Bali lies on the north coast of the Greek island of Crete. Thirty-five kilometres east of Rethymno, it is a small village that has developed on the cliffs above the bay. Surrounded by verdant hills, it is a very picturesque resort with a wide range of amenities. There are several beaches in the area offering a range of leisure activities.
Bali, originally a small fishing village, still has only three hundred and fifty permanent residents. It has a small harbour and five small coves, beaches offering water sports and tavernas and bars serving good traditional food. The old St. John’s Monastery, a short walk from the town, is well worth visiting.
A Bali holiday is very popular with families and adults of all ages. With four pebble and sand beaches and numerous coves, the bucket and spade brigade are spoilt for choice. Water sports enthusiasts will find a wide variety of activities. Those with mobility problems should avoid Bali as there are some steep gradients both in and around the resort.
The most popular time to visit Bali is in the summer. The season extends from Easter to October when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
Seen from the sea, Bali makes a stunning picture as its white houses nestle under the hills with a foreground of bay, beach and coves. Although the village has expanded and developed over the years to accommodate its increasing popularity as a holiday destination, it has retained some of its original charm. The original village was built around the harbour and this is where you will find the local shops. Day trips can be taken from the harbour to nearby Rethymnon and the journey offers some very pretty coastal scenery.
Bali is an ideal place for families, fairly quiet and with good facilities both on and off the beaches. The waters around the coast are sparklingly clear, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Sailing, jet skiing and paragliding are all available.
The monastery dedicated to St. John is a well-preserved sixteenth century building with some wonderful frescoes.
Bali has a range of good restaurants as well as tavernas serving traditional food. Naturally, fish is a prominent feature of the menus with daily catches arriving in the harbour.
Those who wish to explore beyond Bali will find facilities for car hire and local buses which go to Rethymnon and Heraklion. It is also possible to take day trips to Santorini.
Although Bali is small the nightlife around the harbour area is fairly lively with bars, pubs and tavernas providing waterfront entertainment. At the Highway Club, near the entrance to the town, you can dance the night away in the open air. There are many places where you can enjoy a more sedate evening over a meal and a glass of wine.
Three feasts celebrated in June and August provide much merrymaking even though they are religious occasions.
It is possible to buy holiday essentials in Bali but otherwise it is not a great shopping centre. There are the usual numbers of gift and souvenir shops where you can purchase your holiday mementoes.
Bali has a good range of restaurants and tavernas centred round the coves. The variety of menu is sufficient to satisfy most tastes.
Eating out in Greece is a pleasure that should be enjoyed in a leisurely fashion so, unless your penchant is for fast foods, try the traditional tavernas and experience fresh food, particularly fish, simply cooked accompanied by local drinks. You will not be disappointed. Children are warmly welcomed in restaurants and their tastes and portion size are usually accommodated.
