Flying into Crete Chania - where to stay without a car?
 

Hi,
I will be flying to crete-chania airport in mid September and staying for 5 days. We will not have a car and this is not a possibility as I cannot drive!
I would have liked to stay in Falasarna but the taxi transfer from the airport is about €90 each way which is too expensive. I was also looking at Stavros but everything I've read says it's recommended to get a car.
As we are only there for 5 days we are only looking for a nice beach within walking distance which is sand and not rocks - I am not bothered about visiting other towns etc. so it doesn't need to be near the bus stations - it just needs to be within reasonable taxi distance to the airport and have a few restaurants around and a supermarket.
Where would you recommend to stay?

Chania is probably the most beautiful city in Greece with its Venetian era harbour and maze of back alleys. In Chania you can easily imagine yourself in the past.

Chania does have a decent beach about a 10 minute walk along the sea shore to the west at Neo Chora. Images are at the end of the Chania album

For hotels we like the Theotokopoulou street area. It is a pedestrian only street just lined with hotels in every class and price range. It is back a block from the harbour so it is quiet at night but just a minute walk to the action.

Chania is well situated for day trips such as the boat trip from Kissamos to Gramovossa and Balos. This day trip includes two beaches and a hike up to a pirate fortress. Images are number 58-73

Rethymnon is also a good day trip it is similar to Chania but does have a very intact Venetian era Fortezza to explore.

There is a local bus that meets flights at Chania Airport and is inexpensive. No need for a taxi.
Same thing for the day trips I suggested you can take the bus to Kissamos for the boat excursion and to Rethymnon.

Western Crete http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632115757899/

Chania http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632117917828/

Theotokopoulou St area http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632118491316/

Rethymnon would be a good place to stay. I never stayed in Chania.

I stayed at the lovely Casa Leone in Chania but as Stan says the Theotokopoulou street area is full of hotels. Chania is very charming but I prefer a bigger city like Iraklio with the museum.

Loved, loved, loved Chania! It's a big enough city to keep one occupied and so beautifully sited! Much preferred it to Iraklion -- though the latter does have the museum, it is not nearly as charming as Chania.

Casa Delfina in Chania is wonderful