Destinations in Crete: Preveli palm beach & Vasilis rock beach

Woof! Welcome to my blog pawfriends. 🐾 I have a new destination for you! In my last roadtrip we drove to South Rethymno where you can find the famous Preveli palm beach (named like this because of the big palm forest right next to the river that ends up in the sea) and we combined it with a visit to the beach right next to Preveli. Less famous but not less fun there. Let me show you around and bark about where is the best place to go! 🐾

Pitstop on the way to Preveli

How to reach Preveli?

Preveli is a 50 minute drive from the big city Rethymno. The best way is to take the main road from Rethymno and pass from the Kourtaliotiko gorge. Passing from that road will give you many points to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views. We followed the way to Vasilis rock beach because there is plenty of parking space, a nice tavern, supermarket and rent rooms if you want to spend the night there. 

From there starts a 20min uphill walk to Preveli palm beach, the path is safe to walk for dogs too, only in summertime be careful as the temperatures might be too high. 

View over the Preveli bay from the walk path

After our 20 minute walk we arrived at the Preveli beach, it was super crowded and we had a little bit of a problem finding a comfy spot to relax. We managed to find shadow under the trees behind the small chapel. My dad went to explore the river parts as well as the beach but unfortunately because of the massive crowds swimming for me was not possible. At all time I was on leash close to mama but sadly many tourists didn't liked or where scared of dogs so my humans respect that. I still had a nice time chilling in the shade wif my snacks and toys that mum had brought from home. 

In the afternoon we walked back to the parking and right there in front I had the most pawsome time in Vasilis Rock Beach! Only the parts on the right side are taken by sun beds but at the left it's completely free and not crowded. The waters where crystal clear and shallow, pawfect for a dive into the sea! For me as a doggo this beach was way better then the touristic Preveli palm beach. 

After our swim we decided to check out the tavern there and I was welcomed by the friendly owner. We had a very yummy dinner there. Highly recommend Dionyssos Tavern!

Luna's final verdict 🐶🐾😃:

For me as a doggy the Preveli palm beach was nice for walkies but too crowded for a swim. I had a much better time at the calm Vasilis rock beach & the Dionyssos tavern. In case you have limited time and come on a hot summer day I would skip Preveli. If you can come a little later on the day when the sun is down the walkie is worth it (in afternoon many tourists leave Preveli also). 

Videoclip of Luna in Vasilis Rock Beach

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRVvmQdJtSG/?utm_medium=copy_link

How old can a Border Collie become?

Woof! It's me Luna again! 🐾Todays topic is the "lifespan" of a Border Collie. It's one of the most frequently asked questions by people that would like to buy or adopt a Border Collie. In this blog I will answer this question and give my top tips for a longer and healthier life.

The average lifespan of a Border Collie:

It's hard to predict the future but commonly the lifespan of a BC* is around 12-15 years. My mum's first BC reached the age of 15 but she also has had a friend that their BC even lived until 17 years. Ofcourse there are many factors that play a role such as genetics, environment, nutrition, etc.. The most important is to make sure that your BC lives not only long but also a comfortable and qualitative live.

Luna's top tips for a happy and healthy life:

1. It all starts with the purchase/adoption.

Purchase from a responsible breeder that tests his/her dogs on genetic diseases (DNA tests, scans for hip/elbow dysplasia,..) and makes sure to avoid as much as possible inbreeding. Ideally you want a dog to have less than 10% COI (Coefficient of inbreeding). A breeder should be able to tell you the COI if they can't its a big red flag or in other words a NO go!

In case of adoption check if the dog has a pedigree, if so check for possible inherited diseases in the parents/family lines. Talk to the shelter and try to harvest as much information as possible. Sometimes dogs in shelters come with a specific health problem but this is absolutely not always the case. 

Buying or adopting is always a risk but in case of adoption if you are aware the dog has existing problems think twice before making the commitment. In any case a dog is for life!

2. Limit the amount of stress and toxins in your dog's daily life.

Just like humans, dogs also suffer if they have to much stress. A stress free dog is a happy dog! 

In regard with the toxins we should try to avoid  things like: air fresheners, laundry detergent, bleach based floor cleaning products,dog shampoos, food coloring, etc.. A Barf diet or high quality kibble in combination with fresh vegies and fruits without any nasty additives is the real nutrition your dog needs. In regard with dog shampoo pick up brands that work with natural ingredients (I love to use soap bars).

