Crete: Malia / Hersonnissos

Eoin

Hi folks,

Six of us (three couples) are looking at going to Crete at the end of September, most the resorts there look a bit too quiet, apart from Malia and Hersonnissos. Hersonnissos looks a little too mental though - has anyone been to either of these resorts recently?

Would you recommend them - or maybe another Greek resort (we've ruled out the Canaries, Cyprus and Turkey, so that's pretty much what we're left with).

thanks,

Eoin

mel123

Malia is mainly where the English go, and Hersonnisis is mainly where the Irish go. If you think Hersonnisis is a bit too much stay in Koulifari or Piskpiano (sorry not going to find out how to spell these correctly), They are both at the top of a hill about a 10 minute, prob less, walk to Hersonnisis. U will have to get a cab back up unless u are really fit, the hill is quite steep. Im in my (late) twenties and loved Crete, should be nice too in September. If u stay in either of the places i mentioned you can stay up around her in the little bars and restuarants when u want a relaxing time, and then go down to the main strip for some madness, so it works both ways. U could also hire quads or mopeds to get up and down every day. Alas, u could just stay in Hersonnis if thats all you get, but just make sure your not overlooking the busy street or strip or anything you know, then u will be kept up all night.

WezzyB

Agree with Mel, stayed in Koutolafari two years ago with gf, had a great time its a small village with lots of restaurants, nice athmosphere, very relaxing. You can go down to Hersonnissos during the day to the beach or maybe a walk along the strip in the evening. Would recommend a day trip to Herkatalon, capital of Crete, plenty to see and some good shops too.

Tazz T

We stayed at the Ariadne in Stalis for a friend's bday in June and although the hotel was gorgeous, I wouldn't say any of the places you mentioned are 'quiet' - certainly none are authentic Greek.

You could book a flight to Heraklion and get the boat to Santorini. Book a places online in advance. I'd recommend the Volcano Villas in Oia. That way you'll get the best of both world's and see one of the wonders of the world.

Eoin

Thanks for all the replies guys; it looks like we are heading to Stalis after all. Malia doesn't sound nice at all, and we're pretty limited for availability for many other places.

thanks again

FunkyDa

Was in Malia, with FunkyMa, in May. It IS a nice spot. Yes, there are a lot of British tourists in it, but it didn't trouble us(we are at an age, where we are beyond drinking&clubbing). The town is split by the main road along the island, with the boozy, boisterous business on the seaward side, and the quiet, residential(and picturesque) element on the inland side. For what it's worth, we stayed in the LuEllen Apartments.

mr_disc

Hersonnisis is REALLY mental !!!. like one of those ibiza uncovered shows... ( all good !! ) ..........

mrsmagoo

I'd recommend going outside the town of Hersonnissos. As far as I can remember Stalis was an English resort also.
When we went a few years ago my friends stayed in Gouves which is a quiet enough place with decent hotels. It's a short 10 minute drive into 'mental' Hersonnissos (which I found to be very young to be honest.)

Piskopiano is up a very steep hill but friends stayed there and really liked it. It was more a Greek country town feel but just as near to the town as Gouves (About 5 mins drive into Hersonnissos).

If you're looking for stuff to do there is a Water Park which was fun. I hired a moped for the length of my stay which was fun. But be warned the Greeks are mentallers on the road.
Knossos Palace is probably the only cultural thing to do on the island but it's worth the drive into Heraklion (30 minutes on moped!). Interesting to see ancient civilisation in a short tour.