All of Greece is wonderful, but Crete holds a special place in my heart because of its unmatched hospitality. The people there make you feel like a guest in their home. Santorini is more touristy, but it’s stunningly beautiful. The history of Athens is unmatched. Below are my recommendations for places to visit in Crete, Santorini and Athens
About this stop: Resilient mountain village history, then architecture, market lanes, and a rugged beach.
Suggested itinerary
- Start in Vafes. It is a tiny village, but it has a proud feel to it.
- Make a quick stop at the little olive oil museum to get a sense of how olive oil was traditionally made here. It is not a huge, polished thing, which is part of why I like it.
- If you see that a local producer is offering a tour or tastings, do it. This is one of those simple Crete moments that ends up being surprisingly memorable.
- Ask someone in town to point you toward Kryonerida Cave. The walk is nice, but the story is heavy. In 1821, villagers took shelter there and many were killed. There is a small shrine and memorial feel to the place, and it is worth taking a quiet minute when you are there.
- Head back to the village square and grab a coffee.
- Next, drive into Chania and just start walking. The old town is one of my favorites, with narrow lanes, little shops you actually want to step into, and that mix of Venetian and Ottoman touches that makes every corner interesting.
- Spend time by the harbor, especially near the lighthouse. Chania is one of those places where you can just keep wandering and stopping when something looks good.
- Have a meal with a harbor view. There are plenty of options, and it is hard to beat dinner when the water is right there and the town is glowing.
- If you have time during your day you can do a quick beach dip at Koutalas Beach near Kokkino Chorio. It is craggy and pretty, with clear water and a tucked away feel.
