Greece 2.0 - this time Crete/Hydra/Athens
 

We visited Greece last fall (Santorini/Naxos/Paros/Athens) and we LOVED it. I just booked a trip for September, flying into Chania, Crete and home from Athens. Still need to book the Crete/Hydra connection (I know it involves air and ferry legs). We have 10 nights. I'm thinking 5 nights Crete, 3 Hydra and 2 Athens (to see a few things we didn't have time for in previous trip).

I'm thinking we'd stay somewhere in Chania area at first but was wondering if we should stay somewhere towards the eastern end as well. If flight to Athens is from Heraklion then we'd definitely spend a night or 2 near there.

I love scenic places, wandering through old town areas, and being walking distance to lots of restaurants, shops, etc. It's not necessary to be on a beach, but do enjoy scenic places to at least stop in and photograph. We're fine with renting a car and doing day trips. Any suggestions on how to split 5 nights in Crete? What areas do you recommend we stay in?

Thanks in advance!

We had a trip once that combined Chania and Hydra. There was an overnight ferry from near Chania (short taxi ride from memory) to Piraeus, then a short walk to get the next boat to Hydra (a small catamaran I think) . On the ferry from Crete we had a cabin with beds and a shower/toilet. It seemed very quiet on the ship, that was at the end of the season in October. It all went pretty smoothly and we much preferred two ferries to flying.

We had four nights in Chania and loved it, although it was quiet. On Hydra I think we had 3 or 4 nights. There are no cars on Hydra, so it felt very peaceful.

As above: it's much easier to go from Chania, Heraklion or Sitia by overnight ferry to Piraeus and to change to a Hydra bound catamaran in the main port (short bus or taxi ride from pier to pier) than to fly to Athens airport and to reach the port by suburban train (1 1/2 hrs journey).
compared with Crete, there is almost nothing to see and to do at Hydra. If it must be Hydra, I would spend 6 njghts in Crete and 2 in Hydra.

Thanks for the input. I was not aware of the sleeper ferry. I would definitely consider if I can have private room with bathroom. I would save some valuable tourist time compared to a daytime transfer.

I am considering Hydra because my husband was there in the 70s and would like to revisit. Also we have friends with a house there. Also considering staying in Crete, except for last 2 days in Athens (we felt like our last visit was cut short). Are there any other island options that are an easy commute from Crete? We would only spend 2 or 3 nights in the other place, if at all.

As far as Crete, I see there's lots of hiking. We don't mind a long walk, I daily do 3-5 miles in NYC (so it's flat) and my husband is a jogger, but don't want anything too long or too strenuous. Any suggestions for this?

Agree with neckervd about less to see/do in Hydra, especially given your wish-list. I think that island has been highly promoted due to association with celebrities, depiction in movies etc. For what you enjoy -- scenic places, Old Towns to wander, good food, interesting shops -- I think your dream #2 destination may be NAFPLIO. This superb noncommercial website - http://www.visitnafplio.com/ (click on EVERY link!) shows why; also these pix by great photog & Fodor contributor "Stanbr" -

TravelerJan, I LOVE your recommendation!

I agree with travelerjan that Nafplio would be a good choice for another destination. Why spend all your time on islands when there is so much to offer on the mainland? That said, if you still want a quick trip to Hydra it’s actually closer to Nafplio than to Piraeus.

I was just looking at some dates from last September on openseas.gr, and there were sailings from Hermioni/Ermioni, a small port near Nafplio, that took only 25 minutes, as opposed to about 1.5 hrs from Piraeus. There was an early morning sailing on Flyingcat 5 that left Hermioni at 06:45 and another back to Hermioni leaving Hydra at 21:40. That would give you a choice of a day trip or an overnight on Hydra. These are the same ferries that leave from Piraeus, with Hydra and Spetses at the other end of the line.

Ok, here's my revised itinerary thoughts:
6 nts Crete (Chania and ???)
2 nts Nafplio
2 nts Athens

I already booked Aetoma Hotel in Nafplio. It looks great (opinions?) and I can cancel if I change my mind (I only book hotels I can cancel). Nafplio looks exactly like the kind of place I love. I dabble with photography, so love to wander and check out every nook and cranny. Last Greece trip we went with another couple which is something we never do. I forewarned that I get a bit carried away with photographing all kinds of things, and make many little stops as I stroll to look around and see what there is to photo to be had. Needless to say our previous trip I was like a kid in a candy store. Such a beautiful country. Luckily my friend is a docent at the Met museum and is completely fine with stopping and looking at every little thing we pass.

What do you think of the option of taking the sleeper ferry to Piraeus and renting a car from there for Nafplio? That maybe could give us more tourist time. We would only do a sleeper ferry if we have a private room with bathroom.

I still would rather see you do 5 nights in Crete, so that you could have 2 FULL days in Nafplio ... if you drive in mid-morning (if u pickup car in Piraeus in AM), or at noon (if you arrive airport @ 11) you get to Nafplio, mid-afternoon earliest... you have only one full day there (it has THREE Fortresses! Plus plus!), must leave am of a day 3. All those nooks & crannies! Believe me, u can have a VERY good CRete experience in 5 days, and we can strategize it in a separate thread. But I can't get enthused about racing thru Nafplio in under 48 hours..

As for the sleeper ferry... i'm not sure you'd save time, and in September you might not sleep perfectly... this is when Autumn winds at sea can be strong. Furthermore, picking up Car at Piraeus, you'll have to manhandle your luggage off a about and walk several blocks along a very crowded street by the docks to reach whatever rental place is down there (and few rental agencies are there)... and you'd have to brave VERY heavy traffic to reach junction with Westbound highway toward Corinth (see map) -- AND that westbound segment of the intercityhighway is JAMMED with Trucks ... you'd be wedged between 16-wheelers for miles. By contrast, if you fly, you'd be met inside the airport by rental guy, escorted to your vehicle, exit directly onto the N. Bypass highway (see map) mainly cars ... and can literally go all the way to the Corinth Canal without making a turn or hitting the brakes.

TravelerJan, understood. So if I were to do 5 nts Crete, I'm thinking 3 in Chania and 2 somewhere near Heraklion or, 1 in one of those areas you mention in the south and 1 near Heraklion? Would definitely want to see Knossos (I'm a fan of ruins).

Then 3 nights in Nafplio, and 2 in Athens.

That's the idea .. 5 in Crete ... will explain options tomorrow or next day... we have time.

Just started new thread with revised itinerary
https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...thens-1714221/