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greggd12

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This is a must visit place in Crete! El Greco was a highly influential artist of the Spanish Renaissance. You can visit the Museum of El Greco which is located in the village of Fodele here you will find replicas of El Greco’s major works as well as related documents.

Museum-of-El-Greco-720x480.jpg
 
I've never heard of El Grecos work! THanks for sharing I'm checking out his work now and it looks so cool. I didn't know there were so many Italians in Greece
 
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He's actually from Spain! Here is more about the artist https://www.wikiart.org/en/el-greco
He's actually from Spain! Here is more about the artist https://www.wikiart.org/en/el-greco
This is a must visit place in Crete! El Greco was a highly influential artist of the Spanish Renaissance. You can visit the Museum of El Greco which is located in the village of Fodele here you will find replicas of El Greco’s major works as well as related documents.

View attachment 420
My wife and I visited
He's actually from Spain! Here is more about the artist https://www.wikiart.org/en/el-greco
My wife and I visited his birthplace in Crete. He was born in that village in Crete but at the time it was part of Venice. He later went to Italy to pursue his art. Do a search the Wikipedia article.
 
This is a must visit place in Crete! El Greco was a highly influential artist of the Spanish Renaissance. You can visit the Museum of El Greco which is located in the village of Fodele here you will find replicas of El Greco’s major works as well as related documents.

View attachment 420
When we were in Crete, the driver we hired brought us to this hidden gem. I'm attaching some of the photos I took. The Museum which is the house where El Greco is born is on a hill overlooking the church he must have attended?IMG_1667.jpg

IMG_1665.jpgIMG_1664.jpeg
This is a must visit place in Crete! El Greco was a highly influential artist of the Spanish Renaissance. You can visit the Museum of El Greco which is located in the village of Fodele here you will find replicas of El Greco’s major works as well as related documents.

View attachment 420

This is a must visit place in Crete! El Greco was a highly influential artist of the Spanish Renaissance. You can visit the Museum of El Greco which is located in the village of Fodele here you will find replicas of El Greco’s major works as well as related documents.

View attachment 420
 
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He was born in Crete and he actually got his start as an icon painter in Greece. He moved to Italy to pursue his painting career, and then he eventually moved on to Spain. Most of us associated him with Spain but his background is more involved than that. There are some excellent photos in this thread of his birthplace!
 
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Of all the times I have gone to Crete, I only managed to visit this gem once. It was a truly memorable experience, though. There's so much to see!
 
Of all the times I have gone to Crete, I only managed to visit this gem once. It was a truly memorable experience, though. There's so much to see!
How did you find out about it? Is it very popular to visit?
 
How did you find out about it? Is it very popular to visit?
We hired a taxi driver for the day to show us around and this is one of the sites he brought us to. Taxi drivers will often let you negotiate a rate for the day, and they take you around to some of their favorite places.
 
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We hired a taxi driver for the day to show us around and this is one of the sites he brought us to. Taxi drivers will often let you negotiate a rate for the day, and they take you around to some of their favorite places.
I would recommend that you call a few taxi companies and negotiate some rates in advance, much easier that way than figuring stuff out on the fly
 
I would recommend that you call a few taxi companies and negotiate some rates in advance, much easier that way than figuring stuff out on the fly
That's great advice! I have never done it that way, but only because it's never been necessary.
 
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That's great advice! I have never done it that way, but only because it's never been necessary.
That's good to hear!! I tend to be a last minute person, especially on vacation
 

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!

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.

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!

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?

What to Do in Heraklion During a Cruise Stop

I’m looking for ideas on what to do in Heraklion during a cruise stop. I’ve already been once and did Knossos Palace, which was fascinating, but I don’t feel the need to repeat it.

This time, I’m hoping for something a bit more relaxed and experiential. I’m wondering if heading to a nearby beach makes sense time-wise on a cruise day, or if it’s better to stay closer to the city. I’ve also seen food tours mentioned, those really appeal to me, especially if they focus on local places rather than tourist traps.

For those who’ve done Heraklion without Knossos, what did you enjoy most? Beach clubs, wandering the old town, museums, markets, or food-focused activities? I’d love suggestions that feel unhurried but still doable within a cruise schedule.
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

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