Hi pip7

Rethymno is really nice in the old town, round the fort and harbours, with plenty tavernas, shops and bars your spoilt for choice,
the sea front tavernas seem to be quite pricey compared with those up the back streets in the town, (avoid the special deals on offer, they can be poor quality and quite measly portions)
plataines is quite commercialised and is actually further along the coast from Rethymno, but as it sits on the main drag you will be able to use the public transport,
Please take a bus to Chania and visit the Harbours and museums and explore the back streets.
Santorini is an option for a day excursion, you can book the seacat in Rethymno (avoid booking with holiday rep, as you save money by booking yourself)
Only be tempted by Samaria gorge (long way) if you have stout boots and good legs, The path through the gorge is very uneven (big stones) and steep at the start. you are so intent on not slipping or tripping over and getting to the bottom before the last boat leaves, (the boat we went on left 2 couples behind) you miss most of the scenery.
I hope this is of help to you.

Hi Sophia,

Thanks very much for your quick reply. Do you know about how long it will take to get to Chania on the bus?

I didn't realise we will be able to get a boat to Santorini. That sounds lovely.

Hi
I would say it would be about an hour on the bus to Chania,
If you do go to Santorini make sure you get the cable car back to the boat a little earlier, as its really scary when they cram loads of people in (its also a nice photo opportunity)
there is a local bus and plenty of taxi's on the island

If you like walking then have a look here. http://www.happywalker.com/

We used them a couple of years ago and they were first class.

fwh

Certainly visit Chania, it's beautiful.

Don't forget to take a bus Eastwards as well to Iraklion. Knossos and the Museum are unmissable. The Queen's Room is probably the first WC ever built. Very useful. Watch out for the Minotaur. I know that Theseus is supposed to have killed him but I'm never sure about that.

Hi,

Thanks very much for the replies. The happy walker looks really good, thanks for that.
Do you know how long approximately it takes to get to Knossos on the bus, we are staying in Platanes?

Thankyou!!!

Hi
I would allow at least 2 hours, We Drove from Rethymno and it took about an hour travelling but about another half hour to find parking and getting into the Knossos site,
Beware of the unofficial tour guides, They will rush you round the site so they can get back to the main gate quickly and pick up their next source of income!

Hey there everybody!
Your visit to Crete will be unforgetable. I am from Crete but live for bussiness reasons in Canada. My father is the person reasponsible for the province of Rethymnon for the cleaning of the streets, beaches, villages etc... You will love it. I go back home 2 times a year. Make sure you visit Panormo 22klm from were you are staying towards Iraklion. The bus stops in the village. When you get there go down to the port and eat at Taverna Sofokles (my uncle) very famous restaurant in Greece for famous people and great food. Make sure you tell my cousin George or Yiannis Jimmy send you. Who knows we might be there the same time. If you go at night just take a look inside the restaurant and you will see my dad and his brother and my uncle playing cards (every night).
Any how the island is very big and many places to visit, if you like caves then visit The cave of Zoniana up in Psiloritis and you will love it. Its about 1hr from were you are. And by the way do not eat at the restaurants on the coast of Rethymno because they alter the Greek cuisine and give it a bad name. Look for a restaurant near you called Zissis, very good traditional food, and very close to you.
Anyhow have a good trip and have fun.

Welcome zoniana
Iam going back to Crete in May, I will look out for your uncles taverna and give it a try,
I totally agree about the resturants on the sea front in Rethymno, you get much better quality and service from the one's up the back streets of the old town

Hi,

Thanks very much, i will also look out for your uncles taverna and thanks for all the information
Really looking forward to our holiday. Only 11weeks and six days to go

You also might want to take a day trip to Santorini from Rethymno, as well as visit Balos at the end of the island 3hrs from were you are. If you like water slides then go to Hersonissos at Aqua splash (if i am not mistaken with the name) that is the best one in Crete.
From Rethymnon there are daily cruises from the old port that go either way (Iraklion or Hania) and they are amazing, they stop at different places. Try the Pirate ship it also goes to Panormo that way you get to see it. One day you should also go to Vryses towards Hania but way before that. You will be amazed at the bottom of the mountain when you see all the water falling right threw the restaurant tables. If you have time visit Elounda at the end of Crete pass Iraklion and who knows you might see some Hollywood stars there. The hotels vary in pricing but some are the best in the world and featured on Travel chanel (2500 euros per night).
If you need any info besides all of this just email me directly. I dont know were you are from but if you need Euros , go to the bank of Greece because they dont charge comission.
jparasyris@videotron.ca

Of all the wonderful things you can do on the island of Crete the most dramatic and the one you will most talk about afterwards is the Samaria Gorge. I've done it with children and older people. I intend to take my 8 year old daughter this year. It's simply magnificent.

Hi Richard, hopefully we will do the Samaria Gorge, we do like walking. Do you need walking boots or are trainers ok? Thankyou

I've only ever done it in trainers and not had the slightest problem. Despite their new popularity I'd give stilettos a miss!