Hello,
We are going to be driving (renting a car) from Chania to Heraklion in April 2025 (April 27th to be exact). The idea we have is to start early from Chania, lunch at Rethimno, and reach Heraklion around 3/4. We plan on visiting the Knossos Palace or the Archeological Museum after reaching Heraklion.
Does anyone have any suggestions for places to visit or not to miss along the route?
One place we are considering is Festos. Its not really along the way. But is it worth seeing it?
Any restaurant/cafe recommendations in Rethimno and along the route for lunch and snacks?
Thanks!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
You’ll find (or have already found) that English spellings of Greek/Crete place names can vary. I’ve taken to using Hania and Iraklio for the two big cities, and some sources say Phaistos, rather than Festos. Third or fourth variations can come up, too.
Having said all that, Festos is definitely worth seeing. Some of the ruins are under big metal overhangs for protection, and others are out in the open. It’s not a guesswork reconstruction like parts of Knossos, so it’s completely authentic, and different from other archaeological sights we saw on Crete. Signage was fairly good when we were there in 2019. We stayed in nearby Pitsidia, which is very near a popular beach, although in the fall, we didn’t go to that. Trying to squeeze it in on a drive between Hania and Iraklio, with Rethymno in there, too, would be too rushed for me. If April 27, 2025 is your only shot at getting to Festos, but with farther to go and more to see as well, I’d say it would be too much. If you have at least one extra day, Festos would be a key visit.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1997 posts
The Aptera Archaeological site overlooking the ocean— has ruins going past the Roman and Greek structures seen here, all the way back to the Minoan civilization. Aptera is just 9 miles east of Chania on the road to Rythymno. Aptera was one of the most important city-states of the ancient world.
Posted by
OP
MA, USA
12 posts
Thank you Kenko for suggesting Aptera! I will look into it.
Thank you Cyn for the great info on Phaistos (i will use this version as I couldn't find Festos on google maps)! It definitely seems like a place to visit. We are going to be in Iraklio on April 28th and catch a flight to Athens on the same day at 6.30pm. Do you think we can do the Archaeological Museum of Iraklio and Phaistos on that day before leaving for the airport at around 4.30pm (assuming that gives us sufficient time at the airport)?