Sign in with FacebookKostis Giamboudakis!
Born in Adele village in the prefecture of Rethymno, Kostis Giamboudakis was the "hero" who ignited a fire in the gunpowder storage room of the Arkadi Monastery in November 1866 when the revolution against the Turks.
Stavros Studios Villa And Apartments
Gerani Platanias, Crete Island, Greece
of people enjoy staying here
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More about Crete Island
Photos
Ferry at rest, Sfakia, Crete
Vasilias and Martin, Crete, Greece
Giant Pithoi at Knossos - 1990
Bar Klio
Forum Posts
Place to stay????
Hi All!
I will be comig to Greece for a short trip with my wife in April end May beginning. We have planned of staying at Crete and doing a day trip to Santorini. First of all, how does this sound? We have made up our mind of doing only these two islands this time around. So is it a good idea to stay in Crete and do a day visit to Santorini or the other way round?
Also it would be great if anyone could let us know any tried and tested place to stay in Crete. We would prefer to be in a quiet place, not necessarily in the middle of a town but probably close to a beach. Any help in this regard is highly appreciated.
Thanks once again to all of you.
Happy travelling!
Travellingtechie!
Re: Place to stay????
The daytrip ferry arrives at Santorni around Noon and if you don't take the arranged tour you have to be back at the port for departure around 5:30pm at the very latest. Once you arrive on Santorini you still have to make your way to wherever you've decided to go, which will take at least 30 minutes if you rent a car at the port. Renting a car will take at least 30 minutes. Returning it will take at least 15 minutes and you will have had to stop to refill the gas tank. My point is that much of your time ashore will be used just moving around and taking care of the details. Your time ashore will be better utilized if you take the arranged tour but you might not want to go where it goes. Are you sure you understand what you're getting yourself into? Also, the weather is still unstable in late-April and early-May and that particular ferry bobs in the water like a cork if the sea is rough, so the ferry trip will not be at all pleasant, and if you're prone to seasickness understand that you will still have to make the return trip on the same day. Another aspect of that ferry is that it's completely enclosed so you can't go outside for fresh air if you get seasick. So at least wait until you're on Crete to check the weather before deciding.
Re: Place to stay????
I spent a week in Rethimnon long ago. It's a nice town on the sea.
Re: Place to stay????
Hi
If you wish make a trip to Santorini you sould stay in Crete near port for ex. Heraclion, take a fast boat Hellenic Seaways's catamaran and choice one day or two days wonderful Santorini experience.
My trip was organized by tourist office - the price 92 euro 1 May 2009. They pick up from hotel at 8.00am and drop back at 9.00pm.
Everything about weather and seasick posted above is whole truth.
I would not like to recommend a real hotel.It is to choice lots hotels there.
all the best
Re: Place to stay????
Frankly speaking I dont have any idea about Greece or the Greek islands. I had planned to visit Crete and Santorini out of all the Greek islands based on what I read on the internet. Any suggestions for any of the other islands for a trip which may be relaxing for the mind and the body and easy on the pocket are most welcomed. I have not yet booked any thing on any of the islands. The only thing fixed currently is that I will be arriving in Athens on 29/04 and flying out of Athens on the 3rd of May.
Thanks a ton!
Travellingtechie!
Re: Place to stay????
Creete is around 280 miles long island.
It has lots of beaches and in most cases they are close to happenening places.
Except Falassarna... the farthest corner on the west and probably the most beautiful.
To reach their you need your own conveyance.
The closest places to stay are somewhere near Kissamos.
Otherwise, Rethymno is pretty well places, and in case you have your own car you can drive around and pick up a little secluded spot around the beach.
:) All the best,
Travel Tips for Crete Island
Meltemi - the summer northern wind
During the month of August it seems to be common for the northern wind called the Meltemi to blow. This is a cooling wind but it can be quite strong at times. It certainly churned up the waves around Mochlos from where this photo was taken.
The wind did help to bring a fresher air to the region so it was welcome but if you're trying to go sailing or snorkelling it could affect your plans.
You'll not be able to do anything about it but just be prepared .
Learn a few words of Greek
It is amazing what a small *Kalimera* in the morning does to the faces of Greeks. Also if you know a few other words *Kalispera* and *Kalinichta*.
Try it - contact is much easier within seconds.
Guides and maps
Light bags. Don't do a spincat and travel with a case so heavy you can't lift it off the ground. Walking shoes/boots - commonsense gear; you really do need good boots for gorge walks
A wrap or jersey for cool nights
Plastic sandals - you can get spiked by an 'axhinos' (funny think is I can't remember the English word - must be a first)! - spiny little things that lie in wait on the floor of the sea. If anyone knows a failsafe way of keeping off mossies, please let me know.
I find Tisserand's 'Lavender gel' the most soothing product for sunburn I have alsways found the Rough Guide to Crete (now in its 6th edition) to be really helpful . Good maps for driving and walking are: Map of Western Crete (ISBN 9608189128) and Map of Eastern Crete (ISBN 9608189136 ) - all these available via Amazon. But just for driving from place to place car hire firms normally provide reasonable smaller scale maps.
Two website i've found helpful:
www.explorecrete.com
and
www.interkriti.gr
also, awebsite for walkers to check out :
http://www.peter-thomson.co.uk/crete/contents.html
These include walks around Plakias.
I recommend learning some Greek phrases before travelling - it will be much appreciated and will add to your trip.
The village
We took a walk from the main road up passed the Small Well taverna (Pigadaki) where we came to the proper village. It is a delightful place full of charm, at a T-Junction go down hill and follow the road to the right, we came to a lovely church, the graveyard behind the church is one of the best kept that I have ever seen, even by Greek standards. The place is so tranquil. Also we found 2 pigs wandering free, they came and said hello, even the pigs are friendly there! An old man was picking walnuts and he offered us some they were lovely. If at the T-Junction you go uphill the views from the top are great. Good view of Thodorou Island - now a Kiri-Kiri sanctuary.
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Q: Gouves "With no direct flights from my nearest airport, I am restricted to where I can get to on a package tour. Gouves is available to..."
A: "Hi! Haven't visited Gouves, so I can't really comment, but I've heard good reports. My first solo female trip was to Plakka, near Elounda/Ag Nic, which I thoroughly..."
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