Because I wanted to see as much as possible in my last vacation in Crete, while I was on the bus, on my way back from Preveli beach, I booked another day trip, to Kritsa and Myrtos. Man, I don’t regret at all! It was one of the most beautiful and soul filling excursions I have made and you’ll see why 😊

Kritsa is located just 10km from Agios Nikolaos. So, if you stay in the area and have a car, it’s worth a visit. Also, on your way there you can visit for free an olive oil factory, Physis of Crete. You can also get here by bus, from Agios Nikolaos Bus Station. The buses are not so frequent so make sure you catch the one back to Agios Nikolaos.

This beautiful village is built amphitheatrically on a rock hill, so expect a climb. It is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete, with a lot of instagrammable places 😊. It is said that this is the oldest village that has been permanently inhabited, since the 13th century. It is also famous for the Cretan customs and traditions that are kept alive and one of the most important centers of weaving art. As you enter the village, you will see a lot of shops on each side of the street, with linen and other products on display and a lady (or a yiayia) right at the entrance, with a needle in their hands, making a new embroidery 😊 

You won’t need an entire day to spend here, just a couple of hours or half a day, at most. Here are the top things you can do and see in Kritsa:

1. Take a walk through the narrow streets. Leave your car in the parking lot and enjoy the beautiful narrow streets, where you will find something to amaze you at each corner

2. Have a coffee at a Kafeneio (pronounced kafenio), the local equivalent of a café. You have so many choices. Or have lunch at one of the tavernas.

3. Go and take photos at the “Hidden passage of Kritsa”, a very small passage between two houses. 

4. Visit Rodanthi Museum. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

It is located at the end of the main street, you can find it on maps. It’s a museum dedicated to plants and herbs, some of them the rarest plants in Crete, plants that have been used in Cretan diet and in traditional medicine since ancient times. The founder, Mr. Giorgios will be your guide and he will give you an extraordinary tour of the museum (which is inside a house, btw), will explain all the properties of the herbs, will tell you how to obtain colours from plants and also to smell, feel and touch some of the objects, including a quilt made by his grandmother (which is extremely heavy, by the way). He is so passionate about his work and so good at explaining. The entrance is free, but a small donation is more than welcome 😊

5. Stop by at the shops that sell handmade objects. From embroidery to leather and ceramics, you will have plenty of options. Bear in mind that the products are not cheap, as they are unique and completely hand made

6. Take a picture of Kritsopoula, or the weaving girl. You will find her statue right in the center of the village

7. Visit the Church of Panagia Odigitria (or the Guiding Virgin ), there are old and unique icons and paintings inside

8. On your way to the parking lot, stop at Women’s Cooperative of Kritsa and taste the bakery products. Let the smell guide you and you won’t regret it 😊

Some other things you should know:

· Being located on a hill, in the mountain area, it is not suitable for people with walking disabilities ☹

· Leave the car in the parking lot, right at the entrance. There are no available parking spots in the village, except for the locals

· Wear comfy shoes, a hat and sunscreen

· Be considerate when taking pictures of the houses, ask the locals if they are OK with it.

· On your way back to Agios Nikolaos, you can visit the Ancient city of Lato

· You can pay by card, but some of the craftsmen prefer cash payment. There are a few ATMs in the village.

I only had 2 hours to spend here and I didn’t know where I should go first, to see as much as I can. Next time I will stay longer. I left a part of my heart here