I am drafting my budget travel plans for this spring around Europe (April, May, June).

I am looking at booking a hotel / villa for a week in Crete for a holiday from all that travelling. Where should we be based to get
a) holiday with a sandy beach nearby
b) close to town (rather than just a resort) so we can find food shops/bars
c) close to buses or transport to visit other parts of the island
??
Is this asking too much? I just don't think I could do nothing for 7 days so need some activities to explore Crete (husband has no such problem).

I have found so much of the information available is aimed at package tourist who just wants a beach, sun, food.

Also any suggestions of good walks or sights? I have read the LP on Crete but it is pants. Got another guide book on order but you guys are usually so much better than a guide book!!

Thanks in advance.
L

anyone?

Base yourself in Hania. Lovely town with bars and restaurants. Sandy beaches just down the coast by bus/taxi, one is even walkable. Good bus service to all other parts of Crete. Airport too. Lots of nice hotels in the town itself, look on previous posts on this board or google. I myself always stay in cheap pensions so am hesitant to recommend to Fodorites!

I suspect you should be based somwhere more central than Chania.

Me, I'd go for Paleochora and use the boats rather than buses to explore the south coast.

I have 3 trip reports I could send you, if you email me.

Sheila -

Would you still recommend Paleochora for a week-long November trip to Crete?

It's hard to choose one base from which you can visit the whole island by public transport - unless you stay in Eraklion.

Of the north coast towns I'd choose between Chania, Rethymnon and Ag. Nikolaus.

Steve

I've stayed in Paleochora for a week in October and it was lively and busy.

November, you'll be beginning to lose teh warmth, although I guess it hangs around longer in the south than the north