Greece : Transportation on the south of Crete : Greek Islands and Greece Forums

I am considering a trip to Crete in April. I may be able to spend 3 - 4 weeks there. I would like to know as much as possible about the ferries on the southcoast (between Paleohora and points east), as well as about busses. Are there any sites with information?

Any suggestions about towns to stay in - not too calm - would be appreciated. I already know Loutro quite well, and at the moment Paleohora and Plakia are on my list as well, but I know little about the towns east of Plakias.

I would also like information about connections between Crete and the dodecanese and Egypt.

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 3:52 pm Post subject: Transport Southern Crete

In my opinion, you are visiting one of the best areas of Crete - but then I am slightly bias as I have a house in Anidri near Paleochora!

There is a daily ferry in the season which runs along the south coast calling at Sougia, Loutro, Agia Roumelli, Sfakia, etc., and then goes out to Gavdos Island. The ferry is not much use for day trips as it takes too long to get around, but for hopping as if you were changing islands, and using each stop for a couple of days, it is perfect. The one thing to avoid is the afternoon return journey from the Samarian Gorge as there are hundreds of visitors that have walked the gorge that get this ferry as far as Sougia, where coaches wait to pick them up.

I can recommend Sougia for a few days if you want to chill out on a big beach with no stress - except which bar to frequent for your evening entertainment! There are some lovely rooms along the beach and if you are lucky, you will land yourself a peaceful sea view.

Paleochora itself is a wonderful town. It isn't big, but the people are very, very friendly and helpful. There are two beaches - on the east side of the spithead it is rocky (and out of season th sea is very choppy!) and on the west side there is a very big sandy beach - superb.

There is sufficient shopping - and 3 or 4 supermarkets for provisions. Also the necessity of dentist and doctor can be foundhere if you need this type of help at the time.

Take a walk, or moped, or car out of Paceochora past the camping site towards the village of Anidri. After the camping site you can veer right (signposted to Pavlos Studios) and follow the track alongside the sea. At the end of the track there is a lovely quiet beach - and a taverna to keep you fed and watered for as long as you want to stay.

One more tip - many walkers (experienced as well as novice) have walked from Sougia across to Paleochora on the coastal path. It is noted as being an hours walk - however, the terrain is very hard going and the path not best marked. I have seen many walkers arrive in Paleochora after walking for many hours, feeling very tired and ill from sunstroke. Please be careful if you decide to walk the coast in this area - take plenty of protection, and lots of water if you feel you can complete the walk.

You will have a wonderful time in Paleochora and the surrounding area - time left this area in the 1960's and never returned. It is perfect.

Have Fun!

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 4:07 pm Post subject:

Thanks a lot, gail!
Lucky you to own a place on this island. I'm sorely tempted to go look for one, too, but here in Denmark, it´s considered something of an ordeal to acquire realestate in Greece, one amongst other reasons being the lack of creditable information and trustwoethy agents.

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject:

Yes indeed!
Real estate in Greece has the same issues from the UK.
I wouldn't let it put you off too much though - our experience was a long one, but we were lucky enough to be dealing with a local family rather than a real estate office (which I will admit were very scary when we approached them!!). I think the most important thing when buying out there is to make sure you have a reputable solicitor - who speaks good English, unless your Greek is excellent.
Hope you make the leap of faith one day - I don't think you will regret it!
Have a fab time while you're there.