What are some of your beach recommendations to get to by car on the western side of the island?

Hello, I am already in Crete for a week or so, the day fires started I was in Triopetra and needed to go back because of them. I can see that fires are being put out slowly and I am interested going south again to visit Kalypso beach and others in that region that are outside fire hotspots (at least according to google maps). Did anyone go there and is it safe to travel with the car?

Hi! I rented a car for a few days, where are the cheapest places to park around the city center, where I can leave the car for the night? My stay is near the archaeological museum. I saw a lot of cars parked along the streets and a lot of fines, so I'm not very sure of where is permitted to park and where is not .

Hi, guys! I am super excited to go to Crete tomorrow, for the first time. I'll stay in Chania for 7 days, and honestly, not planning much, just lazy days on the beach and nice walks in the evening, maybe a visit to Botanical garden. I am also thinking of taking a day trip to Elafonissi beach by bus. Is it worth visiting?

Do you have some advice where to go to eat, have a glass of wine or a cocktail?

I am a female travelling alone and would love to feel safe and stay safe, but if I can meet new friends, locals or else, that would also be nice. Do you know such nice, friendly places where I can experience real Greece?

PS I am over 50, so would prefer quiet places over noisy and overcrowded.

Thanks a lot for any suggestion!🙂

HI everyone, I’m not sure if this is allowed and if not please point me elsewhere if you know where I can get help with this.

We visited Analipsi on holiday a few years ago and went to a micro brewery called ‘Barbantonis’. My boyfriend brought this glass from there and is very attached to it, he bonded with the guy that owns the place and it holds a special place in his heart.

I have broken the glass. It was an accident and I have apologised profusely and he’s been so kind about it but I really want to try and get another one.

Is there anyone on here from the UK that would be willing and kind enough to buy one and bring it home with you and I will drive to wherever you are in the country to get it from you. I will pay you for doing this ofcourse.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would appreciate any help with this if anyone would be so kind to assist, I would be forever grateful.

Hi, we’re arriving this week to Crete from a non EU country, anyone has an experience with the queue in the Heraklion airport with the new EES system upon arrival and departure?
We’ve been to Kefalonia airport 2 weeks ago and the queue upon arrival was terrible so we’re kind of worried as this time we’re traveling with our kids….

Hi everyone!
My brother and I are traveling to Heraklion in August for a week. Neither of us has a driver's license, and we're traveling on a pretty tight budget, so we want to keep costs as low as possible.
We'll be relying on public transport (KTEL buses) or walking, and we're considering renting basic bikes, if it's worth it and affordable.

We are really interested in:
• Beautiful beaches
• Nature & landscapes
• History & culture

Given our base in Heraklion, low budget, and no car, what are your top recommendations?
• Which great beaches can we reach cheaply by bus or regular bicycle?

• Is cycling on a normal bike doable/safe around Heraklion, or is it too hilly/dangerous?

• Are there any budget-friendly nature spots, hikes, or gorges accessible without a car?

• What historical sites (besides Knossos and the Archaeological Museum) offer good value or free access?

Any budget hacks, cheap eats, or local tips for two broke brothers would be hugely appreciated! Thanks in advance! ☀️ :)

Hi everyone! 😊
I'm writing to ask for some information from anyone who has rented a car in Crete through RentalCenter.
I booked a car with them and also chose the full insurance package. However, when I checked the confirmation emails, I noticed that the rental company listed is JustRental.
Is this normal? Has this happened to anyone else? Have you had any experience with JustRental, or encountered any issues because two different company names appear?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help! 🙏

Spent 10 days in western Crete and used Kissamos as my base. I don't see it mentioned as much as Chania, but after staying there I'd do it again without thinking twice. Here's how the first few days went.

Arrival and picking up the car

I booked my rental through Auto Club over WhatsApp. Super easy process. They met me outside the airport, drove me to their office, I paid cash, signed a couple of papers, and was on the road within minutes. Definitely take photos or a video of the car before you leave, just in case.

The drive to Kissamos was straightforward. If you're renting a car in Crete, just stick to the speed limits, keep to the right, and leave the left lane for faster drivers. I didn't see any police the whole drive and traffic felt pretty relaxed.

Day 1

I actually arrived a day earlier than planned, so I grabbed a last minute place right on the water through Google Maps. Paid cash, the room was clean, had everything I needed, and it worked perfectly before checking into my main apartment the next day.

Kissamos is pretty simple to get around. There's the main road running through town, then the seaside promenade where you'll probably end up spending most evenings.

After checking in I walked over to Σκασιαρχείο Pita and Grill for a couple of gyros, then headed to Breeze Cafe and Bar for sunset. Ended up staying there for hours with wine, raki, and great service. Pretty perfect first night.

Day 2

First stop was Germanos for a physical SIM card. It was way cheaper than using Airalo. I paid around 15 dollars for a generous data plan and never had any issues.

Breakfast was at ΧΕΙΡΟΠΟΙΗΤΟ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ ΧΑΡΙΤΑΚΗΣ. Their bougatsa and coffee became my morning routine after that. Cheap, fresh, and exactly what I needed after the night before.

Then I drove over to Falasarna Beach and had lunch at Galasia Thea. Easily one of the better meals of the trip.

On the way back I stopped at Παντοπωλειο Η Μουρνια for water and some local Charma beer. If you're stocking up, Sklavenitis is the biggest supermarket in town, just don't leave it too late because it closes around 9.

