HI THERE!
My name is Gabi
My name is Gabi Ancarola, and I’ve been writing this Crete Travel Blog since 2014!
I was born in Buenos Aires, but I’ve been traveling and living abroad for the last 30 years. I have a degree in literature and a post-degree in translation. And I love backpacking with my family, taking pictures and discovering new places.
I’ve lived in Italy for over 15 years, my kids Filippo and Federico were born there. I moved to Crete more than 5 years ago, where I work in destination management during summer and as a travel writer all year long. I have also a blog about Cretan cuisine that I write with my Chania-born partner (an excellent cook, by the way), and a super new blog where I write about other Greek destinations for families that love to travel in Greece.
In 2017, I published a book about the Greek islands which was followed by a digital guide about Chania, The Tiny Book of Santorini, and a guide to The Best 100 Beaches in Crete – although there are over 120 inside the book!
You can check my books here.
My work has been featured by The Culture Trip, Greek Reporter, Huffington Post, Greek TV, and other media, including amazing travel blogs such as The Planet D, Goats on the Road, yTravel, Chasing the Donkey, and Sofia Adventures.
When I have free time, I love to cook pizza with my kids, sip Cretan wines, go to the beach at sunset, and drink cold coffee with friends…
Whenever I have some extra free time, I also occasionally collaborate with local newspapers and international sites that are eager to promote this incredible island.
That you don’t need to know!
I speak 3 languages, none of which is Greek. Still, whenever I’m angry or tired Greek flows naturally. That’s great you might say…
Well, not really. It comes together with English, Spanish, and Italian. All in the same sentence. Despite horror and amusement, people understand me.
I absolutely, totally, completely hate wasting time, it puts me in the worst of moods! So yes, I start writing at about 6 in the morning and never — never — go to bed before 2 am.
Nobody in the family gets how I haven’t collapsed yet. Me neither!
I suffer from vertigo, and I mean big time vertigo… I still have no clue how I manage to travel through the Cretan gorges and mountains. However, I’ve also found out I couldn’t live without them.
My kids and my friends laugh at me… and me? Well, I make fun of myself too!
Wonderful story about you and your challenges and inspirations. Thank for you for sharing. Your life has had its hare of tragedies as most of ours do, and I am glad to see you have found such a wonderful partner. Wonderful photos and stories!
Thanks a lot, Amanda, there’s no other secret to it than finding the strength to carry on. A hug from Crete!