Sougia & Plakias

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We have a total of two photos from Sougia, beach and a computer screen. Place not so much what we expected. It's very laid back (knew that) but also very little infrastructure (rather like some of the more remote islands in the Bahamas we visited during our sailing days). Nonetheless, folks are here, many our age. A gentleman from the Netherlands stopped by to chat one day saying he has been coming here for 50 years. Well, okay, but not us. Seems many northern Europeans find places such as this appealing.

Checking out of here a day early so should anyone wish the room, you are welcome to it. Traveling to Plakias on Friday and will show you a pix of the google route. Do not wish to hear anyone else complain about a route being roundabout.

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Photos

Sougia Beach, East View
Beach is described as sand and pebbles. Believe we spy a few rocks, more elsewhere. Bit chilly today and early, so only a couple of folks out.

Route on Friday
Yes, this is the shortest route from Sougia to Plakias. There is no coast road, not atypical for Crete. Notice the distance is 148 km (multiply first two digits by six and add a few miles to understand the distance in miles) requiring almost three hours for the journey. Thus, about 90 miles in three hours. Yes, thirty miles an hour, which is about what we average here. Roads are neither terrible bad nor obscenely narrow but, with steep mountains, there are repeated switchbacks and many hamlets to traverse.

Male Peacock at the Monastery
Took a short to Preveli Monastery and, while that didn't warrant a picture this bird did. As with the human species, the male version is much more attractive. 😉

Beach in Plakias
Although there are some long beaches, such as Sougia, typically small cozy areas of sand has been more our experience so far. Bird has a lounge chair eyed when temperatures become more tolerable. Mid to low 60's at this pix, yet a couple of brave (crazy) souls are out.

Preveli Beach
Also known as Palm Beach (can't imagine why) where we see the Megalopatamos River empty into the Libyan Sea.

Fragokastello Castle
The Venetians built this joint in three years beginning 1371 in order to control the natives and harass pirates. Venetians were not the best overloads, being primarily interested in exploiting lands they ruled, thus restless natives.

Venetian Fountain
Venetians built this fountain in Spili with nineteen lions heads during the 16th century.

Plakias Bay
Took a drive in the mountains behind Plakias taking this picture of our home base here. Also spotted a bit more snow. Can't tell from pictures, but it's been incredibly windy so as to preclude balcony use in afternoon. Romans and other ancient mariners feared wind on the Med; their fragile ships often the victim of storms. In fact, the sailing season occurred only in summer. But on our last day here, minimal wind. Hooray!
Plakias, our third city in Crete is middling, at best, while Sougia does not attain that unlofty perch. Should have remained in Chania another week. Yet on to Rethymnon, which we have been led to believe, will rival Chania. See you troops later.

Comments

[Luanne Helms]

Hey
So great hearing from you...trip has sounded very adventurous....stay safe and have fun.