Our quarters, one-bedroom, were spartan but comfortable, with a small fridge, stove, no oven, utensils, coffee maker, radio, and TV with VHS (not many channels to choose from). So maybe bring favorite videos.

Everyone speaks English, and there are ATMs everywhere with much better rates than banks. We were told that Platanes (and all of Crete) is filled to the brim July/August, and unfortunately, prices rise accordingly. We could walk into any restaurant and eat, as they were all completely empty. We feasted with a litre of wine (order the house wine wherever you go) for about 20 euros for the two of us. We were told to make advance reservations for the high season.

A car is a must! We drove everywhere. Knossos, Rethymnon, Chania, Knossos, Agios Galini, Monastery at Arkadi, etc.

We had great luck renting a seicento (600) fiat from Tomas Koum . I booked it online. It cost us 170 euros (in cash) for 8 days and included all the insurance, emergency service, etc. Tomas met us at Iraklion airport with the car, and we dropped it off at the parking lot across the street from the airport when we left. Check out the website at www.carrentalcrete.com.

Generally, we would stock up breakfast stuff in our room, but here are some restaurants to consider, all within walking distance:

Just past the Steki #1 restaurant (on the same side) is a grocery store that has just about everything you would need.

In Rethymnon, visit the old Venetian Harbour and go to Taverna Helona (try to sit on the inside harbour area) - a little pricey, but the seafood was fabulous.

If you are into wine, Boutari has opened a state-of-the-art facility - Gallery? Museum? Gourmet restaurant? The tour is wonderful and informative. It is south of Knossos (which I assume you will also visit).

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

The bedrooms have French king size beds. Our 2 bedroom apartment only had an air conditioning unit in the one bedroom and the living room. We had to leave the bedroom doors open so both bedrooms would be cooled. The living room had a balcony and a kitchenette with a mini-frig, stove, and microwave.

Each day the resort had different activities planned plus there was usually a show at night.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent