URGENT........Anyone been to/know EASTERN CRETE????????????/

[puff]

I need to book our hol today, and it's a choice between two areas of Crete. One I'm confident will be great, but the other I'm not sure and need some advice.

We'd be staying near Zakros but further towards the coast. Apparently this is a very untouristy part of Crete, about 170 miles from the airport, but I really like the accommodation and would prefer to go there if I know the region is wonderful!

TIA

We are sorted - staying in a lovely villa just outside Rethymron.

Very excited!

Polly - did you visit the Palace of Knossos when you were in Crete - it's number 1 on my list of places to visit, but I'm not sure it will be suitable for ds2 (he's nearly 3) to walk around. Ds1 (nearly 5) would probably be ok.

Me and dh might have to visit separately.

I've only been to Rethymnon (pre kids) and it was great - planning to go back some day when the kids are older/we have more money! The beach is lovely and sandy. From what I remember there were plenty of child-friendly restaurants (true of most parts of Greece anyway).

I went to Knossos but have to say I wasn't that impressed - back then it looked like a bomb site with lots of rubble strewn around, not many intact parts left/restored. Maybe it has changed since. Kids would probably enjoy it though!

Oh good Katyp - we want to eat out mostly for our main meal child friendly is good

I did a dissertation on Knossos so I can't wait to go. I'm just wondering whether my youngest would be able to negotiate it safely

Hi puff, I think you have definitely made the right decision about the area to stay in! What time of the year are you coming?

If I remember correctly you studied ancient greek? or is it archeology? If its ancient greek we could do with you helping out from time to time as all kids here have to study it for 6 years in secondary school!!!

Anyway Knossos, fascinating place to visit almost impossible to comprehend just how long those wall paintings have been there. My advice is:

1)Go early in the morning - I think its open from 8.00 if not its 8.30. This avoids the terrific heat in the middle of the day ie 11.00 onwards and you will have more time to wander around and enjoy without all the coach loads that turn up later in the morning.
2)Take hat and plenty of water to drink, there is very little shade there around the actual palace.
3)If it is possible to go without the little ones it is a must I think. Apart from being uneven etc I think they will just get too hot and totally bored.(Mine got bored and they have done minoan history at school and were much older.)

HTH anything else you want to know just ask.

If you are feeling brave and flush you ought to think of doing a two day trip to Santorini to visit \link{http://www.magicaljourneys.com/Santorini/santorini-interest-akrotiri.html\akrotiri} I think it is a facinating place. Sort of Greek Pompei.

ooh, that would be wonderful! Would we go by boat and return on it next day? Are there "package" trips we could do from Rethymnon?

ps I did Ancient History - plenty of ancient greek inscriptions but no fluency in the language unfortunately

\link{http://www.cretetravel.com/To_and_from_Crete/Ferries_Crete_Santorini.htm\crete-santorini}

This web site looks good to me.

I had one of my best ever holidays in Crete and Santorini.If you search the archieves there are several threads about holidays in Greece with young children and\or coping with young children on holiday in hot places. If you are coming July/August it will be hot. I used to post under GRMUM.

My top hint (rather a hobby horse of mine(!)) is to adopt the local rythmn ie out and about in the morning, sleep 2-5pm and enjoy the balmy evenings without having to get back to the hotel at 7.00 for the children to sleep.

From the same website some pretty good tips on \link{http://www.cretetravel.com/Driving_in_Crete.htm\driving!}

Were going end may/early June - what will it be like then? We have a pool at the villa (unheated) so I'm hoping it will be warm enough for this not to matter too much.

Thanks for the link to Santorini ferries etc. We're going to book on the fast car ferry for a day trip.

Zakros is lovely for a day visit but I don't think I'd want to stay there for a week or two.

A friend of mine runs \link{http://www.stayincrete.com/index.html\This} company

Morning Puff! Late May early June should be lovely! It won't be too hot early 20's I would imagine ie normal sort of summers day in uK. The evenings will be a bit cooler so i would definitely bring some sweaters for the evenings. With small children who aren't used to excessive heat this is really pleasant weather.

I would think it unlikely to rain but a possibility, if it does rain though it'll be a short shower and the sun out again afterwards.

The pool won't be very warm because the water hasn't had a chance to warm up at that time of year (for warm pools and sea September is the best time)Don't let this put you off though, I've been here so long that I am a total wimp when it comes to water temperatures! If you are used to swimming in the sea in UK the water temperature will seem fine i'm sure!

However you will see Greece at its best. Lots of green vegetation which isn't all dusty as it is by the end of the summer and that time of the year there are always loads of wild flowers around. May/June and September/October are, for me the best times to visit Greece.

Wonderful Polly - thankyou!

I've bought the boys a "shortie" wetsuit each - apparently these help keep children warmer in and out of the water, so should be helpful.

I am so excited, about going to Knossos and Santorini - have wanted to for years.