A Paradise Beach Bar

After an exciting excursion through the bustling alleyways of Heraklion, there was only one thing left on the agenda yesterday afternoon: put my feet up, switch off, and enjoy the sea.

Miri and I headed to Karteros Beach - specifically to "A Paradise Beach Bar." And what can I say? It was the perfect way to wrap up a fantastic day.

It was very quiet; the frantic energy of peak season had completely vanished, the sun loungers were blissfully empty, and the atmosphere was incredibly laid-back. We found a couple of cozy spots, gazed out at the vast blue expanse, and I treated myself to an ice-cold Paloma. Grapefruit, tequila, lime - the perfect taste of summer in a glass.

As we sat there chatting, we soon noticed the main attraction of this particular stretch of coast: the bar is located just a few kilometers east of Heraklion Airport, meaning planes fly right over on their final approach. There aren’t many at the moment, of course, but one passes by every now and then - in the summer, I imagine it’s practically every minute!

I have to admit, plane-spotting is a surprisingly fun activity at a beach bar! You’re lounging in the bar, sipping your drink, when suddenly a holiday jet rumbles in over the sea.

Thanks to the Flightradar app, I knew exactly which plane was coming, where it was arriving from, and when it would pass by. Who needs Netflix when you’ve got live "aero-cinema" playing right above the ocean?

What made the afternoon so lovely was that unique combination: on one hand, the gentle sound of the waves, the chilled-out vibe of the bar, and the total tranquility that comes with having so few people around - and on the other, the spectacular show unfolding in the sky.

So, if you ever find yourself near Heraklion after an excursion and are looking for a spot that’s laid-back, a bit quirky, and definitely worth a visit: grab a Paloma, take along your favorite person, and watch the planes come in to land. It’s well worth it!Read more