Spring in Crete: Must-Sees, Must-Eats & Must-Dos
Spring in Crete is a beauty waiting to be uncovered. In this article, we have selected the most authentic ways for you to experience the very famous landmarks of Crete and the most traditional taverns to taste local delicacies.
There are destinations that, in the minds of most people, are ‘summery’ or ‘wintery’ or ‘springy’. And sometimes the experience of breaking these molds, and traveling to winter destinations in the summer and vice versa, is fascinating. Crete is one of those cases – and the experience becomes even more exciting if you consider that spring is almost summer, with warm sunny days, perfect towns, and a hinterland ideal for hiking in flowery landscapes.
Chania in Spring
Cobbled alleys, Venetian mansions, pastel colors that alternate with each other, magical sunsets behind the lighthouse-symbol of the city. And this is just the beginning. Chania, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, combines romance with sightseeing, hip bars, delicious Cretan cuisine served in sunny courtyards, and all-day walks in atmospheric neighborhoods full of history. Not that summer does not suit them, but spring is a perfect time to explore them in their grandeur, without the crowds of August.
Where to Dine in Chania
Dounias
Food cooked on the fire. The tavern of Stelios Trylirakis is an ode to traditional cuisine, not only because of the recipes, but also the way they are cooked. This means that you will eat delicious fried and slow-cooked meats, juicy oily, good sourdough bread, and muscovite fluffy nuts. Do not leave without tasting the famous ‘gardoumakia’.
Chrysostomos
You will need to take a short boat ride from Loutro or Sfakia or to walk on the E4 path and reach the exit of the gorge of Aradena and Marmara beach, where this tavern is located. The white smooth rocks gave the beach its name. The scenery is impressive, the food they serve is delicious. The wood-fired oven does not stop burning to bake their wonderful sourdough bread, boureki patties with zucchini and cheese, briam, moussaka, and, of course, local meat with potatoes.
A: Marmara – Sfakia Beach
T: +30 28257 72299
Leventogiannis
Driving among trees and cool grasses, you will reach Therissos. Leventogiannis offers local delicacies, such as eggs with staka, syglina, good cheeses from local dairies, ofto and antikristo. All in generous portions!
W: TripAdvisor
Explore the Traditional Aspects Of Chania – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Enjoy a full day exploring the Cretan 20th Century history in Chania and its surrounding traditional villages. First, learn all about charismatic Greek politicians who played an important role in the history of Crete and Greece. After, visit the traditional villages that circle Chania town along with their historic and Folk Arts Museum. There, you will see interesting everyday objects aged from the Roman to Modern times. This experience will continue with a visit to the Monastery of St. George Karydiou. Additionally, you will have the chance to go to its olive oil factory dating back a few centuries. Finally, you will visit a new olive oil factory where apart from learning all about olive oil production, you will also enjoy an olive oil tasting.
Rethymnon in Spring
Another wonderful old town, lower-profile but equally atmospheric and colorful, also set with its Venetian port, and a castle from 1575 taken from the fairy tales of our childhood. Rethymno may be famous for its beaches, but it is also a beautiful town. After you are satisfied with walks in cobbled streets, you will be satisfied with the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine, and you will be spoiled with nights spent drinking Cretan raki. Not bad at all.
Where to Dine in Rethymnon
Goules
Leaving the city, you will follow the signs for Goulediana. In the tavern Goules, you will be warmly welcomed in a courtyard and at the table, a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. Greens, eggs, omelet, pork with sour cream.
Alekos
The order is taken by those in charge. They will determine when you are finished with your meal. You will know when the dishes with salads, appetizers, pies, braised, and grilled meats will stop coming. A family tavern that has been holding well for years in Armeni. Ideal stop for food after a swim in southern Rethymnon.
W: TripAdvisor
Strofi tis Gefsis
In a village with few inhabitants, in Vizari, a priest and his wife keep this cafe-tavern for passers-by and visitors. They are not catering professionals, do not expect stiffness and fine dining. It is as if they welcome you into their home, sweet-spoken and hospitable. The food is simple, tasty, well-cooked, unpretentious, and produce from their yard. Gemista and briam, with plenty of olive oil, omelets with greens, smoked goat.
The skewers of Gaganis
In Atsipopoulos square, ten minutes from the city of Rethymnon, you will enjoy wonderfully cooked meat on a skewer and generally grilled meats of the hour. The store is set on a small square and has plenty of tables, which are filled every night thanks to good quality and fast service. Cheeses, salads, and a few appetizers will complete your table. If you spend your holidays in the prefecture, you will visit it more than once.
Rethymnon for Nature Lovers – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Our Rethymnon for Nature Lovers Experience combines history, nature with religion. Start your day by visiting the beautiful Lake Kourna, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete! It has an immense geological and mythological interest as it seems that there was an ancient temple in the area. Your next stop will be at the gorgeous Natural Park of Patsos. There you will enjoy a moderate 8-kilometer hike. During your hike do not forget to take pictures by the amazing waterfall! Before you visit the Arkadi Monastery, have a delicious traditional meal in a local tavern of the gorge. Finally, at this historic Monastery, your guide will explain to you its significance as it is a symbol of independence.
