Crete, Greece Travel Community

What is your favorite city to visit in Crete?

1 - 8 of 8 Posts
M

mastichas09

Active member
Crete has just way too many options and I don't know which city to visit this year! Do you guys like Iraklio, Xania, Rethymno, Agios Nikoalos, or Malia?
 
My personal favorite is Chania (Xania). It is a nice city with plenty to do and is just the right size. Plus, there are a lot of great things to experience in the surrounding area.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kosta_karapinotis
greekgal77 said:
My personal favorite is Chania (Xania). It is a nice city with plenty to do and is just the right size. Plus, there are a lot of great things to experience in the surrounding area.
Click to expand...
I find that Xania is the most culturally interesting. I love the Venetian Port the most
 
kosta_karapinotis said:
I find that Xania is the most culturally interesting. I love the Venetian Port the most
Click to expand...
Whenever I am in Chania I love walking through the port all the way to the old lighthouse. The walk is interesting and there are some great views. I agree with you, I find that Chania has a lot more to offer! It's so charming.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nm1999
greekgal77 said:
Whenever I am in Chania I love walking through the port all the way to the old lighthouse. The walk is interesting and there are some great views. I agree with you, I find that Chania has a lot more to offer! It's so charming.
Click to expand...
Is that where you would like to retire in Crete? :)
 
mastichas09 said:
Crete has just way too many options and I don't know which city to visit this year! Do you guys like Iraklio, Xania, Rethymno, Agios Nikoalos, or Malia?
Click to expand...
I think everywhere in Crete is great - it all depends on what you want to see. I found Heraklion (Iraklio) to be interesting. I loved the variety of restaurants and cafes because after sightseeing, and maybe around 9 PM, that is when I would find a place to settle in, get something to eat, and maybe a few drinks. I found there were more options for that in Heraklion than anywhere else, but I could still do that everywhere else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: greek_ggirl
greekgal77 said:
Lol maybe! I'd have to see what it's like in the winter first...
Click to expand...
I've heard that winters are lovely in Crete! Definitely worth a visit to check if you're thinking about it, and then please share with the rest of us!
 
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Is Crete a good destination for a winter getaway?

I’m starting to plan a winter getaway and keep coming back to the idea of Crete. I’ve visited Greece in summer, but I’ve never experienced it in winter — and I’m wondering if Crete is actually a good choice for that time of year, maybe even for Christmas.

I know it’s the southernmost island, so the weather should be milder, but I’m curious what it feels like day to day. Are cafés and tavernas still open? Do locals gather in the squares, or does everything quiet down? I’ve heard Chania and Heraklion stay lively year-round, but I’m not sure about the smaller towns, possibly to even stay through Christmas. What do you think?

Best Places in Crete for Easter?

I’m thinking about traveling to Crete for Easter this year to visit some friends, and I’m curious about where on the island might be the best place to experience the celebrations. From what I understand, Easter is a very big deal in Crete, especially with the Holy Week services, the midnight Resurrection, and all the food and family gatherings that follow.

My friends are on the island, but we haven’t decided exactly where we’ll spend the holiday yet. I’m wondering if certain towns or villages are especially memorable for Easter. Do places like Chania or Rethymno have a particularly special atmosphere, or is it better to experience Easter in a smaller village?

I’d love to hear about places where people felt the traditions were especially meaningful or lively.

If you’ve spent Easter in Crete, where were you and what made it memorable?

Visiting East Crete vs. West Crete?

I'm thinking about visiting Crete soon, but I'm having trouble deciding whether to focus on East Crete or West Crete. Most of the travel guides seem to highlight places like Chania, Balos, and Elafonissi in the west, which all look beautiful. At the same time, I've heard that the eastern side has a different feel, with fewer crowds, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed pace.

For those who have explored both parts of the island, what did you find were the biggest differences? Is one side better for traditional villages, local food, and authentic experiences? How do the beaches compare? I'm also curious about scenery, hiking opportunities, and whether one side is easier to use as a base for day trips.

If you only had about a week in Crete, would you choose the east or the west? I'd love to hear what influenced your decision and whether you'd make the same choice again.

What to Do in Heraklion During a Cruise Stop

I’m looking for ideas on what to do in Heraklion during a cruise stop. I’ve already been once and did Knossos Palace, which was fascinating, but I don’t feel the need to repeat it.

This time, I’m hoping for something a bit more relaxed and experiential. I’m wondering if heading to a nearby beach makes sense time-wise on a cruise day, or if it’s better to stay closer to the city. I’ve also seen food tours mentioned, those really appeal to me, especially if they focus on local places rather than tourist traps.

For those who’ve done Heraklion without Knossos, what did you enjoy most? Beach clubs, wandering the old town, museums, markets, or food-focused activities? I’d love suggestions that feel unhurried but still doable within a cruise schedule.

How Many Days Do You Really Need in Crete?

I'm considering spending a few weeks in Greece this October, and I'm trying to decide how much of that time I should devote to Crete. I've never really explored the island properly, and the more I look into it, the more I realize how much there is to see.

Would you spend two or even three weeks just exploring Crete, or would that feel like too much time? I'm also considering dividing the trip between Crete, Athens, and perhaps another island.

Since it will be October, I'm wondering if staying longer in Crete might make sense rather than moving around too much, especially as the season winds down on some islands.

For those who know Crete well, how many days would you recommend to experience it without rushing? And if you had a few weeks in Greece in October, how would you divide your time?
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top