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ssherie_

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I'm trying to plan my itinerary and I want to hit up as many cities in Crete as possible. What are your favorites? :)
 
Great question!

In no particular order here are some of the top cities to visit in Crete:
- Chania
- Heraklion
- Rethymmo
- Lassithi

chania-crete-720x480.jpeg
 
My personal favourite is Chania but one of the great joys of Crete is its diversity! To be honest I would suggest limiting how many places you sim to visit on your first trip - distances are short and roads are good but you don’t progress quickly over the mountains. Suggest taking it slowly, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the great food, lovely people and stunning scenery - it’s all too good to rush 😀
 
My personal favourite is Chania but one of the great joys of Crete is its diversity! To be honest I would suggest limiting how many places you sim to visit on your first trip - distances are short and roads are good but you don’t progress quickly over the mountains. Suggest taking it slowly, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the great food, lovely people and stunning scenery - it’s all too good to rush 😀
Which two or three locations would you recommend to see during a trip to Crete?
 
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I would stay in or near Chania, hire a car and drive west coast route down to Elafonisi beach, go over the mountains to south coast at Chora Stakia and maybe Paleochora, visit Knossos (busy in peak season), go to Aptera (nearby Chania and fantastic). There are amazing drives through the mountains and some of the best scenery you could hope for
 
All crete is beutifull but the best place is Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi !
 
I think all of crete has much to offer. All of us having a favourite place. Mine I prefer the smaller villages more family oriented. As I live some of the time there I've seen only a bit of the island even after 13 years loving everything each time I go ❤
 
I would stay in or near Chania, hire a car and drive west coast route down to Elafonisi beach, go over the mountains to south coast at Chora Stakia and maybe Paleochora, visit Knossos (busy in peak season), go to Aptera (nearby Chania and fantastic). There are amazing drives through the mountains and some of the best scenery you could hope for
Elafonisi beach is a must see! I went to Chania and Rethymno when I visited, it was just enough to get a full taste of what Crete has to offer.
 
I'm trying to plan my itinerary and I want to hit up as many cities in Crete as possible. What are your favorites? :)
Chania; Rethymnon
 
MATALA! Though hardly a city it's where I fell in love with Greece. Featured in a mid-sixties Life magazine article it embodied the history and simple life and food that I came to love.
 
MATALA! Though hardly a city it's where I fell in love with Greece. Featured in a mid-sixties Life magazine article it embodied the history and simple life and food that I came to love.
Woooah these caves in Matala look unreal, I've never heard of it before thanks for the tip. I'll definitely be headed there
 
I have only spend quality time in Chania and Heraklion, both on separate trips, and I have loved both. There are pros and cons to each! What I love about Chania is its unique and interesting charm, and it is a bit of a gateway to some of the more interesting beaches and outdoor activities. Chania, for example, is a nice launching point for hiking the Samaria Gorge. Heraklion is a great city. There are also wonderful beaches here, a lot of culture things to do. My advice really is to pick one area or city to explore and just focus on that.
 

Hiking advice for Crete?

I want to hike while I am on Crete but I need advice. I have never hiked in Greece before. Any advice is appreciated! Some things on my mind:

  • Best Trails: I was thinking Samaria gorge and maybe one other during my stay. Ay advice?
  • Preparation Tips: What should I pack or prepare for these hikes? Considering the terrain and weather conditions, are there specific items (beyond the basic hiking gear) that are must-haves for Crete? What kinds of shows? How much water?
  • Local Guides or Groups: Do you recommend hiking with a local guide or joining a group for certain trails? If so, how can I find reputable guides or groups
Thanks in advance!

Tips for visiting Elafonissi Beach?

I'm planning a trip to the beautiful island of Crete and have been intrigued by pictures of Elafonissi Beach's pink sands and beautiful crystal blue waters. As I'm putting together my itinerary, I wanted to reach out to this knowledgeable community for some insider tips. Specifically, I'm looking for advice on the following:

  • Best Time to Visit: When is the ideal time of day or year to visit Elafonissi Beach to avoid the crowds but still enjoy good weather?
  • Transportation: What are the best transportation options to reach the beach? Are there any recommended car rental agencies or public transport options?
  • Facilities: Does the beach have facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, or cafes?
  • Local Eateries: Are there any must-try local eateries in the area that offer authentic Cretan cuisine?
  • Accommodation: Can you recommend any nearby accommodations ranging from budget to luxury?
  • Activities: Besides swimming and sunbathing, what other activities can one enjoy at or near Elafonissi Beach?
Also, are there any specific dos and don'ts or local customs I should be aware of while visiting Elafonissi Beach? Thanks in advance!

This is one of the photos I saw - it looks gorgeous there!

elafonissi-beach-crete.jpg

Seeing the Samaria Gorge without Hiking?

Is it possible to see the Samaria Gorge without doing the long hike?

I will be in Crete over the summer. I heard the hike is long. 11 miles, most of it downhill or flat. I just don't think I am up for it. Downhill climbing hurts my knee too much.

I have a friend who goes to Crete a lot and made an off-hand comment that you don't need to hike, but she didn't know all the details.

Does anyone hear? She mentioned taking a ferry. I am having a hard time picturing it. I looked into tours and they all involve hiking.

Lagoons of Crete?

I'm planning a trip to Crete and I'm absolutely captivated by the idea of visiting its stunning lagoons. From what I've gathered, these natural wonders are not only a feast for the eyes but also offer unique experiences in terms of swimming, snorkeling, and just soaking in the breathtaking views.

I've heard about the famous Elafonissi and Balos lagoons, but I'm curious if there are other lesser-known lagoons on the island that are worth exploring. Additionally, I'm interested in any tips or advice on the best times to visit, how to get there, what to expect, or any other suggestions that could help make my visit as enjoyable as possible.

Also, if anyone has recommendations on where to stay nearby these lagoons or any local eateries to try out, that would be fantastic! I'm eager to experience Crete not just as a tourist, but through the eyes of those who know it best.

Too late to travel to Crete in December?

Is it too late to travel to Crete in December? I am going to visit some people for the holidays, but I also want to do some sightseeing.

Someone told me that Crete shuts down in October, but people still live there so it can't possibly be a ghost town.

What shuts down, exactly? Will I still be able to go to museums and stuff this time of year?
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