Todd, we can help you better if you include key facts in your inquiry... like WHEN. I clicked on your name & went to 2 other postings in order to find out y ou'll be there in August. MOST crowded time, but u r fortunate to be in Crete, biggest island, more room. I can comment from experience on 2 aspects:
GORGE WALK
As for your idea of hiking the Samaria Gorge in August, my advice is DON'T. Granted, your children (which you don't mention in this query) aren't too small -- 11 y.o. 14, 15? -- but Have u seen pix of Samaria in High Season -- people in a long line, 4 feet apart... you spend 7 hours in baking heat, looking at someone's Back! I suggest instead going to IMBROS GORGE ... much more humane, less crowded (simply because it isn't ballyhooed/promoted by agencies & tours). It has same great views, and in lower parts same thrillng narrow stretches (there's a certain turn where a long-armed NBA player could touch both sides)... but only takes about 3.5 hours - even if you stop midway in shady grove to eat a picnic/snack. TIP: day before going, search out walking-sticks for entire group! (fom local trees, unless u pack foldable ones). It's mainly to help balance, because rocks underfoot range from baseball-size to volleyballs at times. HOW-TO: you drive van thru Imbros village & park it at entrance to gorge. when u emerge at bottome, there's a little kiosk for welcome cold drinks... then you walk about a quarter-mile on road, to a taverna you can see from above. There are taxis or other vehicles (we sat in a pick-up truck) to drive y ou up the rimside road to your van... may cost u €25. NOTE: the end-of-gorge road, has a slopedown t o shore on yr right, steep cliff to left -- and we were gobsmacked by gorge GOATS that climbed up completely vertical cliff face... amazing!
BEACHES
You're right weather, especially wind, can affect beaches.... but that would apply to most beaches in August except sheltered coves on South coast. You picka da month, you getta da wind. However, Falassarna is one of the most beautiful beaches enjoyed in my 13 trips to 25+ islands. There's a bluff looking down at 3-4 beach segments... and Falassarna is perhaps the ONLY beach in Greece that has a "surf" - tho it's not tide-driven; Med/Aegean has no tide. It's just that the wind travels 400 miles over open water from Spain, so, a few waves. The average wind in August is 11 mph, but on certain days can go up to 18 mph. You can easily foreseer conditions days ahead just by using this website - https://beach-weather.com/Southern-Europe/Greece/Crete/averages/Falasarna-Beach/August/ in fact u can use this website to check all proposed beaches.
PS - the ruins on the Falassarna bluffs are open to all 24/7, and are small in size, & fun including side-by-side Roman bathtubs! BTW, a family hotel up there w. STUNNING views, HOtel Petalida, has what's regarded as the BEST seafood restaurant in whole area.. the family (5 siblings now in their 30s) has a fishing boat, & serves the catches of the day. I recommend a night's stay-over, there or nearby for the most memorable sunset you'll experience in Crete.
