I still cannnot figure out where to spend my last 3 nights in Crete. After the 3rd night we will be taking a ferry from either Ayios Nikolaos or Herakleion to Santorini. I've looked at Ayios Nikolaos, Sitia & Elounda, and I'm not particularly thriilled with any of them. Our hotel budget maxes out at around $200 or so US per night.

I've looked at Kato Zakros & Xerokampos but they look somewhat remote. I would like to be near or on a very nice beach with access to a town whose sole survival does not rely on tourism, but yet is picturesque. Does this exist? I then need to get to the ferry on the 4th day, although I do not know the time yet.

I've looked at Palaiokastro, but the accomodations there seem very, very simple. I like hotels that have some charm to them.

I will have a rental car.

The South East is the least developed part of Crete and is pretty basic.

This hotel is, I suspect the best in Palekastro

http://www.palaikastro.com/marinavillage/welcome/

Makriyialos is the other place you should be looking at.

You might get more help on this region on www.explorecrete.com

Thanks Sheila, as usual, for being one of the few knowledgable people here on Crete! I already had my eyes on White River Cottages in the Makriyialos area:

http://www.yourgreece.gr/page/defaul...p=35&pk=35

I guess if I did this, I would then have to do Knossos as a daytrip from Hania? I'm a bit worried about the "sleepy town" factor, but then my other options would include hyper-touristy areaa like Elounda.

Topping

Surely someone besides Sheila has been to Crete?

Sorry, can't help you at all with the eastern end. Have always based myself in Hania and the western side.

AP - Of those 3 my choice would definitely be Ag Nik. Although it didn't really have a beach, Elounda beach is only 10 mins away by bus. But Ag Nik is a more attractive place to stay IMO.

I wouldn't even consider Sitia.

Steve

But does Ayios Nikolaos feel like a big tourist trap? I am also considering Makriyialos.

I was there in June rather than high season, and got the feeling of a really pleasant resort town rather than just a tourist trap.

I wasn't based there - but wished I had been. I liked it so much I returned several times.

The setting is lovely and IMO it makes an ideal base for the whole of the east half of the island - with easy access to the mountains and the south coast as well.

Steve

We will be there in June as well. I just can't make my mind up between a "simple" town like Makriyialos or somewhere with more amenities like Ayios Nikolaos.

Now I am considering staying at the Istron Bay Hotel, which seems to have a decent beach and is somewhat remote. The only reservation I have about this place is that there seems to be no town really close by to walk around in, and their price includes dinner. It seems to be within drivng distance of most places I'd like to see in that area.

Topping for other thoughts?

If it's the one I think it is (and I'm not certain), that big road you see on the aeriel view is the main road to Sitia. It's a lovely bay, but yes, on its own.

OTOH, that's not my idea of charm. I'd far rather be in Palekastro

I'm still looking at Palekastro, but am wondering if the town itself holds any interest? The beaches nearby look great. Do you think it's as interesting as Paleochora (which I am staying in because of your suggestions, thanks!)

My vote is for Plakias. With approx one hour drive up north to Rethimno, Plakias is central to the loveliest sights in Crete.

Agios Nikolaos is quite pleasant and I enjoyed Sitia. On the south east, Irapetra is quite pleasant.
Carolena

Straight answer is that Palekastro 4 years ago (who knows what has happened since?)wasn't in the same league as Paleochora. Nice enough, a few tavernas, but a mile or so from teh beach, and nothing like the charm. Nice Minoan ruins and lots of nice beaches.