The number one Greek destination for international travellers is open all year round and can serve a variety of travellers with different motives: relax, outdoor, family, culture and of course gastronomy.
Spring
It's Easter time and there is no better place to celebrate the greatest religious holiday than in Crete. Some of the most beautiful monasteries and places of worship are scattered around, drawing not only the believers but anyone willing to get to know the Easter customs like eggs cracking and making tsoureki or
Watch Greeks spending more time with their families over a lamb on a spit or around the festive table.
BEST TIME FOR:
Walking tours to gorges and around mountainous villages Hands-on cooking classes
Observe local customs Safari tours
Summer
No surprises here, as most of the international visitors are coming for the sun and top notch beaches like Balos and Elafonissi, which are consistently in shortlists with the best beaches in the world. An additional bonus is that there is always a good taverna serving homemade casseroles or grilled octopus to enjoy after hours of sunbathing in a secluded bay, or after enjoying a variety of water sports available in many of the most organised beaches.
BEST TIME FOR:
Water sports Quad tours
Boat trips Hands-on cooking classes
Autumn
The sea might be the number one attraction for the millions of visitors, but equally important are the island's imposing mountains and fertile valleys. Now is the perfect opportunity to visit the scattered villages throughout the countryside - some of which like Vamos and Gavalochori, are excellently preserved with vineyards, olive and orange groves. Starting from late October, olive picking gathers everyone in the olive groves and it is also
a wonderful opportunity for visitors to mingle with the local community and learn to make their own olive oil.
BEST TIME FOR:
Walking tours to gorges and around mountainous villages Hands-on cooking classes Safari tours
Monastery visits
Road trips
Winter
Few know that Crete once had a ski resort on Mount Psiloritis' Nida Plateau. It welcomed its guests in 1980 but ceased operation few years later because of electricity shortages and poor access. Now, It lies abandoned some 1500 meters above sea level. But, things have changed since and you will be amazed to find out that ski mountaineering is growing in popularity even in Crete. And the win is double as snow lovers no longer have to be confined to expensive ski resorts and also Crete can finally present a really off-the-beaten track destination that does not attract only the masses.