The best time to travel in Crete
Avoid heading to Crete during the months of November to March: many sites are closed. By all means travel there during the rest of the year, and in summer, if you're hoping to make the most of the beaches.
At a glance
The best time to go to Crete is between April and October. Although the beaches are packed in July and August, the climate is lovely, the water just the right temperature and the evenings warm. The shoulder seasons are ideal for hiking. Avoid travelling between November and March, when everything closes earlier and it can rain.
Customise your perfect trip to Crete
A trip around the small Cretan islands
Crete is very touristy, and you'll meet many visitors. If you want to get away from the bustle, head to one of the small islands renowned for their sense of calm and solitude. For example, Gavdos, Chrissi and Elafonissi. Choose to travel between April and October.A lazy trip
Head to Crete's magnificent beaches and spend a few days of your trip relaxing. You'll love the island of Chrissi, as well as Preveli beach and the sunsets on Falassarna. Opt for the period between June and August to be there when the water is at its warmest.
A sports trip
Crete is the perfect playground for travellers who are into their sports. Go on a cycle ride, go climbing, or go for a hike, particularly in the Aradena gorges. You could also try out surfing and windsurfing. And why not climb mount Psiloritis, the highest in the country? Choose to travel between April and October to make the most of the comfortable climate.
A cultural trip
Crete is full to the brim of museums, each more interesting than the previous. Visit the museum of Cretan Ethnology or the Lychnostatis museum, an outdoors eco-museum at Hersonissos. The archeological museum at Heraklion is also a must-see. Travel between April and October to make the most of the comfortable climate.
A trip to Crete's beautiful villages
What could be better for discovering life on Crete than meeting the inhabitants of its hidden-away villages? Discover Mohlos, for example: a fishing village in whose restaurants you'll be able to find some of the best cuisine in Crete. You could also visit the villages of the Argyroupoli or Kritsa mountains, which are both charming. Opt for the period between April and October.
