Crete summer vacations

Hi Parouk
You should definitely hire a car if you want to visit the interior and south coast as the buses are far between. Along the north coast there are frequent buses, but a car gives you more freedom. Road conditions are varied from short stretches of motorway to unsurfaced roads. The island is mountainous which makes driving more difficult and definitely slower. Also calculate that there is so much to see so do make a relaxed program. Nice places outside the tourist resorts are on the East coast Kato Zakros and Xirokambos (small villages by the seq, you can swim and hike and there are some archaelogical sites nearby, spectacular scenery). Keratokampos is another seaside village south of Heraklion, again spectacular scenery and good beaches. Paleochora and Sougia south of Chania are bigger places, but mostly with Greek tourists. Great swimming, hiking. From there you reach Omalos and hike the Samaria gorge (15 km). There are places to stay in all these places and if you avoid the weekends especially in August you shouldn't have a problem finding rooms. Int the inland don't miss the Lassithi plateau (east of Heraklion), the Omalos plateau with the Samaria gorge and even if you don't want to hike the gorge the scenery is fantastic. All cities on the island have their own charm, but Chania is the most beuatiful. Heraklion is biggest and have a fantastic vitality with lot's of clubs and bars on the waterfront. For car hire I can recommend Kosmos (search on the web) but there are many around. August is the high season here when the island is crowed so then I should plan ahead and at least make sure I arrive early to find a room, and probably book the car ahead.
And if you are the least interested in archaeology do visit one of the Minoan palaces, Knossos outside Heraklion is the most known but there is also one in Kato Zakros and in Festos (south of Heraklion) which are well worth visiting. Reply to this

Hello there!!

I couldn't agree more with greek gal !! Crete has so many beautiful places to see!My personal favorite is the greater area of Chania but there are also many other places that worth a visit!Now, about the car, I strongly believe you need to hire one.You could have a look at RentacarEasy.com I was quite satisfied of both services and prices they offered. Hope this helps!I m sure you ll have a great time!! Reply to this

It's a huge island with bags of character, we know you'll just love holidays in Crete. It's got everything from gorgeous sands to pebble coves and dramatic cliffs. It's steeped in legend, soaked in sunshine, and littered with little villages, romantic retreats and perfect places to party. And its long, long summers promise sunshine whenever you've got a week to spare. So whether you're planning well ahead or looking for last minute holidays, in Crete there'll always be something to suit your style and budget.

And that's just for starters … Once you're there you'll find watersports galore from lively beaches, and peaceful bays for snoozing in the sun. There's fast food, fine food and fresh fish dishes in a feast of bars, restaurants and traditional tavernas. And summer holidays in Crete can be as lively or leisurely as you like. Walkers will love the wild and rugged Samaria Gorge – a sturdy hike from the hills to the sea. Shoppers are spoilt for choice for stunning jewellery, leather bags, boots and belts, and arty studio ceramics. And if sightseeing is more your thing, you won't beat the island home of the Minotaur for Roman ruins, Minoan palaces and beautiful Byzantine churches.

you can see here to rent a car ...

i hope to help you Reply to this