And last but not least flea and worming products. Sadly I see many vets overdose dog's without any indication of worm infections. Regarding flea's there are many natural spray's. It is generally know BC's are very sensitive to several deworming and anti flea products ingredients. You can find more about this in my blog post about MDR1-gen.

3. Stay fit, never become obese!

Some call the Border Collie "the athlete" in sheepherding. Can you imagine an athlete trying to run fast with excessive weight? Every extra pound puts so much strain on a BC's heart, joints and also increases the chance for diabetes. 

4. Don't over-train the dog

Border collies are know for their non-stop working drive. I am also one of these dog's! My mum has to tell me very often to take some rest. Just because a BC is capable of working/playing/running all day doesn't mean it's not gonna effect them at the long run. Too much exercise or exercising without warming up leads often to injury's or arthritis. One of the most common mistakes is non-stop tennis ball chasing. It's essential to keep variety between physical and mental exercise and a moderate amount of the time like for example 2 times per day 1 hour instead of 2 hours in a row. 

5. Keep your teefies sparkling white and go reguraly for vet checks.

The better we take care of our BC's teeth the longer they stay healthy. Many elderly dog's suffer from dental issues because of lack of cleaning during their younger years. Also the vet can check the teeth during yearly check ups. Don't wait until it's too late! 

That where my top tips for today, do you think I miss some impawtant aspect? Don't hestitate to send me a DM on Instagram or e-mail
Paw from me🐾

*BC = Border Collie

Destinations in Crete: Fodele

Hi pawfriends it's me Luna again! Today I would like to bark a little more about one of my favorite destinations in Crete. Fodele Village&beach. It's located on the North side of the island, only a 30 minute drive from the capital Heraklion and 45 minutes from Rethymno city. It's also supaw close to the highway and there are busses passing several times a day. 

Fodele is a little rural Village with a lot of character. It's famous for it's El Greco museum where they display prints of his works, the byzantine style church of Panagia and for the beautiful monastery of Agios Panteleimonas (the monastery even has a mini zoo!)

What makes this place so good for dogs?

In the middle of the village passes a small river which makes this the place even on the hottest summer days cool beside of that there are plenty of trees which provide shade and cool spots to play and hang out. 

How I like to spend my day there:

My pawrents take me during the day in the village, there starts a path that goes next to the river. You will meet some friendly sheep and goats and plots with olive and fruit trees. On a certain point the pavement stops but we like to continue from inside the fresh and clean waters. It's absolutely not deep so I can walk safely there.

After our little walk in the river the humans like to drink and snack something in the traditional taverns. If you prefer to do a pick nick (there is a park next to the river with playground and benches) you can buy food and drinks from the mini market.

.

In the afternoon when the sun is not burning anymore we jump in the car and drive to Fodele beach. The distance is 3km or 5min drive. We always go to the beach closest to the gas station. There is plenty of parking space right next to the beach and also a tavern.

The beach is full of small pebbles and not very organized (no sunbeds) which makes it great for me so I can play happily with my squeaky toy without annoying other humans 😎

What do you think furiends? Would you like to spend a day in Fodele?

Happy weekend and paw from me 🐾 

Destinations in Crete: Rethymno

Woof! Welcome to my blog pawfriends, today I would like to show you around a new destination: Rethymno City. Rethymno lies on the North-western side of Crete between Chania and Heraklion.

Old venetian harbour Rethymno

For us Cretans Rethymno is also know as "the student city". There  is a pawfect university (University of Crete) here which attract students from all over Europe and therefore there is also a lot of vibrant nightlife. Beside of that it is also touristically developed.

Must see inside the city:

The old town is beautifully restored dating from the 16th century. The old harbour is Venetian style and inside town you can find buildings with influence from the byzantines. It also has one of the best preserved castles in Crete: "Fortezza of Rethymno". While walking trough the old town you will see the "Porta Guora"(great gate), the "piazza Rimondi" and the "Loggia Veneziana" etc. It's the perfect place to stroll trough the romantic small alley's.

Beach time in Rethymno:

Because of tourism a big part of the beach is occupied with sunbeds however the beach stretches a long end (12km/7.5miles!) which makes it possible for us dog's to find a calm area to play. My pawrents took me next to the watersport area, most people don't like to hang out there because it's a less organized place, it was perfect though to play with my squeaky toy! In the afternoon after 6pm it's also a little calmer and you can have a nice walk at the boulevard right next to the beach without burning your paw pads. 

Food&drinks:

The most popular street to drink and eat something is definitely the one next to the beach. After my swim my pawrents took me to a local gyros place. I was allowed in the outside area and the waiters where so kind to provide me some cool drinking water💧. Because of the touristic taverns it's always best to kindly ask if dog's are allowed to sit in the outside area.

Overall experience as a dog:

Because Rethymno is a small city the local's also take their dog's out in the town which means that the people are used having dog's around, we met some small dogs at our walk in the old town which greeted me very nicely. Locals take their dog's mostly out at the beach (on leash) and in the municipal garden. Walking in the more touristic places is also no problem as long as you keep the streets clean (don't forget poopbags and a bottle of water to wash away pee).  We went in the afternoon for a walk however if you want to walk in the morning keep in mind that the pavements can heat up very quickly. 

Best places to do your poo🚾 inside the city:

- Municipal Garden (Δημοτικός Κήπος/ Igoumenou Gavriil, Rethymno 741 00)

- The area around the Venetian Fortezza Castle 

- Next to the old Venetian harbour (sandy beach part where swimming is not allowed)

I had a lot of fun and would love to go explore more new area's close to Rethymno city! Thank you for joining me in this mini roadtrip. 

Paw from me 🐶🐾

Sandy beach at the old Venetian harbour

Destinations in Crete: Matala

Selfie spot at the entrance

Hi pawfriends! It's me Luna 🐶 Yesterday I went for a day trip to Matala (located 75km south-west of the main city Heraklion). Here is some more info about Matala:

The beach is in an enclosed bay and is sandy with very small pebbles, organized with sunbeds, toilets, showers and life guards. To be honest not the most pawfect beach for us dog's to go in high season but in low season you can definitely find a quiet spot in the shade under the trees! I was welcome at the outside area's of restaurants and cafe's. The village has a lot of touristic shops where you can buy nice souvenirs or cool bandana's 🐾

Matala is know for it's "caves" also referred to as "hippie caves". In the 60's and 70's hippies would residence in this caves and live the "free" lifestyle. On a certain point the area was so popular that it attracted even big celebrities such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Joan Baez. 

The caves in the background

The caves are now day's protected by the Archeological service, you can visit them during the daytime. (it's possible you need to pay a small fee, dog's are not allowed inside)

Each year there is also the Matala street painting where artists can give their creativity a place on the streets of Matala. (For more information and registration you can check the Facebook page @streetpaintingteam)

And last but not least the popular Matala Beach Festival, unfortunately due to the corona virus it's unsure if it will take place in 2021. 

This was the information about Matala, if you have any questions don't hestitate to send me a DM on IG or email. 
Woof you all very much, paw from me 🐾

Veterinarians or veterinary clinics in Crete

Hi furiends! It's me Luna again. 🐾 In case you want to come visit the beautiful island of Crete or if you permanently live here and don't speak very good Greek this list might be helpful.  I will divide the veterinarians information per region to make it easy to search. Crete consist of 4 regions.

The landcode of Greece is +30

Heraklion (The capital of Crete, most airplanes land in this airport also)

Small Animal Clinic Manolis Souranakis: Chandakos 79, 712 01 Tel. 281 024 319

Vet Medica - Veterinary Center Milathianakis: Strimonos 6, Iraklio 713 04 (281 031 8880)

Piperakis George: Leof. 62 Martiron 110, Iraklio 713 03 (281 031 5910)

Tsatsaki Ourania: Thoykydidoy 6, Poros 713 07 (281 022 0540)

Creta VetClinic: Nikolaoi Restivaki 4, Iraklio 713 04 (+30 2810 341 698  or +30 2810 341 690)

Andreas Badouvas: Leof. Andrea Papandreou 49, Gazi 714 14 (281 031 7870)

Veterinary Clinic Daskalakis: Menelaou Parlama 137 Iraklio 714 10 (6947 324234 or 2810 263093)

Savoidaki Vet Clinic: Oulof Palme 76, Iraklio 714 10 (281 023 2730)

Charalampakis Georgios: Leoforos Ikarou 7, 71306 Irakleio (+30 281 022 4611)

Danai Markaki: A. Kalokairinou 1 Voutes Heraklion 71500 (T: +30 2810 545500)

Latinas Dimitris: Leoforos Papanastasiou & Telchinon 128, Iraklio 714 09 (+30 281 023 4420) 

Giamalaki - Nikiforakis: Leof. Knosou 153, Iraklio 714 09 (281 032 2917)

