Holiday on Crete
The fifth largest island in the Mediterranean is the Greek island of Crete. A holiday on Crete is one of the most popular destinations in Greece.
Crete is a paradise that enchants every visitor with its diverse landscape, history and vibrant culture.
Crete is an island full of contrasts. From the snow-capped peaks of the White Mountains to the exotic palm-lined beaches of Vai, the island offers an impressive range of landscapes. The famous Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe, offers spectacular hiking trails at every level of difficulty.
Crete’s beaches are among the most beautiful in Greece. Whether you prefer the lively beaches of Elafonissi or want to explore the secluded bays of Balos, the island offers perfect conditions for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts.
The island is a mecca for history lovers. From the ruins of the Palace of Knossos to the Venetian fortresses and Byzantine churches, Crete has amazing sites that tell stories of a distant past.
The Cretans are known for their hospitality and excellent cuisine. Traditional dishes such as moussaka, dakos and of course the world-famous Cretan honey and olive oil can often be found in local tavernas.
If you are on vacation in Crete, you will find everything your heart desires: beautiful beaches, impressive landscapes, small villages and lively towns. The tourist infrastructure is excellent, the ideal place for relaxation and action.
Holiday on Crete – Tips
The ancient town of Knossos is located about 5 kilometres south of Heraklion. I had already heard so much about this historical site since my early school days, so I absolutely wanted to go.
Greece is so rich in interesting destinations that a short holiday is never enough to discover even a fraction of them. During our stay in Crete, the wish list was very long, but Spinalonga was a "must".
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Travel information for Crete
Arrival
By plane
In the main season, numerous charter flights connect the island with the mainland.
There are several airports on the island: Iráklion, Chaniá and Sitía. The island’s capital airport, Iráklion, is popular with charter planes.
By boat
Car ferries operate between Piraeus and the Greek island. Those who wish to travel with their own boat will find plenty of mooring options in harbours and bays.
On the way..
By car
Road conditions on Crete are very variable. You should keep well within the speed limits, often these are a sign of unexpected potholes or poor road surfaces on bends.
Herds of sheep and goats can also stand quite abruptly on the road. Road signs are in Greek and usually also in Latin script.
Cretans tend to drive “riskily” and like to honk their horns to attract attention.
There are car rental companies in almost every holiday resort, with quite different offers and qualities.
By bus
Buses run all over the island. Tickets are available at the bus stations or from the driver.
Best time to visit Crete
Crete is located in the southern Mediterranean. It has almost 300 days of sunshine a year.
Crete can be roughly divided into two different climate regions, which are separated by the mountain range in the center of the country. The north is influenced by the European weather pattern and the south by the African weather pattern.
Spring (March to May)
The almond blossom begins as early as February and the island is transformed into a colorful sea of flowers. The temperatures are pleasantly mild and the number of tourists is still limited. The average temperatures in spring are between 15°C and 20°C. It is pleasantly warm, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Spring brings fewer days of rain, on average around 3 to 5 days per month. The amount of rainfall decreases towards the end of spring.
Summer (June to August)
In summer, temperatures often rise above 30°C, especially in July and August. The heat is tempered by the sea breeze. This is also the peak season when the island attracts many visitors, which can lead to busier beaches and higher prices. Summer is the driest time of the year on Crete. Rainy days are rare, often there are less than 1 to 2 days of rainfall per month.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn is a wonderful time for visitors who appreciate mild weather and fewer crowds. Temperatures in the fall are very pleasant, often between 20°C and 25°C. It is warm enough for beach visits and other outdoor activities. In the fall, the rainy season starts slowly, with an average of 3 to 6 rainy days per month, especially in November.
Winter (December to February)
Although winter in Crete is mild, this is the quietest time of the year in terms of tourism. Winter temperatures in Crete are mild compared to other European destinations, with average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. Winter is the wettest season. There can be an average of 8 to 12 days of rain per month, especially in December and January.