We went a few years ago...and stayed at Agios Nikolaos. Transfer time was about hour I think but you can check that out online.

We actually stayed at the very end of the beach in a lovely little hotel right ON the beach with it's own little sandy beach (wasn't a private beach but it was the one the locals used).

Loved it there - we did get a quad bike out (but sure you can do an organised trip) and got the ferry across to Spinalonga Island which was a leper colony (you must read the book by Victoria Hislop..The Island)

When we were researching Crete a few years ago, we really fancied Ag Nikolas but the resort transfer put us off. According to the brochures and websites it was about 1hr 45 (from heraklion airport).

We ended up going to Stalis which we really enjoyed. Not everybody's cup of tea I know, as it is quite British but plenty of bars and restaurants to chose from and a reasonable beach. It's the next resort to Malia which has a reputation for 18-30 holidays but we didn't let that put us off and even went into old malia on a couple of occasions and had lovely meals in some good restaurants.

Many thanks for your replies, would you recommend Stalis? the British side is a benefit, easier to find food my husband can eat easily. Are there any apartments you can recommend? Thanks again. Alison

Very big selection of restaurants in A.Nikolaos too. Take a look here... http://www.cretetravel.com/Agios_Nikolaos/Agios_Nikolaos.htm and it is only JUST over an hour transfer - as it says in this article too. There are two airports on Crete and we did a fair bit of research before deciding whereabouts to go. Personally we would go back there in a flash.

Thank you all for your help, I'm having a look at all the suggestions. Can you recommend anywhere to stay? Thanks again alison

Just been searching...it was Polydoros Studios in Ag Nik we stayed at. It was 2009 when we were there...room 6 had the sea view.
http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/14849-Agios_Nikolaos-Polydoros_Studios__Apartments-Holiday-Review.html

I also WOULDN'T agree that it should be avoided if you have walking difficulties. No problems whatsoever! It's about a 10 - 15 minute dawdle into the main shopping area too.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g189414-d664883-Reviews-Hotel_Polydoros-Agios_Nikolaos_Lassithi_Prefecture_Crete.html

Although I love Agios Nikolaos I would think that Stalis may suit you better, firstly because of the transfer time from the airport, although agios is easily reached within 50min when hiring a car or taking at taxi, you can never be quite sure how long the transfer coach is going to take, obviously dependant on the number of "drop off" they have. Also you will have problems finding english food in Agios, the majority of the restaurants are Greek, apart from the one chinese in the town.

Just do be aware that Stalis is very English, there are plenty of english pubs, and theme pubs too...so its not very Greek, being a purpose built tourist resort and not a greek town or village.

If you did want somewhere that is more Greek and near the airport then why not look at Sissi, its a pretty little harbour resort with much more of greek feel about the place than Stalis, I do eat in Sissi sometimes but always tend to eat Greek, so not sure about getting english food here either...anyway just a thought

Have a great holiday where every you finally decide on

ilovecrete's comments are as accurate as I am predictable! If you really want short transfer times and a gateway to the most beautiful part of Crete then fly to Chania. Monarch and Olympic are doing it this year so there's plenty of choice on good locations and accommodation. Big towns like Chania and Rethymnon offer plenty of international cuisine so food shouldn't be an issue. Have a look at http://www.west-crete.com/crete-daily-photo.php to get an idea of the area. Good luck.

English food in Chania !!!!!!!!!!! Richard whatever next!!!!