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What is your favorite city to visit in Crete?

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mastichas09

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Crete has just way too many options and I don't know which city to visit this year! Do you guys like Iraklio, Xania, Rethymno, Agios Nikoalos, or Malia?
 
My personal favorite is Chania (Xania). It is a nice city with plenty to do and is just the right size. Plus, there are a lot of great things to experience in the surrounding area.
 
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greekgal77 said:
My personal favorite is Chania (Xania). It is a nice city with plenty to do and is just the right size. Plus, there are a lot of great things to experience in the surrounding area.
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I find that Xania is the most culturally interesting. I love the Venetian Port the most
 
kosta_karapinotis said:
I find that Xania is the most culturally interesting. I love the Venetian Port the most
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Whenever I am in Chania I love walking through the port all the way to the old lighthouse. The walk is interesting and there are some great views. I agree with you, I find that Chania has a lot more to offer! It's so charming.
 
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greekgal77 said:
Whenever I am in Chania I love walking through the port all the way to the old lighthouse. The walk is interesting and there are some great views. I agree with you, I find that Chania has a lot more to offer! It's so charming.
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Is that where you would like to retire in Crete? :)
 
mastichas09 said:
Crete has just way too many options and I don't know which city to visit this year! Do you guys like Iraklio, Xania, Rethymno, Agios Nikoalos, or Malia?
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I think everywhere in Crete is great - it all depends on what you want to see. I found Heraklion (Iraklio) to be interesting. I loved the variety of restaurants and cafes because after sightseeing, and maybe around 9 PM, that is when I would find a place to settle in, get something to eat, and maybe a few drinks. I found there were more options for that in Heraklion than anywhere else, but I could still do that everywhere else.
 
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greekgal77 said:
Lol maybe! I'd have to see what it's like in the winter first...
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I've heard that winters are lovely in Crete! Definitely worth a visit to check if you're thinking about it, and then please share with the rest of us!
 
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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.

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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?

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