I’m in love with this area of Crete. Who needs to go to the Caribbean when you can come here. Take a trip over the twisty, mountain road from Agios Nikolaos to the coast between Elounda (Ελούντα) and Plaka (Πλάκα). Stroll along the promenade, enjoy the turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay, and maybe go for a dip in the sea.
The scenery is stunning and ever-changing along this Mediterranean seascape. Colourful, traditional fishing boats are moored off stone jetties, with the uninhabited island of Kalydon (Καλυδών) as a backdrop.
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This June I headed off to beautiful Crete to tour new places. After visiting the eastern end of the island, I chose historic Heraklion (Ηράκλειο) as my next base to explore. I was lucky enough to stay near the bustling heart of the capital of this Greek island.
One evening I strolled down to the Venetian Harbour, keeping my fingers crossed there would be another magnificent Mediterranean sunset. Earlier in the day it had been windy and rough, but towards dusk everything had settled down. I sat on the quay overlooking the bay waiting for the sunset and hoping for waves splashing the rocks.
My patience paid off:-)
The sky on the horizon was slightly hazy, just perfect for the kind of dusk scene I was hoping for.
As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon it cast a soft, warm glow over the sea and the shore. The spray from the waves sparkled like diamonds as it hit the rocks. Mount Stroumboulas and the peninsula across Heraklion Bay were beautifully silhouetted as a backdrop to the scene.
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This June I headed off to beautiful Crete to explore new places. First stop was the scenic village of Mochlos, a former fishing village set at the foot of a mountainous coastline. I was lucky enough to stay in a lovely holiday apartment a couple of minutes walk from the shore. Perfect for enjoying the spectacular sunset light shows while chilling at a restaurant or sitting on the rocks
One evening there was a soft haze over the horizon, acting like a natural filter to the dusk light. After the magnificent main sunset I stayed for a while on the rocks, enjoying the fabulous blue hour light. Across the bay lay the uninhabited island of Mochlos with its illuminated chapel. The mood was magical.
The island of Mochlos (Greek: Μόχλος) has an archaeological site from an ancient Minoan settlement. About 150 metres of blue Aegean Sea separates the island from the village and resort of the same name. Located in the Gulf of Mirabello it is a short drive from Agios Nikolaos or Sitia, in north eastern Crete. Well worth it for the breathtaking views from the rugged coast and the local tavernas around the small beach.
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I woke before dawn and, from my bed, spotted dramatic cloud formations on the horizon. The early morning light was promising. Yep, I needed to get my camera and tripod set up – and keep my fingers crossed.
A short while later Mother Nature started her light show. The skies over Mirabello Bay and the Sitia Peninsula were breathtaking: silhouetted clouds and mountains, shimmering golden Mediterranean waters. Who would wish for a better start to the day?
Definitely worth getting up before the rest of the world to enjoy this scene from my holiday apartment balcony.
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A must-visit location in the Scottish Highlands for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. The tide was out and the shore was lined with shiny seaweed, the clouds provided a moody backdrop. The island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh is near the pretty village of Dornie.
Actually I set off in the morning for a tour of the Isle of Skye. Unexpectedly, I ended up here at the end of the day. I was ever so lucky to arrive in time to enjoy this amazing view of iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Although I nearly ended up getting stranded. Read on below…
So how did I get on this adventure? During the Skye tour I was offered a lift here. There was a regular local bus back to my hotel. Why not? I double checked the bus time beforehand and checked again with the waitress in the nearby pub at dinner. Yes, the last bus is at 7.45 p.m. from the castle.
I took photos of the castle and the pretty village of Dornie. Then I went for a lovely meal in the village before heading for the bus ahead of time.
But it didn’t come… and I didn’t have an internet connection.
My phone worked so I called my hotel on Skye who gave me the numbers of the two local taxis. One didn’t answer and the other was already on a long trip up the coast. “No way today, sorry.”
Remember, I am on the west coast of Scotland, 9 miles on a dark road from the next town, without a footpath, 11 miles from my hotel on the Isle of Skye. The last bus has officially gone. The only two local taxis are not coming. It is getting dark and cold. I listen to music, dance a little to keep warm.
Suddenly I see an “Out of Service” bus approaching. I almost run out in front of it. I learn that my bus had broken down and this was the replacement bringing people from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. I hopped on gratefully and eventually got back to my hotel. Where everyone in the meantime knew about the “Glasgae bus breakdoon”.
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I woke up early this morning to enjoy the sunrise and spotted a cruise ship far off on the horizon. So I grabbed my camera and went down to the shore to be rewarded with this amazing view a short while later.
The striking Horn of Amalthea sculpture with its green glass elements is illuminated by the dawn sun, while the cruise ship Azamara Pursuits sails slowly towards shore. The calm waters of Mirabello Bay in the Aegean Sea and the silhouetted mountains on the Sitia Peninsula complete the serene scene.
