1 - 4 of 4 Posts

dpappas87

Active member
Is it too late to travel to Crete in December? I am going to visit some people for the holidays, but I also want to do some sightseeing.

Someone told me that Crete shuts down in October, but people still live there so it can't possibly be a ghost town.

What shuts down, exactly? Will I still be able to go to museums and stuff this time of year?
 
Is it too late to travel to Crete in December? I am going to visit some people for the holidays, but I also want to do some sightseeing.

Someone told me that Crete shuts down in October, but people still live there so it can't possibly be a ghost town.

What shuts down, exactly? Will I still be able to go to museums and stuff this time of year?
It's great to travel to Greece all times of the year! People still live there so only the touristy places shut down. I believe the museums for example stay open.
 
It’s never too late! If you go, consider renting a car from Cretarent they support winter travel too. Their fleets are well-maintained, pick-ups at airports and ports are easy, and they offer comprehensive coverage. It gives you flexibility to explore Crete’s off-beat spots even in December.
 
That’s a great question. December can actually be a charming time to visit Crete, even though it’s off-season. You won’t get the typical beach weather, but the island has a peaceful vibe, fewer tourists, and plenty of local culture to enjoy. Exploring villages, museums, and cozy tavernas can make the trip feel more authentic. I recently came across San Diego Limo Service while reading about smooth travel experiences, and it reminded me how timing and preparation can make any journey more enjoyable. Have you considered which parts of Crete you’d like to explore, the historic towns like Chania or the quieter countryside?
 

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!

Tips for driving in Crete?

I might be going to Crete in July, and I’m seriously thinking about renting a car because the island seems much bigger than I originally realized. Part of me loves the idea of being able to explore smaller villages, beaches, and mountain areas on my own schedule, but I’ve also heard mixed things about driving there.

For people who have done it, how difficult is driving in Crete really? I’ve heard the roads can get narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Is parking difficult in places like Chania or Rethymno during the summer?

Also curious if renting a car ended up being worth it compared to relying on buses or tours. I don’t mind driving, but I also don’t want to spend the trip stressed out behind the wheel. Any advice, tips, or things you wish you knew beforehand would really help!

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?

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.
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