at the hotel we calculate the additional effort with 45,– per booking (including VAT.). Not valid for flight bookings.

3.3 FLIGHT BOOKING

We are able to book all charter flights at daily lowest rates. For changing of a flight, we charge a service fee of 25,– p.p. (including VAT). A name change is only possible in exceptional cases with additional charge (depending on the flight carrier). We recommend the booking of a travel cancellation insurance, which will reimburse the cancellation costs in the event of illness attested.

4. LIABILITY

4.1 LIABILITY OF ZORBAS TRAVEL AS AGENT

We are responsible for the proper handling of the individual travel services and not for the performance of services by foreign operators and service providers.

4.2 LIABILITY OF ZORBAS TRAVEL FOR BROCHURE INFORMATION

Information in printed brochure and website presentation, provided by the holiday provider, are not under warranty of Zorbas Travel.

Zorbas Travel will provide information on seminars, but it will not have handle seminar registrations. Seminars in a center are to be booked exclusively and directly with each seminar leader. All bookings made with Zorbas Travel on the occasion of such seminar registrations are valid, independent of the occurrence of a seminar.

6. FINAL PROVISIONS

Verbal agreements are only effective if they are confirmed by us in writing.

Status: November 2015

1. BASIS OF CONTRACT

Zorbas Travel · Inh. Dagmar Hoffmeister · Ringstr.7 · 86574 Hohenried Tel: 089 649622828 · Fax: 089 649622829 · E-Mail: [email protected]

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Whether you’re after a family safari deep into the South African bush, a yachting excursion along the Croatian coast, or a romantic stay in a turreted castle, you’re invited to dream big for your next escape. 

Our unparalleled access to the travel industry’s most trusted private guides and gorgeous properties takes you to places beyond imagination. Our full-service planning and travel management gets you there with ease. 

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Seaside to savanna; luxury experiences in south africa, whether it is trekking through the rugged mountains, seeing some of the rarest and most dangerous animals in the world, or taking in the urban sprawl of cape town, south africa has dynamic and luxurious experiences waiting for you. click below as we share some of the most surprisingly unique and opulent activities this african nation has to offer, full-service expert planning with....

Zorka’s Travel clients are often surprised with special extras throughout their journey.

Our in-destination connections open doors to a world of wonder.

We make our client's particular needs, dreams, and desires into reality.

You’re ready for an elegant escape—and we’re ready to deliver just that for you, seamlessly.

From romantic getaways to family adventures, a grand tour through Europe or an illuminating journey through East Asia, our travel experts will pull out all the stops to create your unforgettable, one-of-a-kind escape.

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The Zorka’s Travel Signature Planning Process

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We’ll first meet on your complimentary consultation—usually done via Zoom—so we can learn about the type of travel experience you’re yearning for. We’ll also share more about our process and associated planning fees, and we’ll leave plenty of time to answer all of your questions. 

 STEP 2 

Next, we’ll begin designing your custom itinerary, seeking your feedback on your proposal to ensure it’s a perfect fit. Then, you can leave all of the travel arrangements to us. From flights to hotels, tours, and transfers, we’ll book and manage every part of your journey for a seamless escape.

You’ll depart on your expertly planned vacation, knowing you have those same experts to call on if any questions or hiccups arise. You’ll receive your travel advisor’s direct phone number so you can reach out if you need any assistance while you travel. Journey confidently as you explore your tailored escape!

Why “Zorka’s” Travel? 

I named my travel agency after my amazing mother, Zorka, whose father was from Croatia. 

In Croatian, “zorka” means “dawn”—a word that perfectly captures the feeling travel evokes, the anticipation and excitement that bubbles up as you embark on a new journey. Here’s to the “dawning” of your next adventure!  

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I highly recommend Zorka’s Travel for both personal and business travel. Beyond being my family’s travel agent, I have used Bianka as a travel consultant for providing the perfect vacation experiences as part of marketing and promotions for several social and business events. She is great at doing research and customizing her recommendations for the audience perfectly.

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Memories of Greece: Zorbas BBQ, Lasithi, Crete

While experiencing  happiness , we have difficulty in being conscious of it. Only when the happiness is past, and we look back on it we do suddenly realize — sometimes with astonishment — how happy we had been. 1 – Zorba the Greek.

            Taverna Zorba at Agios Konstantinos Oropedio village was our destination for lunch. We passed through windmills. They convert wind power into rotational energy through sails to mill grain, for wind pumps, wind turbines and other applications. Olive groves were everywhere. Extra virgin olive oil of Crete contains the highest levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols.

            The gracious hospitality of Zorba Taverna’s owner comforted me after climbing a Cretan mountain. Raki and wine were served continuously. A country atmosphere with gardens and outdoor barbecue gave us a feeling of Crete. “We have a salt free souvlaki cooked at our outdoor barbecue,” said the owner. “You will enjoy your lunch at Zorba. Your tour guide is a “Kalo Pethi” (A Great fellow).”

            The organic salads and Greek spreads were created from Zorba Taverna’s gardens. I spoke Greek with the owner and staff, understanding how much our happiness meant to them.

The great secret  of Cretan gastronomy goes by the name of virgin olive oil: no other cooking fat is used in the traditional diet of the Cretans. The Cretan diet greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, cheeses with little meat, is known today across the world. Scores of medical studies have found it to be of significant benefit to human health, while dishes inspired by the island’s traditional cuisine are served in cosmopolitan restaurants.

