Crete has everything you want from an Island, from soaring mountains, the famous Gorge of Samaria which is a must for nature-lovers, Minoan Palaces and traditional villages set next to a clear deep blue sea with tavernas serving freshly caught fish. The city of Chania offers many opportunities for relaxation and a wonderful variety of attractions. With its narrow streets in the Venetian old quarter which are cool and shady by day, to the exciting tavernas, restaurants and shops which take on a vibrant characteristic by night.
Whilst exploring the Island you are never far away from the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) which appear with snow covered caps - even in the summer months.
Crete has an extraordinary range of scenery – from gentle, fertile plains to wild, uninhabited gorges. Its moods and colours change from month to month. Spring sees a bright blue sky and the island covered with a mass of wild flowers. With the White Mountains covered in snow, the orchards flourish with pink and white blossom.
The arrival of summer sees a vast array of bougainvillea, hibiscus and oleander with their rich colours. The warm evening air is filled with the smell of jasmine.
In high summer the sea shimmers with incredible shades of turquoise and blue under a clear blue sky. Silver-grey olive trees cover the island and the smell of wild herbs is carried on the breeze.
As summer eases into autumn and the landscape turns terracotta, bronze and purple. Autumn flowers can be seen by the roadside and figs, chestnuts, olives and grapes have ripened ready for harvesting. The beaches turn quiet, although the sea remains warm and Crete turns slowly towards winter.
Check out the average temperatures for Crete