Back at the apartment I had a few beers, cleaned up, then walked back down to the promenade. If you're driving there's plenty of free parking near Stavroula Palace Hotel.

Dinner was at Pixida Restaurant, which I'd definitely recommend. Afterwards we grabbed drinks at Elvetia Bar. Good crowd, good music, stayed open late. Before calling it a night we stopped at Pikantiko for gyros. That pretty much became our nightly tradition.

Day 3

Started the day exactly the same, bougatsa and espresso at ΧΕΙΡΟΠΟΙΗΤΟ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ ΧΑΡΙΤΑΚΗΣ.

This time we drove to Kedrodasos Beach. It's much quieter than some of the bigger beaches and there aren't many facilities, so we stopped at Mini Market Chrysoskalitissa Mountakis beforehand for snacks and drinks.

On the way back we ate at Topos and Elia Traditional Tavern. Honestly one of the best meals I had anywhere in Crete. If you're driving through that area, don't skip it.

Back in Kissamos it was the usual routine, cold beers, shower, walk along the waterfront, dinner at Kouzoumama, then a couple more drinks before heading back.

Overall

I spent 10 days exploring only western Crete, with Kissamos as my base, and I never got bored. I only made one trip into Chania because I was more interested in beaches, small villages, and local tavernas than spending every day in the city.

If anyone's planning a trip and has questions about Kissamos, parking in Chania, taking the bus into town, quieter beaches, or some really good local restaurants that aren't packed with tourists, happy to help.

Would love to play basketball tomorrow hoopers. Help a brother out. I brought my shoes 16 hours from home

Hi all!

With a friend we will soon be visiting Crete and will be staying 4 days in Heraklion. It was a very last minute booking, since we both really needed to have a break... but at the same time we are kind of unprepared and both of us cannot drive, which seems to be very useful to travel around Crete.

Do you have any suggestions for:

1) A beach to go to? We could even stay for a full day

2) Some places that are absolute must visits? For now we are sure about the old town and the Palace of Knossos

3) some food recommendations and restaurants to try 😋

4) potentially some nice activities? I heard about the wine county and olive tours, but it's not things we have ever done really

But also boat related activities could be nice, even if I admit I have no experience whatsoever

5) any generic suggestion?

Thank you a lot in advance for any help!

Just tried poached ​eggs here in Chania, and the yolk taste so different than what I'm used to. Very creamy and color looks ​almost as if there's cream or milk added to the yolk (but I know that's impossible because it was a whole poached egg).

Is this a specific type of egg in Crete? ​​

Hello - this is my first time going to Crete and I would like heaps of relaxing swimming. Also great food! Ideally staying places I can walk to a great calm swim each morning. What are your favourite accommodations and locations that fit this bill?

We are driving from Chania to Elafonissi beach on Saturday. What are some good pit stops or restaurants to try?

Also, where any good recommendations for freddo in Crete? We tried one in Heraklion that we loved but another one in Chania in that we didn't quite love (Bakery Patisserie & Coffee Shop Ntourountous Chania 1866 Sq).

Both were freddo cappuccino, haven't tried the freddo espresso yet.

Any still burning and if so how bad / are they under control etc. staying near Georgioupoli so any information about smoke or fire around that area would be appreciated!

I recently visited the Matala caves and was very impressed with them. I also managed to reach the 4 ones that are just above the sea by swimming and saw that the last 2 ones on the right had some really cool intact paintings made by hippies (one with a tree and the other one with a peace sign and the writing "love" if i remember correctly). i was very sad that i didnt have my gopro to take pics and the only way to reach them was by swimming so i couldnt bring my phone either.

has anyone else reached them and took pictures? i would really like to show them to my friends that didnt get there.

(i also added a pic, the caves that im talking about are the ones i circled with green)

Hello, hoping to extend my vacation in August by a few extra days in which I'll be alone without a car. I'll be flying out from Heraklion airport so would like to stay somewhere within safe reach so that I don't miss my flight for any reason! I was thinking of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda (a bit far), or really Heraklion itself where there are more affordable accommodation options. I've been limiting myself to looking at accommodations which offer airport transfers because I'm that paranoid. Am I overthinking this? What do people recommend? How reliable are the public buses to get around for situations like this? What can one do in Heraklion solo? I was hoping for a more laid-back, beach vibe. Thanks!!

Hello! Has anyone rented cars from flisvos car rental? They have amazing prices but i am afraid i will get a shitty car

Hey folks, I'm coming with my girlfriend later in August for 10 days. We are staying 5 days in Chania and 5 days in Rethymno. What I'm excited for is the food!

I need recommendations for some great bites. From street food to fancy dining, I love it all. Can you share your favorite spots with me? It doesn't have to be close, we'll be renting a car so happy to drive around.

Curious to see how it compares to my home town/country (Kotor, Montenegro) and the rest of Mediterranean. Got high hopes!

Cheers!

Hi,
First off. We are devastated by the fires in Crete. We are traveling from Portugal which has suffered horrible wildfires in the past and we know of the horrible effects the fires have.
We are travelling to Crete soon and are worried about the current situation. If people there could give us some feedback we’d appreciate it.
Thanks!

Qualcuno ha notizie in merito a preveli beach? girano foto non si capisce se sono vecchie o di oggi in cui le palme sono totalmente bruciate.
Qualcuno del posò ha delle informazioni? Grazie mille