Where to go in Crete?

[by greease]

I hear Crete is a great island, and I'm planning a trip there in late May. i was wondering where to stay when in Crete? Around Chania or Heraklion? and whether to stay right in Chania/Heraklion, or go out to smaller cities like Hersonissos.

Which part of Crete is most famous and what city has the best beaches/scenery? Thanks!

[alexis]

For me, Crete is an amazing place. It has everything and I never get bored. There are many excursions to do and the better is to have a car.
Heraklion is for me a typical Greek town (ugly and too busy). I would avoid it. Chania is much better. Actually it is a very charming town. But near Heraklion is Knossos that you shouldn't miss. For ruins amateurs.

[by Bikki]

Hi! I just got back from my trip to Crete two weeks ago and here's some things that may be useful to you:

-We stayed in Rethymno and had a rental car. This was great because all the places we wanted to visit were within 2-3 hours driving (Agios Nikolas, Chania, etc)
-I though Chania was the most beautiful place we visited on Crete, it had a lovely city that was a mix of modern and historical looking buildings, a nice sea front with a lighthouse and everything, and a great atmosphere. my brother however didn't like it that much, so this comes down to personal taste.

-If you're looking for a night out on the town I recommend Malia, it's where all the younger tourists go, and it's a somewhat of a party town, like a little peice of England in Greece. Not too far from the airport either.

-Go to the island of Santorini. I cannot stress this enough. It is the most beautiful, inforgettable, once in a lifetime experiences you will have. It takes about 2 hours on the catamaran, or 4 on the normal ferry but is more than worth it. If you don't believe me look up pictures on google and see for yourself.

-Also you could try booking into a hotel for the first few nights and getting your bearings, collecting broucheurs and guide books seeing what interests you (they have everything from snorkling, paragliding, horse riding on the beach, to historical sites and meuseums) then after that move to an area which is in the vacinity of that stuff you want to do.

Hope this helps! If you need anything else just message me and I'll o my best! Have a great holiday!

[by Suzanna Q]

I live in Makrigialos in the south east of Crete - if you want to see real Crete thats us - great beaches, gorgeous mountain villages totally unspoilt - there are many gorges to hike some challenging others more a walk in the park.

From June 19th to 24th we even have a Classical Music Festival - all the musicians are professional its a brilliant experience.