Just catching up with the thread today, Don and thanks for the mention.

For a good few years now, I've visited Mykonos in October and enjoyed it very much. It is quieter and the sun isn’t quite as torturous. Cruise ship visits are less frequent and that’s noticeable. Everything is at a slower pace, folks in shops, restaurants etc. are more relaxed and have time to chat. As has been mentioned in this thread, during the first week in October, restaurants and shops will still be open. I’ve found that it is around the third week of the month before places prepare to close and begin serving slightly restricted menus. All of that is a major change because in years gone by it was the beginning of the month when all that happened. The weather should be OK for you and the sea will certainly be warm if you enjoy swimming.

Don (Heimdall) mentioned Agios Ioannis and that would have been one of my recommendations too. As the local bus turns the corner of the hill overlooking the area, you’ll notice the vivid blue of the sea against the astonishing views over to Delos. In October buses run from town every hour.

One other hidden treasure is on Fabrica Square where the main bus station is located. People very rarely notice the white steps, located behind said buses, leading up to blue doors. Push them open and you’ll find a very charming small church and behind it........the little town cemetery (it cannot be seen from public areas because of the surrounding walls). I always find it extraordinary quiet despite it being in one of the busiest parts of town and the flowers and their colours against the marble of the family memorials makes it, at least for me, very beautiful.

I take onboard what Doug says about the island being overpriced. That said, I could easily take you to restaurants where you can eat very, very well at prices no higher than in Crete. Oh, and visit Mykonos in October and you'll pick up bargains in many shops in their end of season sales

Wherever you choose, I hope you've a great time.

Bill

Ksm, with only 3 days you have time to see just a very small part of the huge island of Crete. Before you decide, find out exactly where the property you have been invited to stay is located, hopefully not in the hinterlands. If it's in Chania, that might make it viable, because Chania has an airport with flights from Athens. Heraklion, the largest town on Crete, also has an airport with flights from Athens. Ferries are out of the question because of the distance from the Athens port of Piraeus.

IMO between the two, Mykonos would be more practical for your very short visit. Crete will always be there, so save it for a time when you have at least a week to do it justice.