We will be going to Chania at the very beginning of July. There is a group of 10 of us from 11 years old up to 84. We would like to do a couple of day trips close to Chania, one to Elafonisi beach and one to Nostos.
My husband and brother in law have both looked into hiring a driver with a van that we could all fit in. That way everyone can enjoy the view and not stress about driving.
Has anyone done this, and if so do you recommend any specific company? The thought of caravaning cars with all of us or one person driving a large van (that isn't used to the van or the roads) seems less fun to me. Riding on a bus seems like it would take away the opportunities to stop along the way at interesting sights.
Thanks!
Posted by
312 posts
For your day trip to Elafonissi Beach hire a driver. It is over a hour ride from Chania. Most tours that go there only spend about 2/3 hours tops at the beach. A hired driver means you plan the itinerary and you determine how long to stay at the beach. We were staying in Rethymno, 2.5 hour drive from the beach. My children hired a private driver for me and my husband for the day to take us to Elafonissi Beach. It was my 60th Birthday present from my children. It was expensive, but well worth it. We saw a few sights along the way. We arrived at the beach around 11am and stayed until 4:30pm. The beach is fantastic. The water is on both sides of the beach. It is only waist deep going out a mile. Crystal clear blue water. Plenty of chairs with umbrellas to rent. 8 euros for 2 chairs with umbrella. There are snack bars for drinks, hamburgers/ hot dogs, cookies etc. There is a stand that sells fresh cooked food by the parking lot. Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of the driver. I do know he owned the company and did many airport/hotel runs etc. I have a phone number in my phone under driver. This may be his cellphone number as I had to call him when we were ready to leave the beach. I'm not 100% sure this is his number, but ....If you are willing to try it it may be his. He speaks English. If you want it please pm me as I do not want to put someones phone number on a public board. Otherwise, look on Trip Adviser i'm sure you can find a driver for the day with good reviews. Also, we went the end of September, In July, it will be crazy busy
Posted by
Crete
91 posts
An advantage of having a minibus driver is that they can put together a really good day for you, for instance to go to Elafonisi via Topolia gorge & the wonderful Agia Sofia church in a cave, maybe Chrisoskalitsa monastery, but also often the driver will know some small out of the way villages, a great café, etc. & they will usually act as a guide, giving you more insight into the history & culture of Crete. They may take you to see their family's original village, for instance. If you get to Elafonisi, please don't stay where the sunbeds are, but do walk/wade across the lagoon & into the sand dune area, this is where the pink sand is found.
By Nostsos, do you mean the Manousakis winery? if so, it is a very pretty place, run by a lovely family, of interest even to those who don't drink. Nearby is a super little Byzantine church & several pretty small villages, This trip would only take a couple of hours, you may want to look at going up towards the Omalos plateau,&/or to the Botanic park. A good taxi firm will have this conversation!
I can suggest 1 company, although I don't know the size of their minibus taxi - a very nice man called Kostas runs taxi4crete, if they can't help they may suggest another firm.
The cost would probably work out the same or cheaper than 2 cars or 3 taxis.
Posted by
OP
PNW
138 posts
Thank you both so much for replying and for your suggestions!