We, my husband and I (65 years young), will be in Crete for 2 weeks or a little more, in September. We will be spending at least one of the weeks in Chania (old town) and would like to move on to another location for another week before taking the ferry on to Santorini. I have been researching this for 2-3 months and cannot make up my mind about the 2nd destination. Have been looking mainly in west and southwest. We will rent a car for that 2nd week. We would like a nice, fairly quiet, coastal village and stay on the water or up above with a great view. However, we like to be close enough to walk into the village. (Would like to avoid any tour group accommodations.) We are looking for moderate-priced accommodations, either a self-catering apartment or house. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

You might want to look at Agio Nikolaus.
It is on the eastern side of the island. The town is charming and there are lots of things to see and do in the area.

We spent 8 days on Crete last September with my time split between Chania and AN.
The hotel we stayed in, the Minos Beach, might be a little pricey for you but I am sure you can find something more in your price range. Near AN is Elounda, a much smaller village.
We drove there for a day from AN.

Crete was wonderful - expect hot weather, good food, wonderful people and enjoyable sights.

Hi; if you like beautiful scenery, good (good value!) food, unspoilt, uncrowded beaches and a taste of authentic Cretan lifestyle you should try east Crete. Agios Nikolaos is OK, but really not the best: if you like small towns, try Sitia (see the video of this town on eastcretemagazine.com). Another lovely laid back resort is makri Gialos (pretty bay, lovely beaches, a few big hotels and plenty of rooms fro rent)(see Stelin tours on eastcretemagazine.com) and if you like paradisiacal surroundings spend a night or two in Xerocambos, with the archeological site of Zakros just 10 minutes drive away (for a friendly taverna and rooms try Kostas Taverna (see the link on eastcretemagazine.com) This part of Crete has the most blue flag beaches (including the tropical palm beach of Vai),too... Have a great holiday!

East Crete is package tour hell IMO. Paleochora in the south might fit the bill - lovely beach, friendly people and a nice village. You can get there directly by bus from Chania.

I didn't like Agio Nikolaus - too "touristy" for my liking and no nice beach within walking distance.

Crete is fantastic - I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

We stayed in Chania for 2 weeks and used it as a base for wonderful day trips. Also took overnight trips to south coast. Try Paleochora.

Paleochora is one of the places I have been considering. Any suggestions for accommodations?

I suggest you check out the coast south of Rethymnon. You can stay in a lovely village called Mirthios on the side of the mountain overlooking the sea. It is a short trip down the hill to Plakias where there is a very nice beach and a town with more lodging, tavernas and shops. We stayed in Mirthios at Anna's Apartments which I highly recommend - inexpensive, spectacular view and wonderful people - check out their website to see pictures. We loved it there and definitely plan to go back. If you go, be sure to eat at Panorama one night. I can't say enough about how special the south coast feels - you can drive either direction to visit more villages and beaches.

I love Paleochora, and would not discourage you from going there, but on the comment about East Crete, you need to understand that once you get past Elounda and Mirabello, it's very quiet. I've spent time in the places that eastcretemagazine recommends and they're fine. I wouldn't personally stay in Sitia- and avoid Vai like the plague- but Palekastro is fine, as is Makriyialos. I like Zakros too, but it's very quiet.

We did not like AN either for the reasons stated by others above; much preferred Rethymnon and west of it.

I think you'll love Paleochora too. It is a good base to drive to the other villages. Make sure you go to Elafonisi though. It is a spectacular beach.

Paleochora is definitely the place to stay.
Check out Hotel Elman
Try the restaurant "the third eye". Great quality of food !
We also love Aghios Nicholaos, much better off season .

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