Experiences
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Crete, the most southerly of all the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, is a year-round destination offering a wide range of landscapes and stunning scenery. From its charming villages, historical sites and museums to the endless coastline with its pristine beaches with a backdrop of the dramatic mountain ranges- Crete’s most distinctive feature, the island offers something for everyone. A perfect well-rounded destination in a laid-back atmosphere where the proud and generous Cretan spirit will win you over.
spring
From the beautiful coastline to the spectacular White Mountains, the natural beauty of the island is maintained all year round, but spring in Crete offers a unique range of wild flowers and orchids in full bloom and at their best, including 150 endemic species. The spectacular natural beauty of spring in Crete reaches its maximum during the months of April and May, ideal for those with special interests in bird watching and nature walks. Spring in Crete also boasts opportunities for those with particular interests in mountaineering, archaeology and local cuisine, free of the crowds that come in the summer. Explore Crete’s lush landscape with its gorges and ravines, caves, traditional villages and less-frequented ancient sites amidst the abundance of spring flowers with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Easter is the most important religious holiday in Greece. Endeavour to attend some of the Orthodox Easter services, including a candlelit procession on Good Friday evening and fireworks at midnight on Easter Saturday. On Sunday, feast on roast lamb. It’s often not the same date as Catholic Easter.
Locals prepare for the big Easter feast, which gives you a chance to experience Cretan hospitality at its finest.
summer
The long, bright, hot days and sweet summer breeze adds an extra touch of magic at this time of year, making it the high season for tourism. Explore the magnificent beaches of the Cretan Sea, swim in the crystalline Mediterranean waters and soak up the sun's strong rays. Dine al fresco and indulge in the bounty of fresh ingredients the local rustic cuisine has to offer, from Cretan Dakos (one of my favorites) - barley rusk topped with grated juicy ripe red tomatoes and myzithra (a local soft and creamy white cheese), horta (wild mountain greens) drizzled with olive oil, to fresh grilled sardines, fried calamari and the essential tzatziki, washed down with a few carafes of local wine. Siesta time will be calling!If you can pull yourself away from the beach or pool, there are endless activities from visiting archeological museums and ancient ruins to walking around the charming Old Town in Chania and taking care of your souvenir shopping while taking a break from the sun.Summer in Crete is perfect for people of all ages, whether traveling solo, with a group of friends, on a romantic getaway, or on a family holiday with young children, there is something for everyone.
autumn
Prolong your summer vacation through October by visiting Crete in the fall where the sunshine and warmth continue with temperatures averaging in the mid-70’s. These mild temperatures allow you to still enjoy the warm sea as well as picturesque hikes or walks through traditional villages, beautiful vineyards, olive groves, or feel the magic of nature and see the awe-inspiring mountains, notably the famous Samaria Gorge, without the scorching sun and crowds. Get lost exploring mountain villages, such as Omalos and Vamos, where time seems to have stood still. Visit the diverse landscape while witnessing the everyday traditional village life, from the herding of sheep to talking politics in the local cafenion (coffee shop). There are many caves and ravines worthy of exploration as well for the adventurous traveler. In November, the weather gets cooler and more unpredictable, when the mountains start receiving a dusting of snow. At this time of year you may also experience the olive harvest which can start as early as October, as well as the grape harvest and the making of wine and tsikoudia (also known as raki - a very strong Cretan spirit). Also a great time to enjoy the heartier seasonal Cretan cuisine, and the traditional Mediterranean diet with local specialties such as rabbit stew, snails cooked in an array of ways, and lamb cooked with artichokes, in a fricassee with wild ‘stamnagathi’ greens.
winter
Crete is well known as an ideal summer holiday escape. In the meantime, the winter season remains undiscovered. Between November and April the tour operators leave the island in peace and that’s exactly the mood that many people are looking for in these stressful times. Crete lies in the subtropical parts of Europe; the climate can be compared with the Canary Islands of Spain, South Portugal, Malta and Cyprus. Winter in Crete offers you many sunny days, sometimes they are broken up by dark clouds or a short tropical shower giving nature the chance to recover from the hot summer. In winter, the White Mountains are sometimes covered deep in snow which remains until May. Greeks travel from afar to the village of Omalos to experience the snow while enjoying a hearty lunch. This time of year allows you to enjoy unspoiled Crete, where a carpet of wildflowers line the countryside, the highest mountains with snow on their tops and cities and villages that bring out daily life with all its social aspects
