Crete Your Winter Travel Destination!
The island of Crete is an ideal destination to visit all year round due to its mild Mediterranean climate, the plethora of Sites and so varied natural features. Yes, Crete can be Your beloved Winter Travel Destination!
WHY CRETE ISLAND IN WINTER TIME
In the winter in Crete, there are lots of days of sunshine, warm temperatures, and mild rainfalls. Snow appears on the mountains, giving you thus a great number of options and ideas for amazing touring and exploring.
Apart from the beautiful climate there many more reasons why Crete will be your favorite Winter Destination! We gladly present you here below all reasons why and our best suggestions for your winter Crete Experience!
VISIT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES WITHOUT QUEUES
All archaeological sites and museums are open following the winter schedule (November to March) from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00/5.00 pm depending on the site. What you will experience is wonderful historic areas without crowds and long queues, really peaceful and quiet. Visit the most important Archaeological Sites of the island, such as Knossos Palace, Minoan Phaistos, Roman Gortyn, and many more on a private tour with us. In the winter, being the “off-season” period, we make special offers and tailor-made touring packages with very special rates including the areas you wish to visit and some of our best insiders touring suggestions!
HIKE NATURAL RIVER GORGES AND VISIT NATURE PARKS
The winter is the ideal period to hike and explore the Cretan trails, gorges, caves, and other natural gems without the heat of the summer sun. The island offers more than 270 natural gorges and over 300 natural caves. Take the opportunity and explore the so rich and varied Cretan fauna and flora on a warm sunny day.
EXPLORE TRADITIONAL AREAS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Visit the traditional villages and small towns of Crete and feel welcomed as a family member. The Cretans are renowned for their hospitality and “philoxenia” (love for the stranger). Stroll in the traditional villages of Crete, meet the locals, enjoy your Greek coffee at a local “Kafenio” and talk with them. You will be amazed by the beauty and the spirit of the land and the people.
EXPERIENCE AGRICULTURAL EVENTS
Winter in Crete is all about Olive Picking and Raki Making!
Highly recommended is to visit inland Crete, where you will actually see the process of the precious olives picked from the trees. The locals separate then by hand the olives from the leaves and put the olives in sacks for the nearby Olive Oil Factory. All local families participate in the olive picking and we can gladly arrange for you to be an active member too!
Another highly recommended activity, which we can arrange for you, is to visit a local olive oil factory in a traditional village.
In almost all mountainous small towns and villages, you can find Raki Distilleries or “Rakokazana” where the locals distill the traditional liqueur of the island out of grapes, giving big parties with traditional music, dance and amazing food!
TASTE THE HEALTHIEST CUISINE IN THE WORLD
Crete is renowned for its cuisine and food culture. Healthy, organic, fresh vegetables, amazing lamb and goat cooked in various ways, fried snails in olive oil, and a big variety of fish plates and seafood is just a small hint of the wonderful choices of food you can try on the island. Try traditional restaurants in mountainous regions and don’t skip “antikristo lamb” and the casserole plates!
SKI AND SNOW CLIMB
Many people wouldn’t expect snow in Crete, yet snow-covered mountain picks and planes are a fact for December, January, and February. Visit Nida Plateau, The Ida range of mountains or Psiloritis mountain and Lassithi Plateau, turned into a white lake. Experience skiing, or snow climbing, and if you are traveling with family play with snowballs as locals do.
VISIT HISTORIC TOWNS WITHOUT THE SUMMER CROWDS
The west of Crete offers beautiful historic towns and monuments. Towns like Chania and Rethymnon are really beloved by all Crete visitors, yet during the Summer season, they can be literally packed. In the winter it is very easy to walk around, shop, and explore. On the other hand, the accommodation rates fall as well at least 1/3 down from the summer rates.
DON’T EXCLUDE THE UNIQUE CRETAN BEACHES
Many Cretans swim in the winter. The water temperature won’t go below 12C even on the coldest days and for the majority of the winter days, it is pretty sunny and warm to swim or even sunbathe, walk on the beach or meditate. In wintertime, the Cretan beaches are very quiet and beautiful, with crystal clear waters and very few people disturbing the silence.
Contact us and ask us more about Winter touring in Crete! Let us design Your unique Winter in Crete Experience!
We will be glad to answer any questions and help you plan your lifetime winter vacation!!