A Hidden Gem

“The soft light spilling out onto the street, the accordion player, the warm night and murmur of conversation.”

I like my trips to be organised but with enough room for spontaneity. I never over plan or presume I know better than the locals. I would rather turn up, ask someone in the know and run with their recommendation.

I am currently in the capable hands of Nikos, owner & manager of Ammos, the hotel I am currently calling home. Each morning I turn up to the reception ready and willing for anything. Nikos always managers to conjure up some gold…I am convinced he knows everyone on the island.

On my second night he sent me to dinner at The Well of the Turk in old town Chania. (pronounced hania) Nestled amongst a rabbit warren of cobblestone streets, finding it felt a bit like a treasure hunt. Without his local know how, I probably would have settled for a more touristy spot on the harbour and missed out on something special.

You know a restaurant is really smashing when the locals eat there. The Well of the Turk is one of these places. I had a lovely chat with the owner, enjoyed the most delicious avocado salad, followed by slow cooked lamb with preserved lemons, a shot of Raki with a turkish delight or two to go.

The meal was delicious but it was the entire experience that I enjoyed. The soft light spilling out onto the street, the accordion player, the warm night and murmur of conversation. Even the journey trying to find it made it feel like a hidden gem I was privileged to experience.

Chania itself is a hive of activity. The restaurants and bars are full with people eating and drinking late into the night. I really feel like Europeans have their priorities in order; good food, good wine and good company. Mmm…sounds like the life for me.

Thank you to Nikos and his team for sharing their local knowledge with me. With their personal approach to service I felt like I was able to step outside the circle of tourists and discover a more authentic side to Crete.