The small boat on the left is the pilot boat guiding the giant ship safely into the harbour at the port of Agios Nikolaos on the Greek island of Crete.
The Horn of Amalthea or Cornucopia is a symbol of eternal abundance going back to the childhood of Zeus in Greek mythology. This sculpture by Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriades stands on the shore in Agios Nikolaos near Kritoplatia Beach.
So many unique things came together on this special morning:
I woke up at just the right moment, decided to take some dawn photos and happened to notice the ship in the distance
the ship came at the perfect time – a few minutes earlier or later the sun would not have been in the right position to capture it through the statue
the ship took this particular route – ships the previous week had not arrived this way
there were such fascinating clouds – some days the sky was completely cloudless
the sunrise was actually visible – some days it was completely hidden behind the clouds
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As the sunlight dances on the surface, the underwater world near Ammoudi Beach in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, comes alive. The silvery reflections of the shoal of grey mullet shimmer against the surface of the sea, creating a mesmerising scene of marine biology in its natural habitat. The crystal-clear waters provide the perfect canvas for this captivating underwater picture, showcasing the beauty of aquatic life in the Mediterranean.
The silvery fish with stripes along their side are flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), also known as flathead mullet, striped mullet among others.
In the foreground, the smaller brown and gold fish with beautiful forked tails are damselfish or Mediterranean chromis (Chromis chromis).
They seemed to swim over to welcome me, maybe curious at this big “fish” with a face mask and snorkel swimming beside them. I was so lucky to be able to swim with them and to take this special shot, when everything came together – the perfect angle of light, clear waters, my cam set up just right and the fish playing along:-)
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As the golden sun rises over the serene waters of Mirabello Bay, a local fishing boat glides through the shimmering sunlight reflecting in sea. The tranquil scene is framed by the majestic mountains on the Sitia Peninsula in the background and the soft hues of the sky create a breathtaking moment of natural beauty and tranquility.
The only sounds were the waves gently washing the rocks on the shore below and a few solitary seagulls soaring high overhead.
Mirabello Bay, also known as the Gulf of Mirabello or Mirabella, is located on the eastern part of Crete in present-day Greece. It is the largest bay of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It is lined to the east by the Thrypti, Ornon and Sitia Mountains.
I love to get up early when staying at my favourite vacation appartment right on the seafront in the bustling, historic town of Agios Nikolaos on the this beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea.
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On my first stopover on my Scottish Grand Tour I found Coral Beach – a real hidden gem – thanks to a tip from fellow travellers whom I got chatting to in picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Bonnie Scotland. I was staying in a lovely B&B on the shore near Roinn An Fhaing (on the map below) and decided to take the hike up the hill over the peninsula, through the gorse-lined prepared path and finally across a few rocks and slithery stones. I hoped I could make it there and back, take photos – of course – and maybe have a wee paddle in the water too before the forecast rain came. And I did, almost:-)
“The beach is not actually made of coral but of minute pieces of calcified algae known as maerl. Living maerl is a pink and purple seaweed that covers the sea floor with broad beds of spiky carpets. Maerl is a coralline type of algae, which means that it deposits lime on its cell walls as it grows.” (Thanks to “British Express” for the information.)
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I’d beem dreaming of doing the Scottish Grand Tour for long time, and researched and booked the accommodation months before.
The weather forecast a couple of days beforehand was incredibly bad, and I even considered cutting my losses and cancelling. But I’m so pleased that I didn’t. It was a trip of a lifetime in so many ways.
At the end of May I set off on the rail tour from Edinburgh via Perth, Dunkeld and Inverness to picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Scotland. When I arrived after an amazing train journey there was a torrential rainfall so I relaxed in my cozy B&B and read a book. By the evening Mother Nature played along and gave me stunning dusk moments and these amazing reflections.
The last rays of the setting sun lit up the picturesque shore at Plockton and the waters of the Loch Carron estuary. I had to fight off the pesky midges on this calm evening but this view was well worth it.
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On the last evening of our wonderful Crete holiday we stayed over in historic Heraklion, the island’s largest city and administrative capital.
I’d deliberately chosen a hotel on the edge of the Old Town within walking distance of the fascinating Venetian Harbour, dating back to the 13th century. I arrived at the harbour just in time to enjoy the last rays of the sun just before it disappeared behind the mountains beyond the bay. As the yachts and boats bobbed on the golden dusk waters, my heart throbbed a little faster. Quite a breathtaking sight. And I clicked away with my camera:-)
Then it was time to head back to a traditional taverna for their welcoming hospitality and local Cretian delicacies.
The first rays of dawn cast a warm glow over the serene waters off the Tarbert coast, revealing the barren hillsides, tiny islets and rugged rocks that dot the remote shoreline, and adding to the mystique of this Hebridean paradise.
