Last Minute Question about Crete
May 8th, 2012, 07:48 AM
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Last Minute Question about Crete
Leaving in a few weeks on a trip to Greece and Turkey. We will be landing at Heraklion in the morning our first day, renting a car and then driving to Rethymnon for the night.
Originally, I had planned on two nights in Rethymnon, two nights in Chiana, and then one night in Heraklion our last night, so we can see Knossos in the morning and then catch an early ferry to Santorini.
However, after reading the forum a bit, I am not sure people are so smitten with Rethymnon and maybe it doesn't justify two nights? Would it be better to stay in a village or in the mountains somewhere en-route to Chiana?
Any suggestion on how to spend our time or must-see sites are welcome as well. Since we have such a short time, I think we will skip Samaria gorge.
Thanx in advance!
Originally, I had planned on two nights in Rethymnon, two nights in Chiana, and then one night in Heraklion our last night, so we can see Knossos in the morning and then catch an early ferry to Santorini.
However, after reading the forum a bit, I am not sure people are so smitten with Rethymnon and maybe it doesn't justify two nights? Would it be better to stay in a village or in the mountains somewhere en-route to Chiana?
Any suggestion on how to spend our time or must-see sites are welcome as well. Since we have such a short time, I think we will skip Samaria gorge.
Thanx in advance!
May 8th, 2012, 08:22 AM
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Hm... i don't think that there are so many reviews here about Rethymno, but i happen to know the city perfectly well, as i was living there for 2 years 
It has a beautiful old city, with more houses being renovated than Chania, and many restaurants cafes bars etc.
The old harbour of the city is smaller than Chania's but it has some excellent fish restaurants ( overpriced though).
There is a fortress that you should visit and one of the longest sandy beaches of Crete, that begins right at the old harbour.
I always loved walking around in the old city looking at the shops, and the amazing restored old houses, among them some great small palazzi.
In the old city i recommend the restaurant Avli, and while there have a look at their small exclusive hotel.
From Rethymnon you can do some very nice day trips to the Arkadi Monastery, Margarites etc, or to the Libyan Sea and the small village of Plakias,the beach and castle of Frangokastello and Rodakino, plus the drive through the gorge of Kourtalioti and Kotsifou, both amazing and very scenic.
I wouldn't recommend to go through the Samaria Gorge, you will be dead for the next 2 days... except if you are in a very very good physical condition.....
I personally believe that 2 daysnights in Rethymnon will keep you occupied, and that you will love the city....
Most people who stay only for a short time in Chania, are just passing by and don't know what the city has to offer....
It has a beautiful old city, with more houses being renovated than Chania, and many restaurants cafes bars etc.
The old harbour of the city is smaller than Chania's but it has some excellent fish restaurants ( overpriced though).
There is a fortress that you should visit and one of the longest sandy beaches of Crete, that begins right at the old harbour.
I always loved walking around in the old city looking at the shops, and the amazing restored old houses, among them some great small palazzi.
In the old city i recommend the restaurant Avli, and while there have a look at their small exclusive hotel.
From Rethymnon you can do some very nice day trips to the Arkadi Monastery, Margarites etc, or to the Libyan Sea and the small village of Plakias,the beach and castle of Frangokastello and Rodakino, plus the drive through the gorge of Kourtalioti and Kotsifou, both amazing and very scenic.
I wouldn't recommend to go through the Samaria Gorge, you will be dead for the next 2 days... except if you are in a very very good physical condition.....
I personally believe that 2 daysnights in Rethymnon will keep you occupied, and that you will love the city....
Most people who stay only for a short time in Chania, are just passing by and don't know what the city has to offer....
May 8th, 2012, 08:56 AM
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Thanx Clausar!
I trust your opinion - and it is nice not to have to move around so much. I'm pretty sure I could do the gorge okay (Im going to do a 1/2 marathon in a week!) - but my S.O. might not manage so well and might enjoy some down time in a beach instead
Feel free to through out any other CRETE suggestions
I trust your opinion - and it is nice not to have to move around so much. I'm pretty sure I could do the gorge okay (Im going to do a 1/2 marathon in a week!) - but my S.O. might not manage so well and might enjoy some down time in a beach instead
Feel free to through out any other CRETE suggestions
May 8th, 2012, 10:41 AM
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as for the Samaria gorge, this can only be done with an organized tour, that is on sale everwhere in Rethymnon or Chania.
The bus will bring you to the entrance of the Samaria, which is also the highest point, Xyloscalo, and will pick you up from Chora Sfakion, to take you back to your hotel.
There is also the much cheaper possibility of taking a KTEL ( public)bus from Chania, and another one from Chora Sfakion ( or Sfakia as it is usually called.
