Crete hotel

Which city in Crete?

We arrive by plane in Heraklion on April 18. We probably don't want to stay right in Heraklion. Looking for a nice little place near a beach if possible. Want to definitely see the palace and museum. Open to other sites. thanks!

Terry, there's a place that's recommended often by a UK friend of mine, GB, who's a "Crete vet" .. Mike's Places in Anissaris http://www.mikesbeach.gr/ According to GB, it's just 20 KM east of the airport & served by regular bus. and if you rent car on airport, it's only a 20-minute drive from Knossos, or from Heraklion to see the museum. this is a little beach village, almost too small to show on a map, between Gouves and Hernissos ... small apt. hotel is right on the sands. Just the kind of thing that Rick Steves would tout as "off the beaten path" but don't tell him!!! or all the Rick-followers will stampede there, LOL.

Thank you Janet! I will contact them...and not tell a soul :) Looks like a lovely place! Terry

i stayed at this place in the past it's pretty good. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g670533-d1217381-Reviews-Georgia_Hotel-Amoudara_Crete.html it's really close to the beach and there is a swimming pool in the back. it's on the bus line about 10 min ride to iraklio. you can take a bus outside of the airport to the hotel, or taxi ride is not expensive. overall i think if you stay in town it's very easy to get around with a lot of shopping and restaurants, but no easy access to good sandy beach, this place is nice with beach and there is a little shop nearby to buy food/wine, but not much shopping very close. it's great if you have a car, plenty places to park around.

Thanks so much! I'm checking it out! We are most interested in seeing the Palace and archeological/historical sites and the museum. Then want to see other sites on the island before taking a ferry to Santorini. We are thinking a big slower ferry sounds better than the fast seasick expensive ones...right? Do many of the hotels offer breakfast? Thanks again!

the one i gave you has pretty good breakfast. i didn't use any guide on the island, just read about the sites before i went and use buses. most sites are not very big so you can walk around and see everything pretty closely. if you take the boat to santorini you can taxi from the hotel is not expensive. the distance is short, and if you get a calm ride the sea is beautiful.