Understand

Bal, a charming village in Crete, is said to have derived its name from the word "Vali," meaning "Prince." This trivia contradicts what is written in the Lonely Planet guidebook, which claims that it comes from the old Turkish word for "Honey." During the Turkish rule, honey production took place on the island. One interesting local custom in Crete is wearing black attire, a tradition followed by both men and women. This is because Cretans are primarily orthodox Christians. Consequently, most shops, excluding tourist areas like Bal, close on Sundays. However, the good news is that restaurants remain open on Sundays. Moreover, locals informed me that holding rosaries is not solely a religious practice; it can also serve as a stress-relief mechanism. Something that struck me about Cretans is their love for smoking. It seems to be allowed and tolerated almost everywhere, even at surprising places like the McDonald's restaurant in Heraklion. I never expected to witness smoking there, considering that it is against McDonald's policy! However, if you are not a fan of air-conditioning, it is advisable to bring or purchase a fan during the scorching summer months. In Rethemnon, you can find small desk-fans for as little as 13 Euro. Alternatively, most hotels offer air-conditioning for your comfort. Here's an interesting observation: while several guidebooks and travel agents recommend turning off lights to save electricity, I noticed that many streetlights and outside lamps are left on even during the day. It's worth noting that water is primarily heated by solar power in Crete, so don't expect warm showers when there is no sunlight.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dolmas - Dolmas are grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice, minced meat, and herbs. The filling typically includes ground beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and spices, all wrapped in tender grape leaves and cooked in a flavorful broth. <>

Moussaka - Moussaka is a layered dish consisting of eggplant, ground meat (usually lamb or beef), and a béchamel sauce. It's often topped with a cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. Vegetarian moussaka alternatives exist without the ground meat. <>

Tzatziki - Tzatziki is a refreshing yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and dill. It's traditionally served as a dip or condiment alongside grilled meats, gyros, and other dishes. Tzatziki is typically non-vegetarian due to the presence of yogurt, but it can be easily adapted to be vegetarian. <>

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing