We have booked a plane to Crete for 11 days in June 2025. I was planning on flying into Chania and seeing the north part of the island heading west and then the south west part of the island and then north again to Rethymno. A circle. We can go to the Palace of Knossos and fly out of Heraklion next to fly home or skip the palace and head home via the Chania airport. I would like to know what people thought of the palace as we have been to Greece several times and seen a lot of Greek ruins, museums monasteries, also in Sicily. We plan to go to beaches, restaurants, visit towns and do some hiking in Crete. Thanks for your feedback.
Posted by
1105 posts
I thought Knossos was underwhelming. I have seen many ruins also, as have you. Perhaps if you have a guide to tell you stories it may be better. Your past visits to ruins may leave you disappointed with this one.
Luckily we arrived on a day with free entrance.
Posted by
Oregon
270 posts
Knossos has very little signage in the ruins. Having a guide is best. The Archeological Museum in Heraklion is very good for the interpretation of the finds and the Minoan civilization. The Akrotiri ruins on Santorini has better interpretive signage of the finds and Minoan culture.
The Minoans predate the ancient Greeks by almost as much as the ancient Greeks predate us. Their society was peaceful and influenced by the ancient Egyptians. There are lots of jewelry and fresco finds. Whereas, the Mycenaean civilization which overthrew them, was militaristic; hence the thick walls of Mycenae.
I think if you've seen one or the other, you'll have had your fill of ruins.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1455 posts
Are you renting a car? An interesting circle route for west Crete would be Chania (no car needed for the first couple of days) as you explore Chania old town and harbour.
When you leave Chania you can go west to Elafonissi beach. The Balos and Gramvossa. excursion is pretty spectacular. This excursion is done by boat from Kissamos and provides 2 good beaches, a pirate fortress and a shipwreck. For the circle tour you can head south to the small village of Sougia. Great beach on the other side of the dry river plus some some caves and rock jumping into the sea.
There is a ferry that will take you along the south coast to Agia Roumeli where you can do the famous Sameria gorge from the bottom end then take a second ferry to Chora Skafion. From there you can drive along the coast to the village of Plakias nestled at the base of the mountains. A great beach there. You can also visit Preveli and the famous palm beach nearby.
From Plakias its a 45 minute drive to Rethymnon.
Many people do not like Knossos because it has been partially reconstructed with guesswork. Neverthe less I enjoyed our visit. It is best to arrive at opening or a couple of hours before closing to avoid the crowds.
For fun here are a few images of our trip
/Gramovossia,Balos and Elafonissi https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157698932695812
Chania Sougia and Plakias 2019
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157711266062752
Ferry trip Libyan Sea
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157653434073393
Samaria Gorge from the bottom
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157670610409530
Posted by
OP
Farmingville, USA
42 posts
Thanks for the great tips! I appreciate your input!