Crete, Greece Travel Community

Do you have a favorite area in Crete to visit?

1 - 8 of 8 Posts
k_tsoukalas

k_tsoukalas

Administrator
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?
 
  • Like
Reactions: paharo45
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: The Local Favour
k_tsoukalas said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dpappas87
syllk said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

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?

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?

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 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 Swimming Beach Near Chania?

I’ll be spending some time in Chania soon and would love recommendations for the best swimming beaches nearby. I’ve read about Elafonissi and Balos, but they both seem like day trips rather than places you can just wander to for a morning swim. I’m curious if there are any great beaches closer to town, something with clear water, easy access, and maybe a little taverna or café nearby for lunch afterward.

Some people mention Agii Apostoli or Chrissi Akti as local favorites, but I’d love to hear real experiences. Are they calm enough for relaxed swimming, or are there better spots just outside the city? I’m not looking for nightlife, just a beautiful, clean place to swim and unwind for a few hours. Bonus points if there’s shade or fewer crowds. What’s your go-to beach around Chania for a perfect swim?
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