Debry

Hi,
After visiting Chania,Falasarna and Elafonisi,I want to go ,in september, to the south coast,but I hesitate between Plakias and Paleochora?Both of them have fine beaches and give the possibility of walks and visit of churches around.
Which of the 2 cities remains the most charming?Thanking in advance.

Sheila

I haven't been to Plakias so I can't make the comparison, but I have been to Paleochora twice and absolutely love it. It's a small market town with good hops and restaurants, two climates and lots of south coast boats. My trip reports are on here, but if you would like them, email me.

I keep the web site for the last place we styed bookmarked. Have a look at http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/ind...perty/2799.htm

Nicole

I would have to agree with Shiela-I loved Paleochora and would highly recommend it.

Marilyn

I spent a week in Plakias 9 years ago and it was quite overdeveloped then. It must be a development nightmare by now. So I'd vote for Paleochora.

michael

Another vote for Paleochora, and a suggestion for where to stay: a small eco-retreat run by a German couple resident there, in the hills 3.5 km outside the town. It's really peaceful and natural if you like that. See:

www.i-escape.com/metacom.php

which also has tips on best places to eat etc. If you need advice on hiking and exploring, drop me a line - I've been leading hikes and tours there for over 5 years.

elina

Paleohora is a small village rather than a town. I liked it a lot. Nice tavernas by the small harbour, good sandy beach on the other side of the village, and pebble beach on the other side. I stayed in an apartementos type of accomodation at the far end of the village, just 50 metres from the pebble beach. I don´t remember the name, but it is fairly new complex of pink small houses (about half a dozen of them), and it is owned by the village doctor. He is also the mayor of the village. I have not been to Plakias, but Paleohora remains among my top three places in Crete.

Sheila

Just out of interest, Elina, where are the other 2?

And Debry, you will find good stuff at

http://www.explorecrete.com

Sheila

I just dropped in over there, and they are discussing this very question on the "Friends" forum

elina

Sheila, the other two are Sitia in north-eastern corner and Kalives on the north coast between Hania and Rethymnon. But who knows how long. I still remember when Holiday Hell named Platanias was a tiny, idyllic fishing village with three tavernas...

I also like Hania´s old town, but not in summer. In April/May it is great.

Sheila

Thanks. I've been to Sitia (stayed at Palekastros), but didn't find it nearly as nice as Chania, as Crete's cities go. I haven't stopped at Kalives. Need to put that on the list.