We will be spending 3 nights in southwest/south central Crete as part of an 11 -night itinerary. Other bases are Hania and Herkalion. We would like to see Phaistos/Gordys while we are there, and explore some of the beaches. Which of the villages is most charming? Hotel suggestions? We will have a rental car. I thought The Palazzo Greco in Agia Galini looked like a nice place to stay - comments?
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
Plakias is more centrally located compared to Agia Galina and Matala since you’re also going to Chania and Heraklion. Furthermore, Agia Galini is a one-hour drive from Plakias and Matala is 1h 30m making them both good day trip options.
Posted by
OP
37 posts
Any special hotels in Plakias that one would recommend?
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
Posted by
OP
37 posts
Thank you for your suggestion - I will research this hotel further.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1373 posts
We have done this tip in the past. You are going to see some amazing sites.
Here is Chania
Chania https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632117917828
From Chania drive to Rethymnon and then head south to Plakias. Its a nice village with an amazing beach over a kilometre long.
There are several other beaches in the area as well and mountain villages in the area. We always stay at Geo Ma. It is a nice hotel and all studios have ocean view.
Here is what you can expect.
Plakias https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157665045541263
From Plakias drive along the coast of the Libyan Sea. I would spend the night in Matala.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157687857502721
From Matala head north to Heraklion. On the way visit Gortyn/Gortyz there is a whole Roman buried city in the olive groves. This is an amazing site. Bring water as there are no services and expect to spend 2 to 4 hours exploring this expansive site.
Gortyz https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157666456665788
Phastos is nearby and you can do both in a day.
Find a hotel in Central Heraklion. Its a very busy city but the old town and Venetian harbour area are fun to visit.
Castello Heraklion https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157686964935102
Heraklion https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157655935354556
Frankly I think you might want to add a day or two to the South coast. Three days for all this will be the absolute minimum to visit this area.
Posted by
11156 posts
We enjoyed spending a few days in Loutro and at the villages near Chora Skafion.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1373 posts
I forgot. For a good hotel in Plakias check out Geo Ma it is a hotel plus a popular taverna. We have stayed there several times.
Posted by
OP
37 posts
Thank you all for these helpful suggestions.