Cretans are well known for their hospitality. If you are in a place where locals invite you for a raki drink, do not reject it! They take it very personal and it is a kind of an insult for them if you say “no thanks”! You should just say cheers and smile.
Also, do not hesitate to ask if in doubt for anything. The locals are used to living with foreign travelers for more than eight months of the year, most of them speak at least English and they are very happy to help and maybe chat with you.Do not leave out of your tour agenda Preveli Palm Grove and beach. Once you are there, enter the path into Kourtaliotis gorge mouth and in a few minutes you will feel like being in an exotic site. Keep walking in the heart of the forest and do not stop when the itinerary becomes rough. It is really worth the trouble and climbing some small rocks will lead you to small lakes of crystal clear water in a quiet and refreshing ambience.
And, of course, do not hesitate to swim in any of these small lakes. If you go early in the summer season (till the beginning of June), you might be lucky enough to see small waterfalls formed by winter’s waters coming down from the mountain.