I strongly believe that Crete and particularly its western side is one of the most beatiful places in the world. One of cousins, who spent most of his youth in the USA navy told me once that although he travelled all over the world, he couldn't find anywhere a place with such beauty and as friendly and hospitable people as in Crete.
Since, Crete is my birthplace I'm often asked by friends who want to visit the island, where should they go. I always recommend having its west side as a base and travel everywhere- However, when they insist in me giving "names", I suggest to them the following 4 places, all situated near or next to the city of Chania:

Samaria is one of the most nicely preserved gorges in Europe, situated in the southwest side of the island, quite near to the city of Chania and has two entrances: One from the north (which you can reach by bus or car from Chania) and one from the south (which you can reach by using a small ferry of sea-taxi from Sfakia). Going from the north makes more sense, however which ever entrance you choose, have in mind that you will end on the other side, unless you decide somewhere in the middle to call it a day and return to where you began.
If you begin you journey from the north, have in mind that you will have to make a 18 km hike through the Gorge, which begins at Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau at 1200 m high. The scenery is excellent, and you can find a large number of designated stops where you can drink fresh water from the "Lefka Ori" (White Mountains) springs and ask for help/guidance from the state guides who work there. Although this area isn't inhabited, remnants of ancient settlements exist (with a number of old churches being easily spotted). The more recent Samaria settlement which was abandoned when the gorge was proclaimed to be a National Park can also be explored - it is where a small cafe/tourist shop can be found, where you can spent a bit of time to resurrect your strength. I will not go into further detail, however it would be a mistake not to mention the narrowest point named "Portes" or "The Gates". it is the most photographed part of the gorge because steep cliffs rise dramatically to a height of over 300m with a very narrow passage of only 3.5m. You won't miss it!

if you arrive in Chania airport and live near the city, this is a place you will definately visit. It is situated in the northwestern part of the town, in the outskirts of its old side. The scenery is beautiful and you should take a walk in its narrow roads (in most of which no vehicles are allowed, simply because the streets are too narrow), visit the archaeological museum and the naval museum (located in the Firkas Fort). I suggest that you go there in the late afternoon and walk around without moaning: You will be fully repayed by the scenery and the sight of the venecian lighthouse standing on its entrance. If you are lucky you will catch an exhibition in "Neoria" (the old byzantine shipyards) or in "Yali Tzami" (Glass Mosque). You can enjoy a drink or food as well - the scenery is magnificent!

Elafonisi (Deer Island) is small island situated in the western side of Crete, which can be reached on foot from the island's coast via a very narrow strait. The islet cannot be easily approached by boat due to water-streams. So this "waterpath" is the easiest way: In its deepest places reaches a depth of 1-1½ m, but it changes a great deal depending on the current conditions. With a little luck you may see pink "sand" by the water's edge - the "sand" in fact being crushed shells. During the Turkish occupation it was a stronghold for Cretan revolutioners, who used the islet to protect their families and had it as a base for the raids. The legend says that the Turks found out how to reach by observing a horse which after a battle where his owner was killed, returned to the islet following its usual path. This happened in 1824 and resulted in the massacre of more than 850 people - mainly women and children you found refuge there. On the north side of the island you will find a small lake, which was named after the Agia Irini church which stands nearby and was rebuilt in the 1960s after having been destroyed in the 1830s by the Turks.
If the weather is nice, I can ensure you that you will have your best swim ever!

This is a place you won't find in many tourist-guides because although near Chania and Rethymno (in fact standing between them), it isn't situated near a big hotel which usually promotes and increases the number of tourists visiting.
Why did I single this place out? Imagine a place 10' by car from the sea, yet standing in the mountains. Picture churches built in a cave yet easily climbed, only a dozen of stairs above the ground. Imagine springs you can drink from and trees matching the scenery. Small rivers and nice little houses and last but not least great food (both meat and river fish) in great prices. It sounds nice, doesn't it?