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Best time to visit

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The best time to visit Crete runs from late May to June and from September to early October. Late spring brings fantastic flower blooming, sunny days, and warm water by pink and white sand beaches. Early autumn offers fewer crowds, affordable accommodation, and winemaking season. Hot summer from July to August sees insane tourist traffic as well as higher prices. It is known not only for Greek salad and frappe but for long queues to the main attractions, so start your day earlier. Low season from November through February and shoulder season in March–April are usually rainy, but a pack of amazing festivals and Rethymno Carnival are a great compensation. Also, temperatures and room rates drop, and so do the tourist numbers.

35 things to do in Crete

Kourampiedes (Kourabiethes)—Greek Christmas Butter Cookies

early December–early January Food

During Christmas vacation in Greece, try these delicious traditional butter cookies which look like small snowballs

Melomakarona—Greek Christmas Honey Cookies

early December–early January Food

Christmas in Greece won't be complete without these traditional festive sweets!

Oxi Day (Ohi Day)

October 28 Event

Visit the biggest national holiday in Greece with lots of parades and festive events

Olive Harvest

mid-November–January Activity

When visiting Crete during winter, witness and partake in the olive picking holidays

Roasted Lamb

May 5, 2024 Food

This traditional Easter dish is popular all over Crete

Birdwatching Season

mid-March–mid-May | September–October Activity

Crete hosts more than 400 different bird species, ensuring a great birdwatching experience

Hiking in Samaria Gorge National Park

May–October Activity

Samaria Gorge National Park is a place with incredibly stunning nature, waterfalls, lakes, ancient settlements, and unique flora and fauna

Lefka Ori Hike (The White Mountains)

May–October Activity

These snowy mountains are waiting for you in sunny Crete

Honey Season

June–August Food

Learn about honey making with locals and try delicious Cretan honey

Drosoulites of Frangokastello Castle

late May–early June Activity

Have you ever seen a mirage? This one is so real that it has confused people for hundreds of years

Pink Sand Beaches

May–October Nature

Witness the amazing work of Mother Nature while visiting the Elafonissi and Balos pink beaches

Diving and Snorkelling

April–October Activity

Crete offers an exciting underwater odyssey with lots of unique objects, flora, and fauna

Knossos Minoan Palace

April–May | September–mid-October Activity

Feel the real ancient atmosphere in the heart of Minoan civilization

The Tour of Crete

October 19–26, 2024 Event

A great chance to test yourself and partake in a challenging bicycle holiday among the beauty of Crete

Wild Greens (Horta)

February–April Food

Dreaming of long life and perfect skin? Try these delicious wild greens from Crete

Matala Beach Festival

July 5–7, 2024 Event

A perfect summer getaway in Greece

Crete Beach Season

May–October Activity

Enjoy plenty of swimming and sunbathing spots on the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea

Fishing

all year round Activity

If you are a sea and nature fan, don't miss this chance to enjoy fishing during your vacation in Crete

Hiking

May–June | September–October Activity

This is the best way to discover Crete and its amazing nature

Holy Week & Greek Easter

April 28–May 5, 2024 Event

Feel the spirituality of Crete during the biggest religious holiday in the country

Elos Chestnut Harvest and Festival

late October–early November Activity

Sweet roasted chestnuts, a beautiful, elated atmosphere, and local spirits await you in Crete in the fall

Wildlife Watching

April–October Nature

Crete is home to all kinds of endemic wildlife

Winemaking Season

late August–early October Activity

There is no meal without a glass of amazing Cretan wine. Tasting tours run all year round, whereas grape stomping experience is available just once in a while—don't miss it!

Tsikoudia (Cretan Raki)

October–mid-December Food

Autumn is the best time to discover Cretan spirits traditions—try local alcohol and learn to make it on your own

Lemon and Orange Season

January–March Food

Do you know the real taste of Crete? Just try its citrus fruits

Rethymno Carnival

February 2024 Event

A glorious event where the whole town becomes one big family

Grape Harvest

mid-August–early October Food

Guess how many kinds of grapes exist in Crete? Almost 40! Don't miss your chance to try them all

Fig Season

mid-August–November Food

Juicy, sweet, and fresh figs must be on your bucket list for Crete

Windsurfing

May–October Activity

Are you ready for breaking waves in Crete?

Wildflower Season

March–October (best in April–May) Nature

Discover flower species that grow exclusively in Crete

Sailing

April–November Activity

Spend a relaxing vacation exploring the beautiful Mediterranean by boat

Sardine Season

July–August Food

In fishermen's villages, people eat sardines every day, which is perhaps the secret to Greek longevity

Fruit Season

May–October Food

Hot greek summers would be incomplete without a juicy fruit plate

Sea Turtles

late May–August Nature

Visit some of the wonderful Greek beaches, which are home to the adorable Caretta turtles

Summer Coffee (Frappe)

May–September Food

Solving the biggest summer struggle of coffee lovers since 1957

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