The bus will bring you to the entrance of the Samaria, which is also the highest point, Xyloscalo, and will pick you up from Chora Sfakion, to take you back to your hotel.
There is also the much cheaper possibility of taking a KTEL ( public)bus from Chania, and another one from Chora Sfakion ( or Sfakia as it is usually called.
May 8th, 2012, 12:54 PM
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That IS funny Heimdall - and, by the way, managed to find a way to to Ephesus without a propeller
Clausar - I am okay with skipping the gorge. Any specific scenic drives you recommend? Anything through the mountains?
Clausar - I am okay with skipping the gorge. Any specific scenic drives you recommend? Anything through the mountains?
May 10th, 2012, 09:56 AM
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I'll put in a plug for the Samaria gorge (not that you're asking), as it was easily one of the most beautiful hikes we've done. Seeing the mountain goats (can't remember their name) scamper up what looked like nearly vertical cliffs was amazing. With that said, we do a lot of walking and hiking, so it wasn't too bad from that perspective. More difficult frankly was the bus ride back in the afternoon to Chania. Why I'm drawn to places with windy, steep roads that make me nauseous I'll never know, but, man was that some ride... Amazing olive trees all over the hills (at least from what I could see peaking out from behind my scarf!)
We stayed in Chania for 3 ro 4 days, and then drove to Iraklion to catch the ferry to Santorini. I'll say that frankly, Knossos didn't really make a great impression. I think it was the overdone renovation, or that it was really hot that day, hard to tell. Chania was lovely, but we really kind of just wandered around and relaxed. I think your timing sounds fine - given Clausar's Rethymnon recommendation.
We stayed in Chania for 3 ro 4 days, and then drove to Iraklion to catch the ferry to Santorini. I'll say that frankly, Knossos didn't really make a great impression. I think it was the overdone renovation, or that it was really hot that day, hard to tell. Chania was lovely, but we really kind of just wandered around and relaxed. I think your timing sounds fine - given Clausar's Rethymnon recommendation.
May 10th, 2012, 10:22 AM
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dunia
The mountain goats in the Samaria Gorge are called Krikri ( also in Greek it sounds ridiculous), the official name is Capra aegagrus creticus, but Cretan call them Agrimi in their dialect.
I totally agree with you that Samaria is a great experience, and the road from Sfakia was my horror too...
I went there with my own car, but looking at the road that was going down to the village, scared me enough to drive back....
I did as well an organized tour, and was more than happy to sit in a bus on the way back to Chania.....
Also agree with you that Knossos isn't that impressive, many blame Sir Evans and his restoration for creating something that doesn't correspond to Minoan reality, and archaeologists - friends of mine- call it a Minoan Disneyland....
But still it attracts thousands of visitors.... it wouldn't be my first priority. ( but i say that after having seen it....)
The mountain goats in the Samaria Gorge are called Krikri ( also in Greek it sounds ridiculous), the official name is Capra aegagrus creticus, but Cretan call them Agrimi in their dialect.
I totally agree with you that Samaria is a great experience, and the road from Sfakia was my horror too...
I went there with my own car, but looking at the road that was going down to the village, scared me enough to drive back....
I did as well an organized tour, and was more than happy to sit in a bus on the way back to Chania.....
Also agree with you that Knossos isn't that impressive, many blame Sir Evans and his restoration for creating something that doesn't correspond to Minoan reality, and archaeologists - friends of mine- call it a Minoan Disneyland....
But still it attracts thousands of visitors.... it wouldn't be my first priority. ( but i say that after having seen it....)
May 10th, 2012, 11:30 AM
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Thanx all.
We'll see about Samaria - missing it isn't due to a lack of interest - more about a lack of time. We will go to Knossos for sure - how often are we in Crete anyway? And the S.O. has a hard time recreating anything from fallen columns etc - Disneyland might not be such a bad thing in his case
We'll see about Samaria - missing it isn't due to a lack of interest - more about a lack of time. We will go to Knossos for sure - how often are we in Crete anyway? And the S.O. has a hard time recreating anything from fallen columns etc - Disneyland might not be such a bad thing in his case
May 11th, 2012, 05:54 PM
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HappyTrvlr - we saw folks hiking up and wondered how they did it. Next time we'll try that - sounds like Loutro is worth a visit, along with Rethymnon.
Clausar - krikri - that's it! We got a great picture of one up close. So funny you mention Disneyland - my husband says the same thing! In any case, I'm glad we went regardless - you kind of have to see it. I'm in the camp of blaming Sir Evans, but that was the practice at the time I suppose.
Clausar - krikri - that's it! We got a great picture of one up close. So funny you mention Disneyland - my husband says the same thing! In any case, I'm glad we went regardless - you kind of have to see it. I'm in the camp of blaming Sir Evans, but that was the practice at the time I suppose.
