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Travel Crete Solo
Q&A for a 10 Day Trip

Travel Crete Solo - a question from Carol of Sydney, Australia.

I am a water lover heading to Crete from Athens for 10 days in late September. I will be travelling solo in the beginning and end and will have a companion for four days in the middle. I am mainly interested in swimming in clear waters and relaxing, local style.

Which locations will be best to base myself in, I am thinking two spots (three max)? I will not have a car and will rely on local buses.

Thank you kindly, C

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Yiasas Carol, its Katia here from the 'We Love Crete' team. I travelled Crete solo by bus for 10 days from the very western tip at Elafonisi Beach to the eastern tip at Vai Beach. I did this easily and without any problems as a woman alone, in late September and early October. Because I grew up in Australia, I swam at these times, and the water was wonderful. In fact I was swimming until November. It is just that the locals don’t tend to swim at these times.

September is a great time of year to travel as there are fewer tourists and things are quieter. The weather is still warm and most cafes, tavernas and beachside businesses are still open. This is the time of the grape harvest and wine-making, also drying grapes for sultanas. So if you get time to visit a winery, you might see some activity.

You will benefit from arriving in the west at Chania airport and departing from the centre of the island at Heraklion airport. If that is not your booking, just amend your travels to suit your arrival and departure points.

Ensure you arrive into Chania airport with at least half a day to travel by bus to a beach. If you are arriving late at night, you might want to stay in the town of Chania, which is very atmospheric, ensure you stay within the walls of the old town and enjoy the history and the old harbour. Pension Eva is a good, inexpensive choice.

Take the bus to Kastelli Kissamos town, this will be your first base and from here you can visit the local beaches of Kissamos as well as Balos Lagoon, Falasarna Beach and Elafonisi Beach.

Then take the bus back to Chania, swap and take the bus to Rethymnon town, perhaps exploring the town whilst your luggage is left at the bus station. Then you can choose to base yourself at a beach in Rethymnon, perhaps Plakias, on the south coast, or Panormos on the north coast. From both you can explore nearby beaches.

Next, take the bus to Heraklion and visit Knossos Palace ancient site. You will kick yourself if you miss it, it is the major important historic site on the island. If your friend has arrived – get them to arrive into Heraklion – you can see it together. Perhaps take a night in Heraklion. Then get on the bus and get over the eastern side of the island, arriving into Agios Nikolaos, either take a rest night here or keep going on the bus to Istron or Pachia Ammos, 20-22 km east of town.

You can relax here for many days and see the nearby beaches of Tholos and Mochlos, also Elounda and Spinalonga Island. Agios Nikolaos is a modern town and very nice. Your friend could then head back to Heraklion.

If you want, stop here, or if you want to see the very special palm forest on the beach at Vai, take the bus to Sitia and onwards to Vai. There is no development at Vai Beach so you will need to find accommodation in Sitia or Palekastro. There is a beach near Palekastro named Kouremenos, it gets really windy, it is good for windsurfing. When I went, I stayed in Sitia and took the bus to Vai Beach for the day. Spectacular.

We have summarised our suggestions in an itinerary below – of course you can change it as you need – and of course there are many, many interesting places and activities in each area, but we have focussed on beaches for you.

Late September is the end of the season, so it is ideal to bargain at any small hotel with the owner (politely of course) for a reduction on the asking price. In this way I was able to save a lot. I have included budget accommodation in most places, however there are mid-range and luxury options available in each location. We have included links about all the places below and Athens info too. If there is a special accommodation place that you really want to experience, it is best to book ahead.

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Travel Crete Solo
A Personal Itinerary

Travel Crete Solo - a 10 day itinerary visiting beaches with three different locations to stay, and all travel by local bus.

Day One
Arrive Chania
Bus to Chania town
Stay in old town
Or bus to Kastelli-Kissamos town 40 km
Stay Delfini Hotel Apartments on Mavros Molos Beach
Enjoy local beaches

Day Two
Bus to Elafonisi Beach for the day
Stay Delfini Hotel Apartments on Mavros Molos Beach

Day Three
Boat to Balos Lagoon for half day
Bus to Falasarna Beach for the half day
Stay Delfini Hotel Apartments on Mavros Molos Beach

Day Four
Bus to Chania town
Explore town (leave luggage at bus station)
Bus to Rethymnon town
Explore town (leave luggage at bus station)
Bus to beach (Plakias or Panormos)
Or stay in Rethymnon town
In Plakias stay at Artemis Studios
In Panormos stay at Captains House Traditional Suites
In Rethymnon stay at Afroditi Hotel

Day Five
At the beach

Day Six
Bus to Heraklion, arrive at the regional bus station by the port
Walk to 25 August Street in centre of town (less than 1 km)
Take local bus to Knossos (5 km)
Visit Knossos Palace site
Take bus back to centre of town
Walk back down to regional bus station
Take bus to Agios Nikolaos
Stay here or Take bus onwards to Istron or Pachia Ammos
At Istron stay at The Karavostassi or The Stonehouse right on the beach

Day Seven
At the beach
At Istron stay at The Karavostassi or The Stonehouse right on the beach

Day Eight
Stay at beach or bus to Sitia
Then bus to Vai Beach
Stay Kouremenos or Sitia
Near Kouremenos stay at Hiona Cottage
Or in Sitia stay at Nereides Apartments

Day Nine
At beach or in eastern Crete
Or time to make your way back to departure point

Day Ten
Bus back to Heraklion airport
Depart

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 Travel Crete Solo
Information

Carol, all the information you will need for this journey is below. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to write to us again.

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Your Itinerary in Pictures

Travel Crete Solo - the local buses are safe and reliable, affordable and will take you to the most beautiful beaches all around the island. Here you can see all the locations mentioned above - oooh the tastebuds are starting to drool for all those gorgeous beaches!

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See below the map of Crete with beaches for your itinerary shown:

Getting Here

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More on flights and ferries below.

Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.

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About the Team

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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