Hello all, I am to be up the coast from Heraklion for a conference at the end of June. My husband and I have three to four days before the conference in Crete. I'd appreciate your recommendations...if we fly into Chania, would it be difficult for me to get to the other end of the island for the conference? Thanks so much, Sandy

There is a good modern road along the north coast of Crete linking Hania, Rethimnon, Iraklion, Ayios Nikolaos and Sitia. Buses run every half hour linking these towns.

Thanks, Geoff

Hi SusieCue... Just returned from Greece after four glorious weeks of roaming through Athens, Delphi, Meteora, CRETE, Santorini, Paros, Syros, and various points in between. It is essentially impossible to pick a high point, but Crete was an absolute joy. Spent time in Chania (Hania), did "THE gorge," explored the interior (Spili, the Plateau, etc.), and (contrary to most of the tourbooks) enjoyed Iraklion and all it had to offer, eg. great food, lively nightlife, Knossos, the Archealogical Museum, etc. Now... onto your question. When I arrived in Iraklion, I was prepared to travel to Chania (the reverse of your excursion) by bus, as Geoff suggested. However, in short order, I was able to find a reasonable rental car (25 Euro per day, everything included). Although the car (affectionately known as "Onasis&quotwas vintage, it proved itself very reliable. Buses are fine, but if you and your husband want a little more flexibility, I highly recommend that you check out a vehicle. Avis and Hertz are everywhere, but the smaller independent rental offices can provide "great wheels" for a reasonable price. Have a terrific journey. Terry

I'm a wee bit baffled, Susie. Where's your conference?

Will you drive?

The conferenc is at the Creta Maris conference center near the "ancient city of Knossos." I'm not certain at this point, if we go to Hania/Chania how I will get to the East end of the island. Any ideas?

Heraklion/Knossos is not at the "east end" of Crete.

It is extremely easy to get to Heraklion from China and vice versa by regular public bus.

Your thread title seems to be asking about a choice between the two cities. During your free days, when you're not attending the conference, I think it would be more enjoyable to stay in Chania than Heraklion.

...or is there some other reason why you need/want to go to the "east end of the island" (in addition to going to the Heraklion area which is not the east end)?

My language was imprecise...in my mind I was thinking eastern vs. western areas. If we stay near the conference site (Creta Maris conference center), we would fly into Heraklion. Otherwise, we would fly into Chania. My husband has been a reluctant participant on this trip as we are both changing jobs, moving to a different state, selling/buying houses, etc. in the midst of this. Consequently, I have not been my usual particular and thorough advance planner of our travel. We are to leave on Saturday, and I still haven't finalized the plans!! Originally we were to fly into Heraklion and stay near Creta Maris; he leaves when the conference begins. But I have read so much about Chania, and I want him to be as impressed as I am at the opportunity to see Crete!~! So, I thought Chania would be best, and I will find my way to Heraklion and the conference when he leaves....

<<It is extremely easy to get to Heraklion from China and vice versa by regular public bus.>>

I don't know whether this was just a typo or whether I had China on my mind, but I meant CHANIA, not China, obviously.

There is an excellent public bus system on Crete. I have no doubt that by catching a bus to Sitia you would be dropped off at the Creta Maris.

There will be more buses to Iraklion than Sitia and there will be buses from Iraklion to Sitia (and possibly even the Creta Maris itself).

A taxi one way would probably cost you about $80 (I'm a bit out of date, so you might want to check this). A taxi from Iraklion would be very affordable. The hotel's about 20 miles east of the City.

I've no doubt that Chania would be your husband's best experience. Try the Casa Delfino.

If you find it's a bit rich for your blood, try the Porto Veneziana or the Porto del Colombo.