SusieCue

Which part of the island do you recommend for two or three days before returning to Athens? Best way to get to Athens from Crete? Thanks to all. S

majmaj4

Hania seems to be a favorite for Crete if wanting a city.

Beaches & Hiking also nice spots on crete but I don't remember where.

Plane or Ferries depending on your desires to get and return.

greecube

We liked Rethymno as a base to see the sites. Rent a car and get out into the country side.

sheila

Chania and the west, without a doubt. You can fly to Chania or get a boat to Souda.

There are lots of posts on here about what to do. Search under Chania, Hania,Xania or Crete.

GeoffHamer

There are big overnight ferries to Pireas from Iraklion and Hania (the port for Hania is Souda, a couple of miles from the city centre with frequent local buses). See www.anek.gr and www.minoan.gr.

polly229

I'd fly to Crete from Athens. Ferry trips aren't all that charming and take a long time. (If you do an overnight, at least you don't lose part of the day, though.)

We took a high-speed cat from Santorini to Iraklio a couple of weeks ago, arrived about 8PM, and spent a couple of nights in Iraklio because we wanted to go to the museum and Knossos, which are not convenient to Hania or Rethymno. Other than that convenience, there's no real reason to stay in Iraklio, though. After the second night we picked up our rental car and drove to Hania via Phaestos (not a direct way but it was shorter than going straight to Hania, then driving back to Phaestos another day). Didn't have time to stop in Rethymno on the way as hoped (due to lack of road numbers or names and sometimes poor signs that result in some time-consuming "detours" - seldom mentioned in this forum but I suspect pretty common) and never got back, so I can't comment about Rethymno. But we enjoyed Hania, thought it was quite pleasant if you stay in the old town. And have dinner at Ela, recommended in several guide books and by people on this forum. I was in a very bad mood when we finally arrived in Hania, cursing and mumbling about Cretan roads and signs, but after some wine, excellent food, and fun Greek music at Ela, all was right with the world again.

tripgirl

Stay in Chania and fly to Crete for ease.

I'd recommend you stay at Casa Delfino; the best place in Chania.

You will love the port and there is lots to do. The market is great.

See my report: Fantastic Timein Athens, Santorini and Crete for more info.

But do stay in Chania for sure!