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ssherie_

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I'm trying to plan my itinerary and I want to hit up as many cities in Crete as possible. What are your favorites? :)
 
Great question!

In no particular order here are some of the top cities to visit in Crete:
- Chania
- Heraklion
- Rethymmo
- Lassithi

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My personal favourite is Chania but one of the great joys of Crete is its diversity! To be honest I would suggest limiting how many places you sim to visit on your first trip - distances are short and roads are good but you don’t progress quickly over the mountains. Suggest taking it slowly, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the great food, lovely people and stunning scenery - it’s all too good to rush 😀
 
My personal favourite is Chania but one of the great joys of Crete is its diversity! To be honest I would suggest limiting how many places you sim to visit on your first trip - distances are short and roads are good but you don’t progress quickly over the mountains. Suggest taking it slowly, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the great food, lovely people and stunning scenery - it’s all too good to rush 😀
Which two or three locations would you recommend to see during a trip to Crete?
 
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I would stay in or near Chania, hire a car and drive west coast route down to Elafonisi beach, go over the mountains to south coast at Chora Stakia and maybe Paleochora, visit Knossos (busy in peak season), go to Aptera (nearby Chania and fantastic). There are amazing drives through the mountains and some of the best scenery you could hope for
 
All crete is beutifull but the best place is Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi !
 
I think all of crete has much to offer. All of us having a favourite place. Mine I prefer the smaller villages more family oriented. As I live some of the time there I've seen only a bit of the island even after 13 years loving everything each time I go ❤
 
I would stay in or near Chania, hire a car and drive west coast route down to Elafonisi beach, go over the mountains to south coast at Chora Stakia and maybe Paleochora, visit Knossos (busy in peak season), go to Aptera (nearby Chania and fantastic). There are amazing drives through the mountains and some of the best scenery you could hope for
Elafonisi beach is a must see! I went to Chania and Rethymno when I visited, it was just enough to get a full taste of what Crete has to offer.
 
I'm trying to plan my itinerary and I want to hit up as many cities in Crete as possible. What are your favorites? :)
Chania; Rethymnon
 
MATALA! Though hardly a city it's where I fell in love with Greece. Featured in a mid-sixties Life magazine article it embodied the history and simple life and food that I came to love.
 
MATALA! Though hardly a city it's where I fell in love with Greece. Featured in a mid-sixties Life magazine article it embodied the history and simple life and food that I came to love.
Woooah these caves in Matala look unreal, I've never heard of it before thanks for the tip. I'll definitely be headed there
 
I have only spend quality time in Chania and Heraklion, both on separate trips, and I have loved both. There are pros and cons to each! What I love about Chania is its unique and interesting charm, and it is a bit of a gateway to some of the more interesting beaches and outdoor activities. Chania, for example, is a nice launching point for hiking the Samaria Gorge. Heraklion is a great city. There are also wonderful beaches here, a lot of culture things to do. My advice really is to pick one area or city to explore and just focus on that.
 

Priorities for exploring Chania's old town?

I’m planning a trip to the enchanting old town of Chania and I’ve heard so much about its rich history and vibrant culture. With so many intriguing options, I find myself grappling with where to begin and how to prioritize my time effectively.

For those who have experience of Chania—what would you say should be at the top of my list?

My interests range broadly, from historical landmarks, museums, and art galleries, to culinary delights and local crafts. I’m particularly fascinated by the blend of architectural styles and cultural influences evident in Chania.

Thanks in advance!

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Lagoons of Crete?

I'm planning a trip to Crete and I'm absolutely captivated by the idea of visiting its stunning lagoons. From what I've gathered, these natural wonders are not only a feast for the eyes but also offer unique experiences in terms of swimming, snorkeling, and just soaking in the breathtaking views.

I've heard about the famous Elafonissi and Balos lagoons, but I'm curious if there are other lesser-known lagoons on the island that are worth exploring. Additionally, I'm interested in any tips or advice on the best times to visit, how to get there, what to expect, or any other suggestions that could help make my visit as enjoyable as possible.

Also, if anyone has recommendations on where to stay nearby these lagoons or any local eateries to try out, that would be fantastic! I'm eager to experience Crete not just as a tourist, but through the eyes of those who know it best.

Favorite Museums on the Island of Crete

I love Crete - the history in particular fascinates me. I thought I'd share my favorite museums to visit. I am not usually a museum person, but these are interesting to me.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

If you want to delve deep into Crete's ancient history, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum should be your first stop. This museum houses one of the most impressive collections of Minoan artifacts in the world, including pottery, jewelry, frescoes, and statues. I love learning about the Minoans!

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Cretan writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis. The museum is located in the village of Myrtia, where Kazantzakis was born and raised. This one is a quick one to go through, but is super interesting.

Historical Museum of Crete

The Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion offers a comprehensive view of the island's history and culture from the early Christian era to the present day. The museum has exhibits on ancient and medieval Crete, the Cretan Renaissance, and the island's role in the Greek Revolution. The history of this island is pretty rich!

Tips for visiting Elafonissi Beach?

I'm planning a trip to the beautiful island of Crete and have been intrigued by pictures of Elafonissi Beach's pink sands and beautiful crystal blue waters. As I'm putting together my itinerary, I wanted to reach out to this knowledgeable community for some insider tips. Specifically, I'm looking for advice on the following:

  • Best Time to Visit: When is the ideal time of day or year to visit Elafonissi Beach to avoid the crowds but still enjoy good weather?
  • Transportation: What are the best transportation options to reach the beach? Are there any recommended car rental agencies or public transport options?
  • Facilities: Does the beach have facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, or cafes?
  • Local Eateries: Are there any must-try local eateries in the area that offer authentic Cretan cuisine?
  • Accommodation: Can you recommend any nearby accommodations ranging from budget to luxury?
  • Activities: Besides swimming and sunbathing, what other activities can one enjoy at or near Elafonissi Beach?
Also, are there any specific dos and don'ts or local customs I should be aware of while visiting Elafonissi Beach? Thanks in advance!

This is one of the photos I saw - it looks gorgeous there!

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Too late to travel to Crete in December?

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

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