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acamp7

Active member
While all olives popular over many different regions in Greece, Crete has the best olives! Olives found in Crete are much smaller and they're called "elitses" or little olives. They are also known as koroneiki, which is their official word. You can also find these types of olives in Messinia, Greece. In Crete, they have many different variations, colours and flavours but many are just a bit smaller than the regular olives that you may find in y our supermarket.
 
Yes, we did know LOL! Thanks for reminding everyone!


tsakistes-greek-olives-720x480.jpeg

Here is some info as well:

 
Crete has many different kinds of olives. The above, I thought, are the ones used to make olive oil. Is that true or am I thinking of a different olive?
 

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!

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?

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!

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?

How much can you realistically see in Heraklion during a six-hour cruise stop?

I'm looking at a cruise that I might take next year, and one of the stops is Heraklion, Crete. I've never been there before, so I'm starting to research what there is to see and do. It looks like there are quite a few interesting options, but I'm wondering how much is realistic with only about six hours in port.

I'd love to visit the Palace of Knossos, but I'm also interested in exploring Heraklion itself, especially the Venetian Harbor, local shops, and maybe stopping somewhere for a traditional Cretan meal.

For anyone who has visited Heraklion on a cruise, how much were you able to fit into your day? Is it possible to see Knossos and still have time to explore the city, or would that feel too rushed?

I'm also wondering how much time to allow for transportation and getting back to the ship. Any advice would be appreciated!
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