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mj_toronto8

Active member
Crete is one of my favorite islands - and I plan to visit again in a few months. I thought I would make a list of some of the foods I definitely plan to eat when there.

The of you who know about the island, do you have anything to add?

  • Dakos
  • Horta
  • Cretan "pitakia" (in the turnover dough)
  • Horiatiki
  • Pizza (sounds silly, but I love eating Pizza on Crete LOL)
 
You forgot the most important thing….. raki with your list of food.
 

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?

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!

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.

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!

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?
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

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