Bali is a small, nice village in a picturesque and calm bay on the north coast of Crete. Over and around this bay are hanging the lower tops of the "Talea ori" (Talea mountains) which protect the area from the wind. Here was living Talos, before Medea remove the bronze nail and Talos bled to death. Talos was a giant bronze warrior who circling Crete's shore three times a day while guarding it. In front of the village the Cretan sea comes in to the protected bay and the picturesque creeks with the sandy beaches, where always is calm and safe and that's why here was made the city of Atali (or Astali) the port of the old known city of Axos. It was an important port but it was completely destroyed, as is believed, about 1.500 B.C. by a huge tsunami from the big explosion of the volcano at Santorini (or some earthquakes). Proof that the city did exist are many documents and the small remaining we can see on the land but also in the sea. Old potteries from different periods, remaining from houses, anchors from boats etc...
Later and after more earthquakes and also because of the pirates, the habitants lived mostly higher on the mountains. Much later they started come close to the sea again. For a long period the area was habited by Arabs and Venetians who did build a castle, on an existing construction, up on the hill at the north side of the bay. Later, at Turk's occupation, it was partially destroyed and rebuild for their needs. Unfortunately on the 2nd world war it got completely destroyed. Today there is a small tower (as a cafeteria) and a small church to remind the old castle Gloria.
The new village, Bali, is believed that it took its name from the Turkish word for "honey" as this place were producing much and very good quality of honey.
It was one very small fisher's village, with out electricity until 1974, when the new national road, which pass just near, was finished. The old village of "Vlihada", behind the national road, started desolate and Bali started grow more. Just a few people were coming at that time in the village as tourists and they, habitants and tourists, all knew each other. Often the tourists were invited to the houses to eat and stay with the local families! Some of them are still coming and they remember us, all, as younger or children..! We remember and see them as a part of our village!
Today, unfortunately, because of the modern times life rhythm, needs and difficulties the people can't act as they would like to... but they still are simple and friendly with a smile and open heart.
Bali has grown. Vlihada, the old village grows too. Some are even buying houses or land to live here. It has become a favourite tourist destination.
Are you young? or even younger? are you old or older? you need to relax? need loneliness? you want live? you like meet people? you want to enjoy, having fun? you like activities? you prefer drive and visit the island? you love sea? mountain?
In Bali there is something for you! It's a quiet place for those who need to make really relaxed holidays, it is a safe and magic place for the children, a romantic place for couples, there are activities and night life for the wild spirits, while is calm and charm for older people. Its near the sea and the mountains and at the right place to start your excursion to the whole island!
It is the right place of holidays for every body!!!