Crete-must do's

For me it would be gorge Samaria, the largest canyon in Europe.

Elaine Rethymnon, which is an hour from Chania by bus, is a nice little town and worth a visit. In Chania itself a couple of restaurants that we enjoyed are The Well of the Turk and Tanam http://www.welloftheturk.com/ http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g189415-d1104362-Reviews-Tamam-Chania_Town_Chania_Prefecture_Crete.html Have a great trip Alan

It really depends on how long you are in Crete. Chania is beautiful & I love the Archaeological and Maritime Museums there. I feel like Rethymnon is a mini Chania in many ways. Like the Folk Museum there. Most times I'm a big fan of taking public transport, but Crete is not one of those places that I do it. Truthfully, you can get to almost any sight via bus, but personally I do not like huffing it next to a busy freeway to some of the bus stops. And getting to some of the nice beaches can be a drag that way. Falassarna's endless beach, Elafonissi's pink sand beach, Balos, and Frangokastello. Car rental is pretty cheap there. I go through Anna Cars. But another alternative is to book a day tour to some of the farther out sights like Knosos or Arkadi Monastery. You can also look into the tourist "trains" which go to nearby areas.

It's not cheap but probably worth it to rent a car. Depends on how long you're staying, but I'd definitely suggest Samaria Gorge, Gramvousa, Sfakia/Frangokastello, Rethymno and Matala.

Alan is right, definitely recommend Well of the Turk and Tamam. Also Kariatis for steaks or pasta and Myrovolos for Greek food and live music. Just don't bother with most of the restaurants right on Chania harbor since they're overpriced and the food is mediocre.

Thanks everyone! I can't wait!

About CHANIA restaurants yes most of the harborside restaurants are overpriced & mediocre food... avoid. Tamam is fine, AND well-priced. Another one nearby, on same lane is Enetikon (much frequented by French, so you KNOw it's good food & value). As far as the Old harbor goes... do go out along water for a Sunset sit & glass of wine right by the water. Then if you want a really good FISH dinner at a decent price keep walking to the very Far end of the Harbor (North?), past where the causeway goes out, and about 100 yards past, to Apostolis II, facing the water. Not fancy, but great, we had mussels, and artichokes in broth, to die for. Not a tourist trap!

About CHANIA restaurants yes most of the harborside restaurants are overpriced & mediocre food... avoid. Tamam is fine, AND well-priced. Another one nearby, on same lane is Enetikon (much frequented by French, so you KNOw it's good food & value). As far as the Old harbor goes... do go out along water for a Sunset sit & glass of wine right by the water. Then if you want a really good FISH dinner at a decent price keep walking to the very Far end of the Harbor (North?), past where the causeway goes out, and about 100 yards past, to Apostolis II, facing the water. Not fancy, but great, we had mussels, and artichokes in broth, to die for. Not a tourist trap!