February 13, 2020 • travel
Experience Crete, Greece, Like Hannah Brown on 'The Bachelorette'
Greek mythology could not exist without Crete, Greece’s largest island. According to legend, it’s the birthplace of Zeus, and the island’s incomparable beauty truly looks like it stemmed from something immortal.
In Crete, you can swim in the iridescent waters, sail to neighboring islands, dine on the freshest Mediterranean food around, hike historic mountains to your heart’s content, and fall deeply in love with the island and your date. What could be more romantic that that?
Hannah Brown traveled to Crete on Season 15 of “The Bachelorette,” and here’s how you can plan a trip just like her.
Arrival
Crete’s romance will feel tangible as soon as you arrive, which is only amplified by the accommodations at Porto Elounda, a resort with direct views of turquoise Mirabello Bay. You’ll surely need to pinch yourself a few times when you’re in Crete to remind yourself that this isn’t a fantasy — it’s reality!
One-on-one date: Sail into forever
Crete is a perfect destination for couples who want to sail the seas right into their happily ever after. Rent a boat (Porto Elounda offers private yacht trips), hold each other close, and stare into the horizon imagining the limitless possibilities of your future together.
Later in the evening, you can share a special meal and hand your date a homemade Fantasy Suite card of your own.
One-on-one date: Meet-and-greet in Crete
Crete is about 160 miles long, so day trips to other parts of the island, like Vrachasi, are doable. Feel free to walk around town, talk to locals, and learn about their relationships. There’s no language barrier when it comes to love!
One-on-one date: Set off for Santorini
Greece is home to so many romantic islands, it’s hard to contain yourself to just one! Hannah and her date rented a helicopter and flew to Santorini, just across the Sea of Crete. Chartering a helicopter around Crete is one potential option, but you and your date can also relax on a leisurely three-hour ferry ride to Santorini.
The boat ride will give you ample opportunities to open up about your relationship and how you see it progressing.
One-on-one date: Send me a massage
If all that wandering around and island hopping wore you out, relax and breathe easier with some spa treatments. Book a couples massage and up the romantic ante by kneading out any tension yourself.
By the time this spa day is over, you two will be more than ready to share a romantic dinner. It all goes to show that you two can work through any knots in your path.
Other date ideas: I sea a future
Spend your final days in Crete exploring it by sea and land. If you and your love want to be out on the water rather than looking at it, rent a catamaran for a sail around the bay.
Venture to the mountains of Forni, ride some horses, and indulge in a dreamy picnic. If you and your date feel like hiking around some of Crete’s ancient mountains as well, you can pick up some fresh cheese, wine, and snacks to savor as a celebration for reaching the top. There’s no such thing as an uphill battle when you’re working together!
When you get back, you can sit and bond over your experience in Crete and how you feel like you just got hit by Cupid’s arrow.