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kcixcy

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This has to be one of the most beautiful places in Greece for sure!! Who has been here?? :)

Hike-Samaria-Gorge-720x480.jpg
 
This looks amazing, I have been to Crete but never to Samaria Gorge.

Here is an article that has a bit more info:

 
It's a beautiful part of the world. I've walked the gorge a few times in my much younger life and one time I was wearing flip flops (or what we Aussies like to call thongs)!
 
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It's a beautiful part of the world. I've walked the gorge a few times in my much younger life and one time I was wearing flip flops (or what we Aussies like to call thongs)!
Ahhh that sounds terrible!! But those are the only shoes I bring with me to Greece so I would be in your same position lol
 
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Ahhh that sounds terrible!! But those are the only shoes I bring with me to Greece so I would be in your same position lol
At least I've proven it's doable! You should give it a go. If you're young enough you're invincible. Now I would probably need the most comfortable walking shoes. My advice though is bring a large water bottle in summer. There is water along the way but not often and it is a long walk.
 
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At least I've proven it's doable! You should give it a go. If you're young enough you're invincible. Now I would probably need the most comfortable walking shoes. My advice though is bring a large water bottle in summer. There is water along the way but not often and it is a long walk.
I miss being young and invincible. I used to cliff dive in Greece all the time when I was younger and now I would never dare to do such a thing
 
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This is one of my favorite hikes that I have ever done. There are stunning views and the whole experience is so fun!
 
This is one of my favorite hikes that I have ever done. There are stunning views and the whole experience is so fun!
Same here. It's one of the experiences that made me fall in love with Crete. I did the hike and then spent some time in the village below. Ate a delicious meal at the taverna and then spent a few hours lounging on the black sand beach. Took a nice nap and got some sun. Oh yes, and I drank fresh squeezed orange juice and bought some of the best honey I've ever eaten in that village.
 
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Which Crete Beach Do You Like Best? Elafonissi vs. Balos?

I’m still in the research phase for a future trip to Crete, and I keep going back and forth between Elafonissi and Balos, both look absolutely unreal. Elafonissi has that pink-tinted sand and turquoise shallows that seem straight out of a dream, but Balos looks wild and untouched, with those sweeping lagoon views and that little islet in the background.

For anyone who’s actually been, which one left a bigger impression on you in person? Is one easier to reach or less crowded during peak season? I’ve read the road to Balos can be rough, is it worth the drive? Would you base yourself in Chania for both, or stay closer to one? Curious what locals or repeat visitors think!

Understanding Tradition of Raki on Crete

I’ve been hearing a lot about raki in Crete, and a friend of mine recently warned me that it’s kind of a big deal there. She told me she made the mistake of treating it like regular shotsa nd ended up getting pretty sick.

What she noticed afterward was that the locals weren’t drinking it that way at all. It seemed much more relaxed and tied to the meal or conversation, not something you rush through.

Now I’m curious what the actual tradition or etiquette is around raki. Is it always offered after a meal? Do you sip it slowly? Are there certain situations where it’s expected to accept (or not)?

I’d love to understand the cultural side of it before I go, so I don’t accidentally overdo it or miss the point entirely like my friend did!

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?

Information About Balos Lagoon?

I'm hoping to visit Crete again in the near future, and one place that keeps coming up in my research is Balos Lagoon. I've never been. The photos look absolutely incredible, but I'd love to hear from people who have actually been there rather than just reading travel guides.

Is Balos Lagoon really as beautiful as everyone says? What's the best way to get there—by boat or by driving and hiking down? If you drove, was the road difficult or manageable with a rental car? I'm also wondering what time of day is best to visit to avoid the biggest crowds.

Any tips on what to bring, how much time to plan for, or things you wish you had known before your visit would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to hear your experiences before I finalize my itinerary!

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.
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

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