Is it possible to do Crete while based in either Chania or Heraklion only?
 

Hello al,
Still trying to decide a destination for our August trip. My husband and I, both 35, are thinking about a 5 night break in Crete. We def. want to stay in one place and move around (either by car or public transport). We don't want to spend all of our time on the road so need to be based in a nice place with a lot to offer. From my research, Chania seems to fit that. Having said that, is Heraklion as a base a good option also? We want to do a lot of wandering on foot and relax (good scenery, food, etc..)
Both places have nice hotels, we are looking for a 4-5 stars hotel in good location pref. with balcony or view. Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot

Crete is a wonderful but also a huge island...
West-East distance is 360 km , it has a surface of 8336 square km or 3.219 square miles.
5 nights is a very short time for such a big island, it is enough though to see some of the highlights.

Best area to stay is the center of the island, which is Heraklion and surroundings. The city of Heraklion is the less attractive city of Crete, therefore i would recommend either Amoudara ( west of Heraklion) or Hersonissos ( east of Heraklion city). Both have a nice sandy beach and many hotels to choose from, Hersonissos has more luxury hotels, while Amoudara rather 4 star hotels.

From both areas you can reach both the west and the east of the island,best with a rental car.

possible day trips are :

Chania and Rethymnon in the west

Agios Nikolaos, Sitia and the east( Zakros, Forest of Vai etc)

Heraklion city, Archeological museum, Knossos

South Crete ( Matala, Gortys, Agia Galini)

If you are in a good physical condition, you can book through your hotel the Samaria Gorge tour, as Samaria just opened to the public.

Here is a short list of Hotels that i would recommend :

Hersonissos
Creta Maris
Aquis Blue Sea Village
Amirandes, one of the best 5 star hotels in that area
Aldemar Knossos Royal

Amoudara
Creta Beach
Agapi Beach

Hersonissis is a better village to stay, as it has more restaurants bars etc, than Amoudara.
In August most hotels will be full, so i would recommend booking well in advance :)