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kcixcy

Active member
I am planning a trip to Crete this year and I am wondering where some of the best places to take photos might be. Someone recommended that I should hike the Samaria gorge and take photos along the way because the scenery is amazing, but I am not sure I am up for that. I also know that I could take a ferry to the end and then hike into the gorge someone and take photos from that perspective. Besides that spot, where else can I go? I am looking for a combination of nature and city type shots. I see a lot of photos of Chania that I love so I will put that on my list.
 
Everywhere in the Chania Prefecture is photogenic. You could spend a lifetime photographing Chania; believe me, I have!

The Old Port of Chania is one of the most picturesque areas in Greece. Sunday morning is a great time to photograph the narrow streets before it gets crowded.

The entire Southern Coast (including the “Iron Gates” at end of the Samaria Gorge at Agia Roumeli that you mentioned) is absolutely stunning. You can take a boat from Sfakia that goes along the coast. From Sfakia you can also drive up to the Village of Anopoli to get a different, pastoral view of the White Mountains.

The Botanical Gardens and continuing along the Omalos Road to the head of the Samaria Gorge, offer many photo ops.

The monasteries on the Akrotiri and Kolymvari Peninsulas offer wonderful historic and architectural shots.

Last but not least, the world famous beaches (ie. Elafonisi, Balos, Falassarna and many more) offer great photo ops.


 
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Everywhere in the Chania Prefecture is photogenic. You could spend a lifetime photographing Chania; believe me, I have!

The Old Port of Chania is one of the most picturesque areas in Greece. Sunday morning is a great time to photograph the narrow streets before it gets crowded.

The entire Southern Coast (including the “Iron Gates” at end of the Samaria Gorge at Agia Roumeli that you mentioned) is absolutely stunning. You can take a boat from Sfakia that goes along the coast. From Sfakia you can also drive up to the Village of Anopoli to get a different, pastoral view of the White Mountains.

The Botanical Gardens and continuing along the Omalos Road to the head of the Samaria Gorge, offer many photo ops.

The monasteries on the Akrotiri and Kolymvari Peninsulas offer wonderful historic and architectural shots.

Last but not least, the world famous beaches (ie. Elafonisi, Balos, Falassarna and many more) offer great photo ops.



This is some great advice! I agree about Chania because I have seen some amazing pics of the Venetian Harbor area and the city seems so beautiful. Good advice about getting there early. Also, great advice about the Gorge, Gardens, Monasteries, Beaches etc. Seems like a lovely island with plenty of opportunities.
 
You can see some of my photos as I describe Crete in and out on my website:
www.lovingcrete.com
There is an entire world of wonder under what is pointed to touristically.

Ray
 
I would totally visit the Venetian Harbor area in Chania, as well as some of the scenic places by the coast. I would also hike into the Samaria gorge if you're able to take photos f that. There are some great spots all over though, you can't go wrong driving around.
 
Great suggestions! I’ve found that smaller cars are often more practical for navigating narrow roads and city parking while chasing photo spots. Cretarent has a wide fleet with manual and automatic options, which helps match different travel styles.
 

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?

Safety Tips for Hiking in Crete?

A friend of mine recently came back from Crete and told me he actually witnessed a mountain rescue while he was there. It made me realize that while I’m an avid hiker, I’ve never hiked in Crete’s type of terrain or climate, and I’d like to be well prepared.

I’m considering a trip to Crete this fall and would love to explore some of its hiking trails, possibly the Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge, and maybe some mountain routes. I know the weather can still be warm in autumn, and the landscapes can be rugged with little shade in places.

For those who’ve hiked there, what are your top safety tips? Are there specific gear considerations, trail conditions, or hazards to be aware of? How well-marked are the paths? And is it worth hiring a local guide for some routes?

Tips for Staying a Month on Crete?

I’m planning to spend a full month in Crete and would love tips from anyone who’s done a longer stay on the island. I’ve visited Greece before, but this will be my first time really settling in one place for a while—and Crete has always been on my list.

I’m still deciding where to base myself. Should I stay in one spot like Chania or Heraklion the whole time, or split my time between regions? I want a mix of beach time, good food, small village charm, and maybe a little hiking or history. I’ll be working remotely a bit, so reliable Wi-Fi is a must.

Also curious... what are the must-do experiences over a longer stay? Any favorite hidden beaches, local festivals, day trips, or authentic food spots I shouldn’t miss?

Best beaches in Crete for families?

I’m starting to plan a possible family trip to Crete next summer, and I’d love some advice from people who know the island well. What are the best beaches in Crete for families? I’m looking for places with calm water, easy access, and not too much walking from the car, basically somewhere kid-friendly without sacrificing the beauty Crete is known for.

I’ve heard mixed things: some people say the north coast has gentler seas, while others insist the south coast is more peaceful and less crowded. Elafonissi looks stunning, but I’m not sure how practical it is with children. Same with Balos, gorgeous, but is the hike or boat ride too much for younger kids?

If anyone has specific beach recommendations, safe swimming spots, or even family-friendly towns to base ourselves in, I’d really appreciate it. Any firsthand experiences or tips are welcome!

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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