Dinning in Crete, some useful advises and hotel information.
I have traveled in many parts of the world, Asia Dubai, Africa, Australia and China, so on. But Greece and especially Crete will be in my heart forever. There is an unbelievable mood on the island and a "laid back"-attitude, which I like very much.
The Crete island with its crystal clear warm sea, endless beaches, its gorges, its climate splendid plateaus and its mild starry nights has many to offer to its visitor.
Today it continues to live fully and to develop, its cities particularly changing in appearance from one day to the next, in contrast to the many unchanging villages where life goes on in the same rhythm it has for centuries.
There are hundreds of cafes where one can sit in the shade of a spreading plane, oak or mulberry tree and sip a "sweat" or "medium" coffee, or a glass of "tsikoudia" (raki) while playing a game of cards or "tavli" (backgammon).
Accommodaion in Crete villas and hotels on line.
There are dozens of tavernas and ouzeries serving some tasty "meze", a specialty of the area. Yogurt and honey, sweet tarts (kaltzounia), pies made of wild greens flavored with fennel, fried cheese (staka), rabbit stew, cheese pie from Hora Sfakion, cockles, boiled goat. In the city of Hania, at Malaxa, at Vrisses, and other villages in the area, in Rethimno, in Iraklio and its villages, and in the whole district of Lassithi. Fish, sea urchins, octopus and cuttlefish cooked on charcoal and fried squid to be tasted at seaside tavernas.
And everywhere is the delectable Cretan wine. Every saint's feast day is celebrated with gusto at dozens of villages throughout the island; all Crete throbbing to the sound of the Cretan lyre and the rhythm of the local dances, the pentozali and the sousta. Meanwhile the housewives are preparing a steamed Cretan pilaff and special holiday fritters (xerotigana). Almost all the good hotels have very nice restaurants with various menus, combining the Greek cuisine with the European.
Things you will meet as a tourist in Crete:
Giving tips
Even if it says everywhere that tips are included in the price it's practice to give tips if you're satisfied with the service you have got. About 10% would be appropriate. But remember not to "over-tip", Invited to a Greek home.
If you are invited to a Greek home, remember to bring something for the hosts. Flowers or chocolate is the most common. If the occasion is a name day, you must bring a present, which you deliver when you come.
Invited out by a Greek.
If a Greek invites you out for dinner or a drink, don't EVER try to make him "split the bill in half" as we often do here in Northern Europe.