Our Odyssey in Crete: Cinematic Captures of the Island of the Gods
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is often referred to as the “Island of the Gods.” This name is not only due to its rich mythology but also thanks to its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and the natural beauty of its beaches. Our journey through Crete took us to some of the island’s most scenic locations, each offering unique opportunities to capture the essence of this historic setting.
My wife and I were joined by some of my in-laws from her side of the family and I think I speak for all of them when I say we’d highly recommend a Cretan adventure.
Georgiopouli: A Coastal Haven
We chose Georgiopouli as our home base, as it was a relatively central spot that would allow us to travel east and west to the cities and beaches we wanted to visit. The charming seaside village, with its picturesque chapel of Agios Nikolaos perched on a small islet, provided a a tranquil coastal retreat and serene setting for photography. The calm waters and the soft hues of dawn and dusk made for breath-taking shots, capturing the essence of this peaceful location. The blend of sea and sky, with the distant White Mountains as a backdrop, created compositions that were both simple yet scenic.
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/1000 | f/5.6 | ISO 200
Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/300 | f/8 | ISO 500
DJI Mini 3 Pro - 1/8000 | f/1.7 | ISO 100
Chania: A Blend of Venetian and Cretan Charm
Chania is a city where past and present coexist harmoniously. The Venetian harbour, with its iconic lighthouse, was a perfect backdrop for photo opps. The soft, golden light of the sunset bathed the harbour in a warm glow, casting long shadows and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Strolling through the narrow alleys of the Old Town, we were captivated by the vibrant colours of the buildings and the textures of the ancient walls.
Endless restaurants line the harbour but it’s a little touristy - I’d recommend getting lost in Old Town and finding a more local-feeling spot for a bite.
Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/4000 | f/4.5 | ISO 400
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/8000 | f/2.8 | ISO 400
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/3800 | f/2.8 | ISO 400
Rethymno: A Journey Through Time
Next on the list was Rethymno, a city that felt like a living museum. The Venetian fortress, Fortezza, offered panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it an ideal spot for landscape shots. The interplay of light and shadow on the fortress walls created dramatic contrasts, a perfect compliment to the epic views. As we explored the city, we were drawn to the quaint, winding streets of the Old Town, where every corner seemed to tell a story. The blend of Venetian and Ottoman architecture provided a rich tapestry of scenes to capture.
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/2200 | f/5.6 | ISO 400
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/5000 | f/4 | ISO 400
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/1000 | f/5.6 | ISO 320
Elafonissi Beach and Balos Beach: Natural Wonders
No visit to Crete would be complete without experiencing its famed beaches. Elafonissi Beach, with its pink-hued sands and crystal-clear waters, felt like stepping into a dream. The contrast between the pink sands, the turquoise waters, and the rugged landscape created a stunning palette that was a joy to capture.
Balos Beach might have been the most jaw-dropping stop on the trip. With its exotic blend of blues and greens, Balos provided an endless array of photographic possibilities. We spent hours exploring the lagoon, framing shots that showcased the interplay of light on water and the vastness of the surrounding landscape. We even got the drone up for some unparalleled perspectives of the sheer size and scale of the landscape.
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/3200 | f/5.6 | ISO 400
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/3500 | f/5.6 | ISO 400
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/3800 | f/5.6 | ISO 400
Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/1250 | f/7.1 | ISO 400
Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Plakias Beach: A Photographer’s Paradise
Another favourite stop on the trip was the Kourtaliotiko Gorge hike.
Descending into Kourtaliotiko Gorge feels like stepping into a hidden world carved by time and water. The moment you leave the roadside chapel of Agios Nikolaos and begin the descent, the air shifts—cooler, scented with wild herbs and the faint mist of the river below. The gorge walls rise dramatically on either side, towering cliffs etched with centuries of erosion, their surfaces glowing gold and ochre in the shifting sunlight.
And the wind - oh the wind.
The trail winds steeply down through rocky steps and shaded alcoves, where the sound of the Kourtaliotis River grows louder with every turn. Soon, you're enveloped in the echoing roar of the gorge’s namesake—“kourtala,” the clapping sound of wind rushing through the narrowest part of the canyon.
iPhone 14 Pro Max - 1/5500 | f/1.8 | ISO 100
As you reach the riverbed, the landscape transforms. Lush vegetation clings to the rocks, and small waterfalls tumble into crystal-clear pools. The light filters through the gorge in shafts, creating a dreamlike atmosphere perfect for photography. Every corner reveals a new composition—sunlight on mossy stones, reflections in the water, or the dramatic contrast of shadow and stone.
Getting to the famed waterfall - now that’s a different story. You’ve got to swim a few hundred yards through a cave to have the chance to see what you hiked all the way down for. The water, while picture perfect, was freezing. But after reflecting on the shots we got, we felt it was 100% worth it.
GoPro HERO10 Black - 1/120 | f/2.5 | ISO 882
After getting our sweat on at the gorge, we hit Plakias Beach, a place that seemed tailor-made for photos. The beach’s dramatic cliffs, coupled with its expansive shoreline, offered a multitude of perspectives to capture. There are lots of little beach clubs littering the coast and even some cool caves you can hike up to for a different vantage point of the beauty below.
DJI Mini 3 Pro - 1/2500 | f/1.7 | ISO 110
Crete: Where Adventure Meets Serenity
Our journey through Crete was a photographer’s dream, filled with unforgettable landscapes, vibrant cities, and moments that felt almost otherworldly. Each location offered a new perspective on the island’s diverse beauty, and we left with not just photographs, but memories of an odyssey that will stay with us forever.
iPhone 14 Pro Max - 1/1400 | f/1.8 | ISO 64
