Shady Walks in Crete in August? (Imbrose Gorge? Others?)
 

I am exploring Crete as a destination for a week at the end of August with my husband and two boys (12 & 7) and would love your advice.

We were in Aegina and Athens in 2019 and fell in love with the country, and we are excited about the possibility of returning and getting to explore Crete. I know that it will be hot, but I'm afraid the window of August 14-27 is what we have to work with this year. In my reading, it seems like the temperatures will be similar to our home city of Chicago during the same time, albeit with slightly lower humidity. I'm hoping that will means we'll find it bearable.

My husband and children are excited about the chance to be on the Mediterranean when the ocean is warm enough to enjoy swimming in, as well as the prospect of simply enjoying in a beautiful place without the pressure to fill every moment with sightseeing. I am excited about the food and scenery and, I hope, the chance to go on some walks in the countryside.

Now my questions:
1) I understand that spring and fall are the ideal times to go hiking. That said, can you recommend any walks that might be somewhat shady in August that my family could consider? The kids are good walkers, but we'd be looking for 2 to 5 hour walks as opposed to all-day-every-day hiking. It sounds like Imbrose Gorge might be a good option. Are there others you could recommend?

2) Would the mountains be cooler and potentially suitable for walking at that time of year? If we stayed someplace with a pool, I think my family could enjoy that if another part of the trip was based on the coast.

3) Do you have favorite towns/cities as home bases? I'm waiting to plan our overnights until we know what kind of activities we'll be doing. We would do 1 or, at most, 2 different places to minimize time spent packing and unpacking. I know we're going to be in Crete at the absolute peak season, and so trying to get a little off the beaten path appeals to me. Chania sounds absolutley beautiful, but I wonder if we would be happier in Rethymno from a crowd perspective. Are there other cities or towns you would recommend being based in? I'm hoping to spend one day on the water on a private charter and perhaps another day doing a quad-bike safari, so we'd want to be close to a big enough place to access activities like that. (But we are not looking for any all-inclusive resorts or places like that.)

I realize this is a lot. Thanks in advance for any advice on the trip!

I wrote a long answer to your inquiry, but Fodor doesn't seem to want to post it... I'll keep trying!

Shady walks in August in Crete?
 

IF you want a shady green walk, down a gorge -- you have exactly ONE, anad it may be perfect for you -- MILI Gorge outside Rethymnon. There is a creek at the bottom, and apprently bridges all laong, takes only 3 hours max, ends up at a beach with a taverna & you can get a taxi baack to Rethymnon.https://www.zorbas.nl/mili-gorge-on-...-rethymnon.htm
This link is a blog I think with a photo-walk of the course - https://www.zorbas.nl/mili-gorge-on-...-rethymnon.htm

HEre is a wonderful Trip advisor thread from 10 years ago -- In which THe guy who runs the taverna actually pipes up & gives info - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...ure_Crete.html Ata that time there was actually a "happy Train" tourist thingie that stopped at the beginning of the gorge.

Given the heat, and the boys, I think an apt on the Rethymnon beach would be ideal for you guys... There are a lot of walks, and boat trips & such, all starting in Rethymnon. ANd for a day in CHania, you just go to the bus station at the top of Rethymnon Old town -- Very easy to get to/from.

Another amazing place outside of Rethymono (just inland from Panormos -- if u have a car or splurge for a taxi) -- is MELIDONA - https://www.cretetravel.com/activity...erontospilios/ -- UNFORGETTABLE. The boys will thrill to the beauty (stalaactites, stalagmites), the grownups will be touched by the poignancy of the tragic event.

LODGINGS -- I did a quick check on Booking.com -- you put n Rethymon, yr dates, 3 adults 1 child (yes the 12 yrold is adult) & 2 rooms -- and when the list comes up you click on the upper RH icon "SHow on Map"... I think u will find if you are willing to go just back of the hotels ON the beach, to a side lane or the road behind - you can get an apt for €1600 - $2200 for your dates ... 1 BR, plus 2 LR fold-outs.. a 2 BR will run you upwards of $2800 - $4000. ANd DO not DITHER ... you are going at THE Busiest week of the entire summer! Good luck!

I couldn't get that to post with "quick reply" but it worked with REPLY> who knows? I Had a llinke to MELIDONI that I eliminated - I'll try pasting it here. https://www.cretetravel.com/activity...erontospilios/

This is great information travelerjan ! Thank you so much, and for the booking information. Yikes! I typically travel in the shoulder season and am realizing I need to get hopping on this. Thank you for the extra nudge on that front!