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Where to go / Where to Go
« on: May 25, 2003, 12:17:53 PM »
This is my first posting on the site - hi everybody!
I thought I'd add a few more suggestions of places to go, but before that I have to say that Plakias is the best I've seen on our travels - I wouldn't stay anywhere else!
Last time we went to Plakias (October 2002) we hired a car for a few days and did a 2-day tour of the west of the island. The main purpose was to visit a couple of the beaches out that way - Elafonisi and Falassarna.
Elafonisi (far south west coast) was really something, with its offshore island - white sand, turquoise waters - you have to wade through thigh-deep water to get to the island, which has sand dunes and a series of little coves with white beaches. My top tip is to get there early though - we took the First Choice rep's recommendation and got down there for 8 am - we were the only ones there for several hours. After about 11 am it starts to get busy with coach parties and then you lose the atmosphere of the place. Getting up early and holidays don't always go together, but for this it's worth it.
Falassarna was also good - a bigger beach with lots of waves, and again white sand and turquoise waters. The drive along the west coast is fun, but maybe not for the faint-hearted! You can come back a different way, through an impressive inland valley. At one point there's an impressive cave set above the road, which is worth a look.
Hania is a beautiful place. The harbour is really charming, and it's fun to explore the winding back streets, which have some amazing, atmospheric architecture and some interesting shops selling great souvenirs. I wouldn't mind staying here for a night next time.
I agree with George, Phaestos is better than Knossos. It's in a more impressive setting and is less busy. Gortyn, near Phaestos, is a Roman ruin (I think) which is also quite interesting.
We've walked both the Samaria and the Imbros gorges. The Samaria gorge is really hard work - I thought I was quite fit but it's amazing how knackering walking 10 miles downhill can be! It is very impressive but also very busy. Take lots of water, food, suncream and a hat - the last few miles involve walking straight into the sun! The Imbros gorge is much more manageable, and quieter.
I think that's about it from me. But I do have a request from other readers: has anyone been to Paleohora, or the east coast? I'd be interested to know 'cause we're thinking of visiting there next time (whenever that may be - hopefully not too long).
Thanks,
Beanie.
I thought I'd add a few more suggestions of places to go, but before that I have to say that Plakias is the best I've seen on our travels - I wouldn't stay anywhere else!
Last time we went to Plakias (October 2002) we hired a car for a few days and did a 2-day tour of the west of the island. The main purpose was to visit a couple of the beaches out that way - Elafonisi and Falassarna.
Elafonisi (far south west coast) was really something, with its offshore island - white sand, turquoise waters - you have to wade through thigh-deep water to get to the island, which has sand dunes and a series of little coves with white beaches. My top tip is to get there early though - we took the First Choice rep's recommendation and got down there for 8 am - we were the only ones there for several hours. After about 11 am it starts to get busy with coach parties and then you lose the atmosphere of the place. Getting up early and holidays don't always go together, but for this it's worth it.
Falassarna was also good - a bigger beach with lots of waves, and again white sand and turquoise waters. The drive along the west coast is fun, but maybe not for the faint-hearted! You can come back a different way, through an impressive inland valley. At one point there's an impressive cave set above the road, which is worth a look.
Hania is a beautiful place. The harbour is really charming, and it's fun to explore the winding back streets, which have some amazing, atmospheric architecture and some interesting shops selling great souvenirs. I wouldn't mind staying here for a night next time.
I agree with George, Phaestos is better than Knossos. It's in a more impressive setting and is less busy. Gortyn, near Phaestos, is a Roman ruin (I think) which is also quite interesting.
We've walked both the Samaria and the Imbros gorges. The Samaria gorge is really hard work - I thought I was quite fit but it's amazing how knackering walking 10 miles downhill can be! It is very impressive but also very busy. Take lots of water, food, suncream and a hat - the last few miles involve walking straight into the sun! The Imbros gorge is much more manageable, and quieter.
I think that's about it from me. But I do have a request from other readers: has anyone been to Paleohora, or the east coast? I'd be interested to know 'cause we're thinking of visiting there next time (whenever that may be - hopefully not too long).
Thanks,
Beanie.