The beaches and the village of Analipsi in the north of the island of Crete

Next door neighbour to big brother Chersonissos this used to be quite a different place. Analipsi, only a stone throw away was like another world all together: much more quiet and cosy, with a few tavernas and a supermarket in the beach front and a few more down in the village itself. It's got three beaches: two small ones and one big one, which are not completely covered in beach chairs and umbrella's (a little bit of rocks though in the sea here and there, so watch out where you get into the water). The people are friendly and it's a nice place to be. From time to time you can see a plane fly over in the distance. Analipsi and Agia Pelagia would be my two favourite places to start my holiday in Crete. It is a good village to discover the east of the island and it has got that sense of friendlyness, and peace and quiet. Until in 2007 that is, when they decided to put down a new hotel complex right in front of the beach. A hotel complex with 1000 beds, so it is enormous. For me all authenticity of this coastal village has now disappeared and I think you can put it on one pile together with tourist factories like Malia and Chersonissos. Sorry, but I will not be seen here any more, the fairy tale has ended.

The Ela Messa restaurant is situated on the beach-boulevard of Analipsi. The cappuccino comes with whipped cream instead of milk, and there is no cookie or glass of water to accompany it. It tastes good and strong though and the service is super friendly.

Our verdict: a 7,5 out of 10

A restaurant with many names where we have had dinner a lot of times. They probably don't know themselves any more what they are called, but it is a good one! The ros� is served in a nice earthenware decanter and the wine glasses are beautiful. The girl working there even pours the first ros� into our glasses and she offers to take our picture. The bread is warm from the oven and it is served with tomato tapenade and garlic butter. I order a plate with a bit of everything, the Greek plate: cheap and lots to choose from. It tastes very good. The restaurant turns out to be classy (damast table cloths instead of plastic), with the best of service, and actually it is quite cheap. We have eaten here a lot of times and we never had any complaints. Also nice for a breakfast.

Our verdict: a 9 out of 10