Fragkoulis Nikolaos: Λεωφ. Ανδρέα Παπανδρέου 84, Ηράκλειο 713 05, Ελλάδα (+30 281 021 1483)

Stylianos Pirounakis: Meramvellou 46, Iraklio 712 02 (281 034 2097)

Melidona Sofia: Christomichali Xilouri 72, Iraklio 713 04 (281 031 7737)

Ioannis Filippakis: Leof. Ionias 1, Iraklio 713 06 (281 032 5508)

Τριγνης Κωννος: Asterousion 42, Heraklion (+30 281 025 3303)

Vet clinic Moires: 28is Oktovriou 31, Mires 704 00 

Maliarakis Emmanuel: Machis Kritis 113, Mires 704 00 (+30 2892 025230)

New vet!: Κανδηλιέρη Θαλασσινή: Eth. Antistaseos 45, Arkalochori 703 00 (+30 2891 023045) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087295232326)

Rethymnon (In between Chania and Heraklion)

Chatzidaki Aliki: Emmanouil Portaliou 25, Rethymno 741 33 (2831 103852)

Vet clinic Christakos Ioannis: VOAK 13, Rethymno 741 00 (693 273 1321)

Alexandraki: Hortatzi 38, Rethymno 741 00 (2831 503303)

Lioudaki Dimitra: Dimitrakaki 6, Rethymno 741 00 (2831 050345)

veterinary centre atsipopoulo: Charal. Liandri, Atsipopoulo 741 00 (2831 033322)

Vlatakis Alexis: Trantalidou 11, Rethymno 741 00 (2831 022522)

Theodorakis / Gerakakis Veterinary Center: Igoumenou Gavriil 16, Rethymno 741 00 (2831 051300)

Small Animal Clinic Vogiatzis Stelios - Paraschoudi Viki: Parren - Siganou 9, Rethymno 741 00 (698 449 3929)

Vet clinic Vet Hersonisos: Spirou Kassaveti 10, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14 (2897 025777)

Lassithi (East Crete)

vetcare merimna kritis Ae: Kon/nou Karamanli 23, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00 (2841 022500)

Veterinary clinic Calliope Pantouli:  El. Agios Nikolaos 72100, Plataki 13, Iraklio 714 09 (2841 100303)

Ioannis M. Sfakianakis: Latous 14, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00 (697 300 4113)

Papanikolaou Sotirios:  Basarmidi 3, Ierapetra 722 00 (2842 025455)

Spyridakis Michail: Kiprou 30, Ierapetra 722 00 ( 2842 089200)

Animal Medical Center: Kiprou 61, Ierapetra 722 00 (2842 026823)

Chania (west Crete)

Saridakis: Zimvrakakidon 41, Chania 731 35 (2821 097183)

Kapsanaki Eirini: Markou Mpotsari ke Kelaidi 45, Chania 731 36 (2821 087136)

Virginia Theodoraglaki: Kissamou 28, Chania 731 00 (693 238 5788)

Xanthoulakis, Haralambos, & Co:  Anagnostou Gogoni 63, Mournies 733 00 (2821 075665)

Mouglali Despina: Chatzimichali Giannari 30, Chania 731 32 (2821 045192)

Animals Corner: Efedron Polemiston 21, Chania 731 35 (2821 079390)

Kambouraki Maria - Valyraki Anna: Igoumenou Gavriil 37, Chania 731 34 (2821 042920)

Animal care clinic: Kritovoulidou 28, Chania 731 34 (2821 050417)

Ioannis Emm. Markantonakis: Perivolion 107, Chania 731 36 (2821 073375)

Terezaki Veterinary Clinic: Κonstantinou Μitsotaki 134, Chania 731 00 (2821 020300)

 Vizyrakis George: Ethnarchou Venizelou 48, Souda 732 00 (2821 023505)

Ignatiadis Panagiotis: Ag. Apostolon 56, Mournies 733 00 (2821 042730)

Veterinary clinic Cesme Alexander: Papanastasiou 80, Chania 731 34 (2821 008241)

Xirouchakis Stavros: Leof. El. Venizelou 44, Kounoupidiana 731 00 (2821 069966)

Hatzidakis Eleftherios: Mark. Mpotsari 57, Chania 731 00 (2821 094213)

Animals planet & HARIS PET VET: Papanastasiou 99 & Vrysson, Chania 731 35 (2821 059399)

Veterinary clinic Mousourakis George: Palea EO Chanion Rethimnou 542, Kalives 730 03 (2825 032186)


In case of emergency or if you want some advice from local volunteers you can check out this Facebook group: Animal lovers on Crete

Visiting Crete with your dog

Hi furiends! It's me Luna again. 😊You might have heard the good news, tourism in Greece started again since 15th of may! Therefore I would like to share some of my personal tips and tricks for the most pawsome holiday's on the beautiful island of Crete. 

