FTF
06-20-2004, 02:34 PM
We think Nicolas has provided the boards with a great round up of the many family pleasures on Crete. It's Greece's southernmost island, the only one with palm trees (mainly on one beach called Vai), so adults should be aware that the weather can be wonderful there year-round, unlike many other parts of the country. Therefore, you might want to consider planning a Crete visit for the fall or early Spring. Then, the always reasonable rates are - really - cheap but, more importantly, this large and extrememly popular island is not so overrun with tourists.
One of Crete's best assets is the independent, proud and very welcoming Cretan people, whose outgoing personality tends to draw many British families with kids, el Greco fans who enjoy going in and out of churches, and avid hikers who linger there for the long hikes and Samaria Gorge walks. Being on Crete could make you forget that the Olympics are overtaking Athens! The yoghurt and locally grown tomatoes are also remembered by returning guests.
Because of the island's size, you'll find yourselves on the cheap, frequent public buses exploring more areas than you might otherwise see on a Greek island. It's a great way to see Greece's many personalities: such as beach town, tourist village, authentic village, rural farms, business centers, historic churches, traditional tavernas filled only with men, gourmet Euro-style eateries filled with everyone, it runs the gamut of travel experiences.
While Nicolas may be advertising rental apartments, the location he describes is a good, central base for exploring the island, and in our editor's 12 years of writing the "Frommers Guide to Greece" she rarely saw a Greek-owned apartment unit that wasn't well kept and good value. So, you should find out more about these units, and other options on the island, then feel comfortable about planning your trip.
Let us know if you need a travel agent to help put it together, too.
FTF staff
One of Crete's best assets is the independent, proud and very welcoming Cretan people, whose outgoing personality tends to draw many British families with kids, el Greco fans who enjoy going in and out of churches, and avid hikers who linger there for the long hikes and Samaria Gorge walks. Being on Crete could make you forget that the Olympics are overtaking Athens! The yoghurt and locally grown tomatoes are also remembered by returning guests.
Because of the island's size, you'll find yourselves on the cheap, frequent public buses exploring more areas than you might otherwise see on a Greek island. It's a great way to see Greece's many personalities: such as beach town, tourist village, authentic village, rural farms, business centers, historic churches, traditional tavernas filled only with men, gourmet Euro-style eateries filled with everyone, it runs the gamut of travel experiences.
While Nicolas may be advertising rental apartments, the location he describes is a good, central base for exploring the island, and in our editor's 12 years of writing the "Frommers Guide to Greece" she rarely saw a Greek-owned apartment unit that wasn't well kept and good value. So, you should find out more about these units, and other options on the island, then feel comfortable about planning your trip.
Let us know if you need a travel agent to help put it together, too.
FTF staff