Based on 8 experiences
I recently undertook a 19-day trip to Crete, spending 7 days in Ammoudara, Heraklion and 12 days in Rethymno. I would recommend skipping Heraklion and instead choosing to go to Chania and Rethymno. Ammoudara is close to the beach and has good connections with the airport and city center, but as a solo traveling woman, I felt very unsafe. Even in broad daylight, men would stop and stare, shout ambiguous comments, honk, go up on the sidewalk to look me straight in the face. I never experienced a physical assault, but it was very uncomfortable and I wasn't able to go out after 10 pm. Other solo traveling women I spoke to had similar experiences. I have previously visited 6 Cycladic islands, Athens, Chania and Rethymno alone and never felt unsafe, so I believe that such behavior is limited to Heraklion and Ammoudara.
Posted: May 19, 2023Crete was amazing. I was there last fall. There is so much history, which is so different from continental Greece, plus Knossos, the ancient palace that became the birthplace of the legend of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Crete was great, ultra safe. If you are a history lover, Crete will satisfy you.
Posted: April 11, 2023based on 8 experiences
In my opinion, this is the most Greek of the islands. However, it is not particularly green, it is rather rough and full of rocks. Here you can experience the most Greek hospitality. If someone loves to try local cuisine, this is the ideal island. In many taverns, you feel as if you are eating dinner with family. Before the meal you get bread with olive oil, and after the meal dessert/fruit and a small bottle of raki. Usually this is complimentary or for an additional 1 euro per table. The island has long sandy beaches, small little isolated ones, and the famous Balos Lagoon. You can also find historical sites and trails through gorges and mountains. Beautiful historic towns like Chania or Rethymno with charming streets. Although it is popular, the island has a quiet atmosphere and you can encounter goats everywhere.
Posted: December 24, 2023I went to Crete last July and it was incredible. I stayed near Chania for 5 days and rented a car. Balos Lagoon was amazing. I also went through Samaria Gorge, which was outstanding. I visited Elafonisi beach as well, but honestly, it didn't impress as much as Balos did.
Posted: May 22, 2023Travellady
I'm a full-time traveler since August 2022. As a spiritual mentor and coach I work mostly online or meet my coachees at the most beautiful places in the world. My twins are grown and live in different parts of the world. I love to meet people all over the world, making new contacts and sometimes friends, getting to know the culture and local living.
Isabella
Hi everyone! I'm Isabella, I'm 30 years old and I'm italian. I live in Nice (France) and I like solo travelling from time to time. I love exploring around!
Meltem
Single, Mom, 2 kids