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k_tsoukalas

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Crete is large enough where it's not an easy trek going from one end of the island to the other for a day trip, so I like to choose an area to stay in and then focus on exploring it. My personal favorite is the area near Chania, but I have stayed near Heraklion, as well, and liked it. Where do you guys all like to stay when visiting Crete?
 
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Elafonisi beach hands down was the best part of my time in Crete. I've never seen such beautiful blue waters
 
I really liked Chania too, but Rethymno is my top favorite!! This video does a great job of showing you how beautiful it is
. I like the architecture of the old town, and walking around the cobblestone streets :)
 
Lutro and Sougia are my favorite places on Crete. If you want to reelax for a few days, theese places are perfect.
 
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Crete is large enough where it's not an easy trek going from one end of the island to the other for a day trip, so I like to choose an area to stay in and then focus on exploring it. My personal favorite is the area near Chania, but I have stayed near Heraklion, as well, and liked it. Where do you guys all like to stay when visiting Crete?
I lived in Sitia for 25 years ... loved it there!!! Vai Beach with the Palm tree forest is amazing as is going south to Xerokambos. It is always my favorite. plenty to see on Crete. It is a big island so plan on three weeks to see a proper portion of it.
 
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I lived in Sitia for 25 years ... loved it there!!! Vai Beach with the Palm tree forest is amazing as is going south to Xerokambos. It is always my favorite. plenty to see on Crete. It is a big island so plan on three weeks to see a proper portion of it.
Do you recommend visiting Sitia? What's it like??
 
Hi,
My personal favourite is Sfakia and its nearby remote or less remote beaches. Of course my favourite place to relax is Loutro, a tiny fishing village with whitewashed building, some tavernas and quiet nightlife. It is connected with Sweet waters beach and Marmara, where you can find Chrisostomos' canteen - one of the best seafront real food restaurants.
 
I’d say the Chania region. You get the Old Venetian Harbour, great food and easy access to beaches and gorges. Having a car lets you explore the nearby villages freely and stop wherever you like. If you plan to rent one, Cretarent is worth a look.
 

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!

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!

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?

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?

Best "Home Base" on Crete?

I’m in the early planning stages for a trip to Crete and could really use some perspective from people who know the island well. I’m thinking of spending about two weeks there and trying to decide whether it makes sense to choose one central “home base” or to divide my time between a few different locations.

Crete seems so large and varied that part of me wonders if staying in one place would mean a lot of long drives, while another part likes the idea of settling in, getting to know one area well, and not constantly packing up. I’m especially curious about places that work well as a base for day trips—somewhere with good food, easy access to beaches or hikes, and a town atmosphere rather than just resorts.

If you’ve done a longer stay on Crete, how did you structure it? Did you stay put or move around, and would you do the same again?
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

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