jeffc1974t

Hi All,
Thanks for your kind assistance.
I will be in Crete late Aug./early Sept. for about 10-12 days, traveling alone.
I'm early 40's, outgoing/friendly and not really into commercial, big crowds, nightclubs, partying or huge resorts.
I'm much more interested in awesome beaches, ancient history, good aesthetics and a more authentic experience (as authentic as 2017 can be...). I am a frequent traveler and have spent time on several other Greek islands.
I have not gone to Crete until this point because I always thought of it as large, more crowded and a
"package tour destination".
I am currently debating the following: 3 or 4 nights on the coast east of Heraklion (hersonissoss) followed by 2 nights in Rethymno and ending in Chania. I will rent a car for the duration and day trips are possible.
Any advice on this itinerary or things to do, better places to locate, amazing spots to visit, etc would be much appreciated.
From what I've read to this point it looks like this would be a good division of time.
Thanks!

JC

crazyh

I was a solo traveler on a recent trip to Crete for 8 days. I was based in Chania for the entire time and could have spent far more time there and still have seen everything, not just on the western part of the island but all the rest. I think it's the best place to stay on the island or anywhere nearby would also be good.

Crete is Greece's largest island with something for everyone: touristy, non-touristy, history, archeology, beaches, small mountain villages, great food and so much more.

You could spent your time between Chania and Heraklion on either side of the island which will give you a opportunity to explore either side of the island.

Frankly Chania is far better, prettier and more Old World than Heraklion but Heraklion is next door to Knossis and other ancient sites and has a wonderful museum.

Still Chania is close to Aptera and right in town there are archeological and historic sites, fortress, some excellent taverna and so much more.

I was there in October and while it's off-season there were still a good number of tourists but so much as to be a turn off.

September should be fine for exploring the island, still nice weather, lower prices and less tourists.

Check out Matt's Crete Guide for more info:

https://www.greecetravel.com/crete/

thursdaysd

I would spend time on the west side of Heraklion, not the east. It was also my impression when there that the south of the island was more difficult to reach and therefore less touristy. Be sure to hike the Samaria Gorge while you are still young and fit enough.

kja

I’m a solo traveler (if older and female) and I recently spent 7 delightful nights on Crete (TR still to come). I thought Heraklion underrated, but am glad I spent much of my time to the west of it. I loved Chania and enjoyed Rethymno.

I agree that hiking the Samaria Gorge while you can is well worth considering. And yes, the museum in Heraklion is wonderful!

If there is any chance that you will have jet lag, I would strongly encourage you to take public transportation for your first night or two. Although many people are not aware of it, there is mounting evidence that driving with jet lag is just as dangerous -- to yourself and others -- as driving drunk, and nothing you can do will prevent the microsleeps (which you might not even notice) that are the apparent culprit. Seriously -- NOT a good idea, no matter your other constraints and no matter your prior experience! And please be patient with me if you think I’m being overly adamant, but I know too many people who have died or been seriously injured in accidents to which jet lag was a contributing factor, and I know too many people who will spend the rest of their lives dealing with the knowledge that they were responsible for accidents that resulted in multiple deaths, including those of children, all because they were too confident in their ability to drive safely with jet lag. The issue has become a bit of cause célèbre for me….

jeffc1974t

Thanks to you all! Are there any particular small towns or areas in Southern Crete that one should focus on?
Any other input on any Crete topics would be greatly appreciated.

Best,

kja

Have you looked at a guidebook? I found the Rough Guide and Michelin Green Guide particularly useful....

HappyTrvlr

Drive over the mts to Chora Skafion and take the ferry to Loutro for an overnight or more on Crete's southern shore.

jwugg

Hersonissos, is a large, purpose built, concrete sort of place, mostly big hotels used by younger people wanting drink & late nights or cheap AI beach holidays (this may be a slight exaggeration) - it really doesn't fit your description of your sort of holiday. You may like to look at Elounda, further east if you want a few days on that side of the island. Personally I am in total agreement with crazyh that it may be better to concentrate on the West side & Chania region. Which would give you time for a little South coast experience. & in my opinion it is important, if you want to see the country (for Crete is a country in itself!), to go inland to see the magnificent hills, mountains & little traditional villages. No need to try to 'do' the whole of Crete at once; Greece is usually best experienced at a slow pace. & please realise there are many gorges that can be hiked, it's not the law to walk Samaria!

Chania is a very beautiful little city, the Venetian harbour & neighbourhood tiny alleys & old renovated boutique hotels & restaurants are fabulous.

Askar01

Paleochora, préfecture of Chania on the south coast. Touristy but still with a village feel. Great beach also.