Crete, Greece Travel Community

What are your traveling tips for couples visiting Crete?

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mastichas09

Active member
My girlfriend and I are thinking of taking a romantic trip around some Greek isalnds this summer after our trip to Italy. Do you have any ideas about what would be fun for couples?
 
Crete is beautiful, lots of historical charm, beautiful beaches, little villages and amazing food. My advise is don't go to this island if you only have a few days. It is really big and anything less than a week doesn't even put a dent in it! My favorite area is Chania and we usually stay near Falasarna.
 
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I’m a foodie, so I love finding the best restaurants to visit and enjoy some great wine with my girlfriend. Greece can be super romantic. Here’s a pic of this amazing restaurant in Rethymo that we went to. When I went back last year it has closed :( I was so pissed.

dinner.JPG
 
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My cousin went on a honeymoon to Crete last year and she went horseback riding on the beach. It looked super romantic, and it sounds like such a fun activity.
 
The best advice I can give you is to rent a car and drive around to all of the beautiful different destinations. Crete is a such a beautiful island full of some of the best nature that Greece has to offer but it’s public transportation is terrible!! Take your time to explore and drive down the coast :)
 
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If you like doing sporty things together, hike the Samaria Gorge! It's long, but mostly downhill (I think it might be 11 miles). Once you get down into the gorge, the views are stunning. Leave plenty of time to finish the hike, and drink plenty of water or electrolyte drink. There are water filling stations here and there on the hike, but honestly I would make sure you have enough water, just in case. Leave plenty of time to also explore the village. There is a nice, black sand beach at the end to lounge at, and you can also get a bite to eat. Don't miss the last ferry of the day or else you will be spending the night. Hiking in or taking a boat are the only ways in and out of the village.
 
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Crete is amazing. Something for everyone. We've spent several weeks there, all told. We've explored from the east coast to the west coast and north to south, meandering through the villages in the mountain range in central Crete. Chania was wonderful, but our stay in Heraklion was also amazing. We'd hire a local cab driver for the day to bring us here and there. Family owned tavernas had the best food I've ever tasted in my life. Oh my! I'd love to return some day, Lord willing.
 
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I am also a foodie ahaha. I like to eat my way through Greece, and everyone knows that the way to someones heart is through their stomach. Here's a pic of some amazing food I had in Crete.

CRETE FOOD.jpeg
 
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acamp7 said:
I am also a foodie ahaha. I like to eat my way through Greece, and everyone knows that the way to someones heart is through their stomach. Here's a pic of some amazing food I had in Crete.

View attachment 98
Click to expand...
My mouth is watering. Somehow their French fries are special too.
 
Hello,
I believe a "wine me, dine me" experience in Chania would be totally romantic. A private tour by a sommelier and wine expert at a local winery combined with amazing dinner under the stars would do it.

I would also recommend dinner at Tabakaria and Thalassino Ayeri for a cinematic scenery (it has been actually used as the setting for The Two Faces of January).

DSC3294.jpg
 
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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!

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?

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!

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!
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