My family is planning a trip to Crete next summer. I am wondering the cheapest and most efficient way to get there. Should we fly to Athens first and take a ferry or another plane? We have never been to Europe and want to get the most out of the two weeks we have. Any tips on travel and or places to vistit would be appreciated. We are traveling with our 3 teenage boys ages 12, 17, and a 20 year old. Thanks!

Whereas a ferry is a kind of fun experience (once!), I wouldn't go all the way to Crete on one, unless you're going go stop off at some of the Cycladic islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, etc.) on the way. We flew both ways to Crete from Athens, and I'd recommend doing it that way. Just noticed your boys' ages--they might like a ferry, but Athens to Crete is a loooooong trip by sea. I think it's done as an overnite, so maybe that would work for you. <BR><BR>I also was going to say to avoid eastern Crete since the west is where you'd get a true Cretan experience, around Chania, no further east than Heraklion. However, the teenagers might like the more rock and roll atmosphere of Agios Nicolaius(sp)and points east. But don't fail to spend part of your time around Chania or Rethymnon.<BR><BR>Lots of people like to hike the Samarian Gorge, which is ~11 miles and an all day downhill trek. Lots to see and do on Crete; you'll love it!

The ferry from Athens to Chania is a night ferry. It leaves around sunset. If you reserve a sleeping room (its cheap) you can store your luggage and hang out on deck, or sleep. It arrives at 6 am though, so you feel kind of 'rummy' in the am. I thought it was a fun way to go, and kind of neat staring at the starts in the middle of the aegean sea, fantasizing about the sailors of old (when we weren't in the ferry bar) but flying may be easier with kids. It will get you there in less than an hour.

The all-day trek @ Samarian gorge -- how does one get back uphill?

Hellenophile--a bus.

When we went to Crete several years ago, we flew into Athens, stayed that night at a hotel in the Plaka, spent the next day touring the Acropolis in the early morning and seeing other sights in and around Athens. Flew out of Athens into Crete that evening. Not sure how cheap that would be but I really enjoyed seeing Athens briefly in addition to Crete.