Ask the expert
We asked Melissa Davies, Jet2holidays Resort Team Leader, Western Crete, her top tips and local recommendations for an unforgettable holiday
What first took you to Greece?
‘Thirty years ago, I was working as a legal secretary in Cardiff. I was fed up, so I picked up a copy of The Lady, applied for two nanny roles, in Toronto and Athens, and got offers for both. I flipped a coin, chose Athens, and fell in love with Greece. Three decades and two children later, I’m still here.’
What attracted you to the role of Jet2holidays Customer Helper, and what do you love about it?
‘When Jet2holidays announced the opening of Chania in Crete, I wanted to be a part of its famous Red Team. Its friendly, family approach was different to other tour operators, and the reviews from team members were phenomenal. I love that I get the chance to show our customers exactly why I fell in love with Chania.’
How many Jet2holidays resorts do you look after?
‘We work as one team and all share different resorts. That is great because we get to learn from out team members’ experiences, which enhances our knowledge base as a team.’
What are your top resort recommendations?
‘Agia Marina is great for fun as it has a long stretch of sandy beach dotted with amazing beach bars and clubs. For romance, Chania Town, and its beautiful Venetian harbour. For families, a favourite is Stalos – it has a beautiful sandy beach and is very family orientated.’
What are your favourite local beach bars and tavernas, and why?
‘The canteen at Tersanas Beach. I have many happy memories of long hot days with my children when they were growing up.
‘Liokalyvo, at Falassarna Beach, has great cocktails and magnificent sunsets. Typografeion is a jazz bar in Chania Town, where you listen to fantastic music in an old square close to the city’s oldest Orthodox church.
Which off-the-beatentrack beaches do you recommend?
‘We are spoilt in Western Crete. We’ve got everything from award-winning Blue Flag sandy beaches to beautiful offshore islands and lagoons.
‘My favourites are Frangokastello Beach, on the south coast, famous for its castle. The Gramvousa Balos lagoons are ideal for crystalclear, turquoise waters and Elafonisi is an incredible pink-sand beach that’s featured in many lists of the top 10 beaches in the world.’
Where can you find the best authentic Cretan food?
‘I’m pleased to say that Chania has kept its authenticity, so I would say practically anywhere. My favourites are Salavantes Taverna in the resort of Kalamaki, Portes in Nea Chora (Chania Town), The Wave in Maleme, Patrelantonis at Marathi Beach and Aletri in Agia Marina. My list could be very long!’
What are your three must-dos in Crete?
‘Falassarna Beach. It has it all – an ancient acropolis, sunsets that will blow your mind and a taverna with the best moussaka I’ve ever tasted.
‘Cocktails overlooking our Venetian harbour in Chania Town and a visit to the shipyard area to see the old Minoan boat made by the island’s oldest craftsman for the Athens 2004 Olympics.
‘Finally, the Jet2holidays Cretan Olive & Wine Train Tour for tastings and a visit to the oldest olive tree in the world.’