Island hopping in September. Staying in Crete 3 nights. We are part of the "older" generation and are more sightseers than beach goers. Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos?
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
We stayed in Chania but were there in October. Everything was open and there was lots to do. Chania is a beautiful town and a great place to base yourself to explore the western part of the island.
I'm sure Sept. will be even better.
Are you only on the island for 3 nights? Crete deserves weeks to fully experience and 3 nights will only be a tease.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
We’re going in late Sept., but will have 2 weeks. We’re still putting the trip together, but are flying into Heraklion and out of Hania at the end. Not yet having been there, but with just 3 nights I’d make the ancient Minoan site at Knossos, just outside Heraklion, the priority. There’s also (I understand) an outstanding Archaeological museum in Heraklion with artifacts from Knossos, and also a very good History museum in the city that will cover the time after the Minoans, and through the Venetians and World War II.
We’re probably staying down on the southern coast for a few nights after Heraklion, then finishing in Hania, which has better access to the Samaria gorge. If you’re not planning on doing that 11-mile hike, though, and if you’ve got just the 3 nights, Heraklion might give you the best sightseeing opportunities.
Posted by
11569 posts
If you only have three nights for this wonderful, large island, stay in historic Chania! Charming and historic, one of Greece’s most beautiful small cities. Heraklion- see Knossos and Acheological museum and leave for Chania! Do not stay there. We spent two weeks in Chania during late September, early October, and will return.
Posted by
316 posts
We stayed in Rethymno and took the bus to Chania for the day. It was one hour ride each way .They are close so you could stay in one and spend a day in the other. Heraklion I believe was about 1.5 hours from Rethymno.