I’d booked a bed and breakfast right on the shore near the picturesque harbour town of Tarbert which is nestled in the heart of the Outer Hebrides. It promised sea views from our bedroom window and we were not dissapointed. I set the alarm for just before dawn and enjoyed stunning views, nothing short of majestic masterpieces by Mother Nature.
I often dream of this special memory many years later and am so thrilled that someone bought it today to hang on their wall.
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It was a breathtaking dawn after the Spring flood storms of the evening before, and the early morning sun on the horizon reflected on the North Sea waters. The cliffs created a moody silhouette as a backdrop to this beautiful beach scene.
Well worth getting up early to enjoy the dramatic dawn skies over the Scottish North Sea coast. It was so peaceful, standing there alone on the beach at Eyemouth with only the sound of the gulls overhead and the waves washing the shore.
Make sure you visit this pretty fishing town in the Scottish Borders if you are travelling this way.
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On a memorable trip to Malta, we took the local ferry from the capital city of Valletta across the Grand Harbour to Vittoriosa. Together with the districts of Senglea and Cospicua, Vittoriosa is oldest part of the so-called Three Cities (Maltese: It-Tlett Ibliet). These fortified villages are joined together like the umbilical chord near Malta’s historic heart.
We sailed up Harbour Creek, passing luxury yachts moored in the marina that contrasted with the backdrop of historical towers and facades of the impressive waterfront buildings include St. Lawrence’s Church and the Maltese Maritime Museum in the Ex-Naval Bakery. These fascinating places and much more are well worth exploring to find hidden gems of days gone by.
The Yacht Marina in Vittoriosa (Maltese: Birgu), on the island Republic of Malta located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
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It is well worth travelling to the breathtaking, wild west coast of the Algarve, driving down the winding cliff roads to the stunning shores, which are the perfect destination for beach lovers of all kinds.
Enjoy captivating views of Castelejo beach where striking cliffs and rugged coastline meet the glittering Atlantic Ocean, creating a mystical sea mist that adds to its allure.
To the north is the Pedra da Laje, a rock formation which extends into the sea and is popular with anglers because of its abundance of fish.
The strong waves along these shores provide prime surfing and bodyboarding conditions. While the sandy beach and calm waters behind the rocks invite you to take a dip in the cool ocean.
Praia de Castelejo, Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Algarve, Portugal
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When visiting breathtakingly beautiful Bonaire, you just have to explore the island. Drive south along the amazing coastal route or directly across country to the south east from the colourful capital Kralendijk to the turquoise waters and overwhelming nature of Lac Bay. Enjoy paradise on earth at Sorobon Beach at the far end of the small peninsula.
Dip your toes into the wonderfully warm, turquoise waters. Go swimming, paddling or windsurfing. The lagoon is protected by the sandbanks from the Atlantic Ocean and often shallow enough to stand.
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Qatar is a country of contrasts. When visiting the capital, Doha, be sure to take a stroll along the Corniche promenade and delve into the history of the city. Look at traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs in the colourful shops in the traditional Souq Waqif market with its spice-scented air, before visiting the Museum of Islamic Art with its fascinating modern architecture.
Traditional dhows – colourful wooden fishing boats – lie at anchor in the harbour alongside motor boats, set against a backdrop of stunning, modern skyscrapers on the city’s skyline across the bay.
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I drove over the impressive Rickenbacker Causway from Miami on the Florida coast to explore the barrier island of Key Biscayne (Spanish: Cayo Vizcaíno) with its beautiful beaches, secluded private moorings and luxury villas.
I could well imagine sitting back on the deck or in the gazebo of my waterfront home, with my yacht moored out front and my golf cart parked alongside my limousine in the garage, enjoying the view across the turquoise waters of Hurricane Harbor Bay. Far beyond this idyllic, peaceful scene, the contrasting skyscrapers and skyline of Downtown Miami are just visible on the horizon. It is a lifestyle I could get used to.
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The north west of the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis is unique and very remote. I can assure you the journey along single track roads from Stornoway is well worth it. Make sure to explore Port Ness Beach, where towering rocks meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
Even if the local school children were having their summer sports day and some were evening swimming in the sea nearby, I recommend you wrap up well against the winds and weather!
This sandy beach with rugged rocks and cliffs is the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking Atlantic seascape. Port Ness (Nis in Gaelic), Isle of Lewis (Eilean Leòdhais), Scotland.
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Travelling southward from Inverary on the Kintyre peninsula we enjoyed many stunning views like this one across Loch Fyne to the hills of Cowal beyond. This spectacular, 65-mile long sea loch in the west of Scotland is washed by tidal waters from the Atlantic. It is also well known for its delicious smoked haddock or Finnan Haddies.
It is a wonderful bus journey from Glasgow through the southern Highlands passing through the pretty town of Inverary towards Tarbet and Campbelltown.
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