            “Various archaeological finds as well as  Knossos ’ wall paintings confirm the fact that Crete’s culinary tradition dates back to the Minoan Period. Four thousand years ago Cretans used almost the same food products as are being used today. Over the centuries, against all odds of their recipes being altered due to the various culinary traditions that came over with the island’s conquerors,  Crete ’s recipes practically remained the same. This continuity is what built a strong culinary tradition and formed Cretan Cuisine.” 2

            I unknowingly saw a glimpse of who the ancient Minoans, that  built Knossos, resembled. “Because of its isolated nature, the Lasithi plateau has attracted the attention of population geneticists. A 2007  Y-DNA  study showed that Y-DNA samples from the Lasithi plateau differed significantly from those of lowland Crete, and may be indicative of it having served as a refugium of the Minoan civilization. A 2013  mtDNA  study of bone samples from a Minoan ossuary in the Lasithi Plateau, dated to 4,400-3,700 years ago, showed that Minoan samples were closest to samples drawn from the modern population of the plateau, as well as other Greek, western and northern European samples, while being distant from North African and Egyptian samples.According to the authors, these results are consistent with the hypothesis the plateau served as a Minoan refugium, and that the current inhabitants of the plateau carry the maternal signature of the Minoan population .” 3    

 Having raki, organic vegetables and talking with the owner of Zorba BBQ was as Nikos Kazantzakis said, “sometimes with astonishment — how happy we had been. ”

References:

• https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Zorba_the_Greek
• http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/gastronomy/regional_cuisine/cretan_cuisine
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasithi_Plateau

https://www.facebook.com/Zorbas-BBQ-1431834453758288/

ZorbaBBQ – Agios Konstantinos Oropedio, Lasithi, Crete; tel#: +302844022174; MOB 6977975632; acebook – Zorba BBQ

Photo 1 – Zorba Taverna

Photo 2 – Windmill

Photo3- Organic salad from Zorba’s garden

Photo 4 -Vegetable spread with extra virgin olive oil.

Photo 5 -Zorba Taverna owner with our tour guide.

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Kali Orexi ! 🙂

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Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist right now? (Q&A)

Who can enter Russia as a tourist?

At present, people from 80 countries can enter Russia. There are two main conditions: first, one must be a citizen of that country or have a permanent residence permit; and second - one needs to enter Russia by plane. The primary document that regulates entry during the coronavirus pandemic is Order no. 635-r (March 16, 2020), which is regularly updated. 

Some of the countries on the list include the United States, Britain, Greece, Germany, Tunisia, Israel, Japan, Armenia, Qatar, Portugal, Mexico, Croatia, Belgium, China, France, Denmark, New Zealand, Iran, Peru, Norway and Argentina. Click here for the full list. 

In the meantime, any country with which Russia currently has a travel agreement can serve as the port of departure (however, the transit country must be on the above list).

What type of visa is required?

Those who already have a valid Russian visa - and citizens of the above countries - can enter Russia using that visa. Those who do require a visa can submit their documents at the Russian consulate in their home country.

What is still not possible at this point is obtaining a unified electronic visa (a type of visa that is valid for up to 16 days, takes only four days to process and does not require submitting any documents relating to the purpose of visit). Therefore, in order to receive a regular tourist visa (valid up to six months) it is necessary to have a confirmed accommodation booking or an agreement with a travel agency.

Is a COVID test required?

Yes, PCR tests must be performed no earlier than 48 hours before arriving in Russia. The results must be printed in Russian or English (this is required even if you received a Sputnik-V vaccine shot). If you’re flying with children, they, too, must obtain a test, irrespective of age. And a form for arrivals must be filled in before entering the country.

Who is not affected by the rules? 

These restrictions don’t apply to foreigners with a valid Russian residence permit or those with close relatives. They can enter Russia from any country using any means of transportation, including by land.

They also do not apply to partially recognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as citizens of Belarus (or those with Belarusian permanent residence permits), Kazakhstan and citizens of the Donetsk and Lugansk national republics. Entering by land is also possible when traveling from Mongolia or China. 

Furthermore, if Eurasian Economic Union citizens cross over by land, they don’t have to submit a coronavirus test or fill out the arrivals form. 

Is vaccination required? 

No. The QR codes required for visiting public gatherings before spring (including cafes, bars, hotels, etc.) are no longer required in the majority of regions. The same goes for various other COVID restrictions: regions have the final say, but almost all have been lifted.

What about masks?

Masks are also no longer a requirement. However, some regions still require people to wear masks in some places, including stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, movie theaters and so on. In Moscow, the rule on masks has been completely lifted, while, for example, in Kaliningrad, some places still enforce them. 

Are there any quarantine regulations in place?

No, you will not be required to quarantine on arrival to Russia. However, if you get sick in Russia, you will have to be quarantined for a period of seven days at your own expense. Those who have come in contact with infected people do not require quarantining (provided they did not contract the coronavirus). 

Important! In many countries, there are still restrictions on LEAVING for the purpose of tourism, so having a Russian visa does not guarantee you will get permission to leave your country. This must be clarified before making any trips.

The information listed here is valid as of June 1, 2022. 

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