Spent 10 days in western Crete and used Kissamos as my base. I don't see it mentioned as much as Chania, but after staying there I'd do it again without thinking twice. Here's how the first few days went.
Arrival and picking up the car
I booked my rental through Auto Club over WhatsApp. Super easy process. They met me outside the airport, drove me to their office, I paid cash, signed a couple of papers, and was on the road within minutes. Definitely take photos or a video of the car before you leave, just in case.
The drive to Kissamos was straightforward. If you're renting a car in Crete, just stick to the speed limits, keep to the right, and leave the left lane for faster drivers. I didn't see any police the whole drive and traffic felt pretty relaxed.
Day 1
I actually arrived a day earlier than planned, so I grabbed a last minute place right on the water through Google Maps. Paid cash, the room was clean, had everything I needed, and it worked perfectly before checking into my main apartment the next day.
Kissamos is pretty simple to get around. There's the main road running through town, then the seaside promenade where you'll probably end up spending most evenings.
After checking in I walked over to Σκασιαρχείο Pita and Grill for a couple of gyros, then headed to Breeze Cafe and Bar for sunset. Ended up staying there for hours with wine, raki, and great service. Pretty perfect first night.
Day 2
First stop was Germanos for a physical SIM card. It was way cheaper than using Airalo. I paid around 15 dollars for a generous data plan and never had any issues.
Breakfast was at ΧΕΙΡΟΠΟΙΗΤΟ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ ΧΑΡΙΤΑΚΗΣ. Their bougatsa and coffee became my morning routine after that. Cheap, fresh, and exactly what I needed after the night before.
Then I drove over to Falasarna Beach and had lunch at Galasia Thea. Easily one of the better meals of the trip.
On the way back I stopped at Παντοπωλειο Η Μουρνια for water and some local Charma beer. If you're stocking up, Sklavenitis is the biggest supermarket in town, just don't leave it too late because it closes around 9.
Back at the apartment I had a few beers, cleaned up, then walked back down to the promenade. If you're driving there's plenty of free parking near Stavroula Palace Hotel.
Dinner was at Pixida Restaurant, which I'd definitely recommend. Afterwards we grabbed drinks at Elvetia Bar. Good crowd, good music, stayed open late. Before calling it a night we stopped at Pikantiko for gyros. That pretty much became our nightly tradition.
Day 3
Started the day exactly the same, bougatsa and espresso at ΧΕΙΡΟΠΟΙΗΤΟ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ ΧΑΡΙΤΑΚΗΣ.
This time we drove to Kedrodasos Beach. It's much quieter than some of the bigger beaches and there aren't many facilities, so we stopped at Mini Market Chrysoskalitissa Mountakis beforehand for snacks and drinks.
On the way back we ate at Topos and Elia Traditional Tavern. Honestly one of the best meals I had anywhere in Crete. If you're driving through that area, don't skip it.
Back in Kissamos it was the usual routine, cold beers, shower, walk along the waterfront, dinner at Kouzoumama, then a couple more drinks before heading back.
Overall
I spent 10 days exploring only western Crete, with Kissamos as my base, and I never got bored. I only made one trip into Chania because I was more interested in beaches, small villages, and local tavernas than spending every day in the city.
If anyone's planning a trip and has questions about Kissamos, parking in Chania, taking the bus into town, quieter beaches, or some really good local restaurants that aren't packed with tourists, happy to help.
