Hi, we are looking at Crete for 2010 - in August, unfortunately, so we need somewhere quiet where the sea is calm rather than choppy. Also need to be within two hours' of an airport that flies to Santorini as we want to go there for a few days. Can you recommend anywhere?

Thanks

Hi
Almirida is about 1hour 15mins from Heraklion airport and 20mins from Chania airport, both of which I think do flights to Santorini, or as an alternative you can catch the SEACAT from Rethymno to Santorini, Rethymno is about half an hour from Almyrida.

Richard1, thanks for the link. We are off to the Dias Apts again in August (2nd visit) would like to know which restaurants in Aghia Marina/Platanias/Chania you would recommend. Also the best Gryros (if you partake) in Aghia Marina Cheers

Well My wife, 8 year old daughter and I will be next door to you at the Atrion which you pass en route to the beach. This year we go end 21 July for 2 weeks. We've been staying in Agia Marina for many years. I first went there in the 70's when it was totally undeveloped. One of our favourite restaurants is Karnagio which is in Katehaki Square just round the corner from the main harbour - the Squid in ink is something else! For a good beach side experience at the Platanias end of Agia Marina try Troulakis. Then for a great evening you must go to Mitsos in Agia Marina. Go to the Mitsos website now and look at their webcam. You'll see they have just put the sunbeds out for the season. The webcam is on right through the winter which is very interesting to watch sometimes - perhaps I should get a life!
If you haven't toured around the general area of Western Crete you should do it. There's so much variety and drama.

Ooooops....Karnagio is in Chania by the way!

Richard1, thanks for the info, have checked out the webcam and no doubt will be looking at it every day between now and August Don't like to wish my life away, but really counting the days.

The best gyros place in Agia Marina is no doubt the place opposite Silk Oil petrol station next to Atrion Hotel, (don´t know the name of the place) Tasty gyros with fresh ingredients. Immaculately clean, simple but nice with a few tables at the back with sea view. For dinner try Manolis at the top of Agia Marina village. Walk up the hill on the road between Silk Oil and Atrion hotel, turn left when the road divides in two, continue past the kafeneinon on the right and you´ll find it on the left at the end of the village. Authentic Greek food in a superb setting. surrounded by orange and lemon trees with views over olive groves. The owner Manolis is slightly eccentric and speaks only Greek and German, the staff however speak English. We´ve eaten here since 1994 and we still come for the setting and the food (it´s quite cheap too).