We are planning 2+ weeks trip to Greece. This would be our second time in Greece. We have spent time in Athens, toured the Peloponnese, Naxos and Antiparos. My dream is to go to Crete. So, this is the dream trip. I was thinking to spend 7-9 days in Crete. from reading a lot of posts, it seems that preference is to concentrate in Chania and Rethymno, I think and may be a day trip to Heraklion (may be to see it as we fly into Crete). Not sure how and where to split the time. We do plan to rent a car, so we can drive to beaches and villages. However, I would like to stay on a nice beach and close to a town ( within 1 mile +, so we would be able to walk to tavernas and shopping). Recommendations for hotels and restaurants are appreciated. Our interests are history, food, culture, and great beaches with calm waters for swimming. We also would like to go to another island for 3-4 days that is easily accesible from Crete, preferably by a ferry. We prefer not to rent a car for the second location so accessibility is key (similar to Naxos). I welcome and appreciative of all suggestions. Thank you in advance.

Hmm… Crete and Cyclades. If you want to go by ferry from Crete to the Cyclades you will go via Santorini, and the same ferry goes on to Naxos or Paros, ending up at Mykonos. From any of those three islands you can switch to another ferry and open up other possibilities, but it may mean staying overnight. From Santorini are ferries to Folegandros, Milos, and Sifnos, plus a few other smaller islands. From Naxos are ferries to the Little Cyclades and Amorgos. From Mykonos are ferries to Tinos and Syros.

It would be helpful to know when you plan to travel, because the islands are very different from month to month.

I also have suggestions, but will wait until we get specifics about timing. Please note that currently ATHENS (And much of GReece) is anticipating a heat-wave of 5 days or so... where temps will range from 98 - 105° F.... anad this is JUNE 21! In considering global warming, I would urge you to plan your trip either May 15-30, or Sept 10 onward.

We are planning the trip for first the 2 weeks this September. I am wandering if I should spit my time between two places or base in one on Crete? After reading more on this site and others I am leaning towards Folegandros or Milos islands, but open for other suggestions. Please share your thoughts. Thank you!

Use the Ferryhopper website to help plan your route to whichever Cyclades island you've chosen. Depending on your travel date it might be necessary for you to overnight on the connecting island, whether it be Santorini, Naxos or Paros.

Crete - Milos in September:
direct ferry from Chania on Sunday 4th and Sunday 11th only.
overnight ferry Iraklio - Milos on Sunday only (September departures have still to be confirmed).
Rethymnon - Santorini:
every Tursday until Sept 15th
Crete - Anafi in September:
Thursday and Sunday (September departures have still to be confirmed)
Crete - Dodekannissos in September:
Sitia - Kasos - Karpathos - Rhodos every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (September departures have still to be confirmed)

Iraklio - Santorini - Ios - Naxos - Mykonos - Paros: almost daily

I assume you will be flying from North America. You do not necessarily have to connect through Athens to the islands. Your trans-Atlantic flight can extend through such gateways as Amsterdam or Paris. You might connect to Crete and come home from, say, Santorini without setting down in the busy Athens airport. A multi-destination search function will look for the final destination and the departure port of return, showing you what intermediate transfers are available. All flights will be contained in a single itinerary, possibly saving time and even money..

Southam - that's a good point. We do have a friend in Athens, so it will not be an imposition to go through Athens. Also we can use miles to fly to Athens. I looked at air connection from Athens to Crete and it makes sense to use overnight ferry. This will give me a chance to spend a day in Athens, which I really like. But now that you mention this, I will explore other possibilities. Thank you!