First and foremost it is impawtent to decide with which form of transport you want to travel. Since Crete is an Island there are only 2 way's to access. First option is by ferry, second one by airplane. 

General rules for entering Greece: Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.  Your pet can travel 21 days after the completion of the vaccination protocol. Another obligatory thing is the EU health certificate. Dog's that come from the United states need to carry a health certificate endorsed by a USDA state veterinarian. 

Tips for the ferry: Dog's are only allowed on the deck, the ferry has basic kennels but most of them are noisy and don't have any bedding or comfort inside. If your pawrents have the possibility I would highly recommend booking a pet cabin. You can sleep then together wif the pawrents and just go upstairs for a short walk if necessary. Another rule that applies on most of the ferry's is that all dog's have to wear a muzzle don't forget to practice wearing on before going on holiday's.

Traveling by airplane: The general rule is that dog's up to 8kg (included container/pet carrier) are allowed inside the cabin while dog's above 8kg can only be transported in the baggage hold compartment. The best way to book your ticket is calling to the airline of preference.

When you are boarding don't forget to double check with the cabin staff/pilot that the baggage compartment has the right temperature for your pet.

Public transportation on the island: Big dog's are not allowed in public transportation. You can take a small dog in a transport bag with you. We always do road trips with rented cars, this gives so much freedom which is needed to see the most beautiful and little dislocated places. 

Accommodation: Last year during our road trips we have stayed  in several small apartments or private houses. I would highly recommend checking the area you want to stay online and call straight to the hotel/apartment. This way you get the best price and you can discuss any special needs or wishes you have. Another convenient way is using a booking platform. When you book from there the hotel/apartment sometimes calls you to confirm that you are coming with a dog.

Once you arrived at the most sniffable island ever you want to know where you can go and what you can do, I will answer this in the following FAQ*.

Are dog's allowed in museum or at archeological places?

Unfortunately no, when visiting a monastery you can only walk in the garden outside. 

Can I take my dog to a restaurant or cafe?

The greek law states that dog's are allowed in every outdoor space, for sanitary reasons most restaurants and cafe's don't accept your dog inside. Luckily on Crete we have the Mediterranean climate which makes it possible to sit outside during most the time of the year. When you arrive at a restaurant or cafe mention you have a dog so they can help you out picking the best table. In most of the places we have been they offered water for Luna but in case they forget it you can always kindly ask for a bottle of water. The tap water can have a little salty taste therefore we always give Luna bottled water. In the local supermarket you can find water from the mountains of Crete! 💧

Are dog's allowed at the beach?

Yes! The greek law say's that dog's are welcome at the beach as long as they are leashed and accompanied by their guide. At organized beaches you can ask the cafe/restaurant owner if you are allowed to have your dog next to you under the umbrella. 

What about swimming in the sea?

You can take your dog for a refreshing swim however keep in mind that if other people don't feel comfortable with the dog swimming next to them they might ask you to remove it. From personal experience we know that most people don't mind as long as your dog stay's leashed and doesn't bark. 

What about the insects in Greece? Are there many mosquitos?

Depending on the region you will visit it may vary but generally we all protect our dog's against insect bites. This has a reason, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm while gnats can transfer leishmaniasis. In case you forgot to buy the necessary products before coming to Greece you can always visit a local vet. Especially in the big cities (Heraklion, Rethymnon,Chania,Agios Nikolaos) all the vets speak good English and will be glad to help you out with buying the right products (spray's/collars/etc.)

This was the short explanation furiends, don't forget to clean up after yourself and drink enough water! If it is the first time traveling you can read my blog about heatstroke's to make sure you stay safe and cool in summer. Now it's time to go eat some treatos! 

Paw Luna 🐾

*If you have any specific questions about travelling in Crete don't hesitate to contact my mumanager by email or send me a DM on IG!

EU rules on travelling with pets

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_en.htm

International Air Transport Association (IATA) for more information regarding the requirements of each country:

https://www.iata.org/en/youandiata/travelers/traveling-with-pets/

https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/#tab-1