1 - 5 of 5 Posts

dubai_suzie

Active member
Hi fellow travelers! My two sons are super adventurous and love to do all of the crazy teenage stuff that they see on youtube. I am planning our trip to Crete and I want to book any activities beforehand. Any tips for beautiful Crete??

crete-greece-250x167.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Faedra Crete
Greece is a bit more laid back in terms of booking activities like water sports and excursions. I would recommend booking a few days in advance, but anything before that would be too early for Greek businesses.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Faedra Crete
What kinds of activities do you want to do? Hiking something like the Samaria Gorge, while you can book an excursion, you don't necessarily need to. You just have to find a way to get to the trailhead, and then you need to find transportation from the ferry back to your car. You can book an excursion to the Gorge a few days in advance. That's what I did.

Samaria-Gorge-720x480.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Faedra Crete
Water sports are my favorite way to get my adrenaline rush in! They're so fun, and usually available at most popular and larger Greek beaches.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Faedra Crete
You didn't hear it from me but bungee jumping from the Aradaina 138m tall iron bridge must be the thing to do for any adrenaline seeker in Chania, Crete. The surrounding scenery is amazing and there are so many things to do around: from hiking Imbros gorge to enjoying raki at little mountain settlements in Askyfou plateau, to hiring a boat in Sfakia the nearby pebbled beaches and finishing your dinner with fresh fish at a seafront taverna in Loutro.


aradaina_bridge__bungee_jumping.jpeg
 

Seeing the Samaria Gorge without Hiking?

Is it possible to see the Samaria Gorge without doing the long hike?

I will be in Crete over the summer. I heard the hike is long. 11 miles, most of it downhill or flat. I just don't think I am up for it. Downhill climbing hurts my knee too much.

I have a friend who goes to Crete a lot and made an off-hand comment that you don't need to hike, but she didn't know all the details.

Does anyone hear? She mentioned taking a ferry. I am having a hard time picturing it. I looked into tours and they all involve hiking.

How long to spend on Crete?

I am going to Crete in the summer. How long should I spend? I have maybe two months in Greece. We don't get to Crete often - we also don't have anyone to visit. Here are some of my thoughts:

Finding a home base - Crete has so many wonderful towns and cities that can serve as your base for exploring the island. How do I do that? Any advice? I am thinking of either the Chania area or Heraklion - but maybe I should spend half the time in one place and half in another?

Historical sites - History is a passion so Crete seems the perfect place. With so many historical sites to see on the island, including museums and ancient ruins, it has made me feel like I need at least a few weeks on the island. I want to visit Knossos Palace at the very least, which means that Heraklion will be necessary.

Beaches - I also love beaches so this is a must. Some of the beaches near Chania look to be some of my best bets, but I am sure I can find beaches anywhere.

Samaria Gorge - I want to hike down through the Gorge. From what I understand, it is easier to access this from Chania?

I appreciate your thoughts!

Best Beaches with Services on Crete

It's tough for my family to visit beaches that don't have services - like a restaurant, bathrooms, because we are traveling with multiple generations and usually spend the whole day.

Do the following beaches have services? I will be going with my family end of June next year:

- Elafonissi
- Balos
- Matala
- Stalis

I am having a hard time visualizing based on descriptions I am finding online.

Favorite Things to Do In Crete

I was just thinking about Crete and how it's my favorite island. I thought I'd make a list of my favorite things to do:

** Chania - the Venetian Harbor Area
** Hiking all over, but Samaria Gorge is a favorite
** Touring the Minoan palaces - I love that part of history
** Visiting the beaches - so many great ones!
** The food is a highlight - so fresh and delicious - some unique dishes from the rest of Greece, too.

What are your favorites?

Visiting the Minoan Palaces on Crete Question

I am planning a trip to Crete, specifically to explore the ancient Minoan palaces, which have been on my bucket list for years. I've always been fascinated by the history and myths surrounding the Minoans, and I'm eager to see the remnants of this great civilization first-hand. However, I want to ensure that my trip is as enriching and smooth as possible, so I’m reaching out for some advice.

  1. Best Time to Visit: When is the ideal time of year for visiting these sites in terms of weather and avoiding large tourist crowds?
  2. Must-See Palaces: Of course, the Palace of Knossos is at the top of my list, but I’d love to know if there are other Minoan palaces or sites that are equally worth exploring.
  3. Guided Tours vs. Solo Exploration: Are there benefits to opting for a guided tour of these palaces, or would I have a more personal and fulfilling experience exploring on my own?
  4. Transportation Tips: What's the best mode of transportation for getting around to these different sites? I'm wondering about rentals, public transportation, or any local tips on moving around the island.
  5. Local Insights: Any suggestions for local restaurants or cafes near these sites? I’m also interested in any cultural norms or tips that might help me respect and understand the local customs better.
Thanks in advance! I know there's a few - and Knossos Palace is one of them. There are others, like Malia. I would be interesting in seeing any of them because I am a history buff.
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