Heraklion in Spring
Knossos Palace without the Crowds
How ancient (do you think) is the most ancient thing you have ever seen? Knossos, restored, wonderful in its grandeur, breaks all records and counts three and a half thousand years of life – which means that it was ancient even for the ancient Greeks such as Pericles or Thucydides. Free from the summer crowds, the spectacular palace of King Minos awaits you for super atmospheric time travel.
The archeological site is open daily from 8.00-15.00. Calculate that you need a minimum of two hours to see the basics and another 2 hours to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses almost all the findings of the excavations. What you see in the archeological site are replicas.
Where to Dine in Heraklion
Peskesi
We like it for its high quality of the Cretan Gastronomy and its authentic tastes. The restaurant is located in Heraklion center and its philosophy has been inspired by traditional ancient culinary traditions and the study of the Cretan diet since antiquity. Housed in a beautiful stone-made mansion, Peskesi will surely captivate your tastes and feelings.
Thigaterra
A relatively new entry in the town culinary culture, Thigattera has for sure a lot to offer. The restaurant philosophy concentrates on slow food gastronomy and aims to preserve the gastronomic tradition of every region of Crete, trying to awaken our gastronomic habits. It sees itself as an eco-gastronomy movement, which with the actions of its members in every corner of the world encourages us to adopt a different philosophy in our daily diet.
Vourvouladiko
It is located in the upgraded area of Lakko and is a key reason to visit the neighborhood. In a yard with trees and a lot of chatter from the people (that’s how the tavern got its name Vourvouladiko), you will taste excellent kapriko, that is, grilled local pork with crispy skin. You will rarely find it in taverns in the city, as it is the food of the festival. Stuffed flowers, dolmadas, nice fresh salads, and a fantastic dessert with handmade hot pastels and ice cream.
Erganos
You can find the restaurant within walking distance from the center of the town in a quiet neighborhood. It offers traditional Cretan Cuisine at very reasonable prices and in a friendly and family-like environment. We highly recommend it for its meat plates, local pasta, rich seasonal salads, and various wild greens and meat pies!
Heraklion Historic and Culinary Experience – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
A classic tour that will take you to the capital of Crete on a walking and culinary experience. With your guide, you will visit all the historic monuments in the city center. Some are Venetian and some Ottoman, but all blend in nicely with the modern vibe of the city. The church of Apostle Titus, the imposing Fort of Rocca al Mare will inspire you! Continue your tour by having Greek coffee and tasting local delicacies such as the bougatsa. You will also walk and taste various products from the Open-air Market such as cheese, honey, and nuts. Finally, end your tour with an olive oil and wine pairing. In addition, you will learn that olive oil and wine are valuable for Cretan Gastronomy, as they are almost basic ingredients. Cretans love using them in their cooking making extremely tasty dishes.
Your First Dip into the Refreshing Spring Sea
On the one hand, sunshine, on the other hand, the ideal location of Crete, which guarantees that as long as you do not climb the mountains you have an almost eternal summer. This is everything we need to start diving from April. In the turquoise waters of Elafonissi, in the deep blue of the Libyan Sea in Preveli and Triopetra, in the exotic Kedrodassos, and the wonderful Falasarna, just as if it would be summer.
Yoga and Nature Week Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
If you miss practicing Yoga on the beach and if you miss Meditating with the sound of the gentle waves, our Yoga and Nature Week Experience is for you! If you can’t wait to visit Crete’s amazing countryside and if you can’t wait to taste incredible Cretan gastronomic delights, our Yoga and Nature Week Experience is also for you! We combine yoga, meditation, and movement classes with Crete’s extraordinary nature scene. Our goal is for you to feel relaxed and energized while connecting with your inner self through Crete’s blessed Earth.
Cretan Nature in Spring
Hiking enthusiasts are well aware that spring is the best time to be in Crete and to cross its spectacular routes without worrying about the high summer temperatures. We assume that the mythical gorge of Samaria does not need recommendations but it is not the only amazing route you can do in nature. The routes of the European path E4 cross old paths, passing through traditional settlements, trekking next to monasteries, and going up and down the mountains of Crete.
Nature Whispers – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Get in touch with your spiritual side and allow yourself to connect with nature’s wisdom and grace. With this tour, we urge you to find your inner nature dance in the Forest of Rouvas. After this excellent warmup, from Zakros lake hike starts the path to the gorge of Agios Nikolaos, which ends – after a walk of about two and a half hours – in the beautiful and green forest of Rouvas, one of the few kermes forests in all of Greece. End your experience with an amazing fish lunch by the lake of Zakros.
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