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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

chania-crete-720x480.jpeg
 
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.
 

Question about Olive Oil Tasting on Crete

I'm planning a trip to Crete and am very interested in experiencing the local olive oil culture firsthand. I've heard that Crete has some of the best olive oils in the world, and I'd love to do a tasting tour while I'm there.

Can anyone recommend any good olive oil tasting tours or specific olive farms to visit? I'm particularly interested in places that offer detailed insights into the production process and maybe even some historical background on olive oil in Crete.

Thank you for your help!

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.

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.

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.

Spending time at Rethymno Old Town on Crete question

I'm planning a trip to Crete and have been captivated by what I've heard about Rethymno's old town. From its charming cobblestone streets to its rich history and beautiful architecture, it sounds like a place I wouldn't want to miss. However, I'd love to hear from people who've actually spent time there.

What do you recommend? What has been your experiences?

I'm all for immersing myself in the local culture, so any tips on cultural experiences or events would also be greatly appreciated.
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