Trip to Crete

Counting_Pennies_2

Hi I am interested in visiting Crete.


I loved reading The Island by Victoria Hislop and would love to see some of the places in the book.


I am interested in a trip to Spinalonga Island and Plaka. Does anyone know if there are any good hotels to stay in Plaka. Also the best way to travel there?


Is there a time when tourism shuts down here or does it continue into Autumn?


Thanks

Dizzy_Ditzy

I'm off to Crete next week :j

Spingalonga is great. I don't know about hotels in plaka but I know that every travel agency on the island will do excursions. Alternatively you could arrange your own trip by bus and little independently run boat. You'll need 2€ entrance to the island and make sure you take plenty of water.

This from trip advisor might be helpful

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g644210-i11252-k7686308-Spinalonga_trips-Stalis_Crete.html

The season seems to start tailing off roundabout the end of October but the weather is still might fine

Pollycat

I'd ask for more advice on the Tripadvisor Crete forum.

We caught a local bus from Malia to Agios Nikolaos (I think) then a further bus to Elounda and got the ferry over to Spinalonga. It's a very haunting, atmospheric place.

I'm not sure when flights into Heraklion stop, it might depend on which airport you'd be flying from.

I have The Island in my holiday reading stock.

FBaby

Stayed very close to Plaka in a rented villa a few years ago. It was lovely. There are a few hotels but there are many flats and villas that can be rented at very good value. There is a pleasant beach and shops but I would recommend a car to travel further.

I read the book and enjoyed it but couldn't really associate it with our holiday. I loved it there though and will definitely be back.

[Deleted User]

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

Hi I am interested in visiting Crete.


I loved reading The Island by Victoria Hislop and would love to see some of the places in the book.


I am interested in a trip to Spinalonga Island and Plaka. Does anyone know if there are any good hotels to stay in Plaka. Also the best way to travel there?


Is there a time when tourism shuts down here or does it continue into Autumn?


Thanks

Crete is such a large island it's almost a country in itself.It's also further South so the weather tends to stay better later.
As a result tourist areas tend to stay open all the year round although with a reduced presence during the winter months.
I would suggest booking a direct flight with a low-cost airline and travelling independently.
Here are some research sites for you.

http://www.greecetravel.com/crete
https://www.completely-crete.com/greek-island-of-crete-blog.html
https://www.we-love-crete.com