Crete
Greece's largest island is almost a country of its own: palm beaches in the south, the rugged White Mountains, and the Minoan civilisation of Knossos.
About Crete
Crete splits roughly into four corners. Chania in the west has a Venetian harbour and the pink sand of Elafonissi and Balos; Rethymno keeps an old town; Heraklion is the busy capital with the palace of Knossos nearby; and the south — Matala, Plakias, Preveli — gives palm beaches and a slower rhythm. Between them lie gorges (the Samaria Gorge is the famous hike) and mountain villages where time moves more slowly.
It's an island for those who want variety: a swim in the morning, an archaeological site at midday, fresh fish in a harbour taverna at night. Its southerly position gives it a longer swimming season than most Greek islands — May into October — with July and August the hottest, busiest months.
☀ May–October; June & September most pleasant
Climate
Monthly averages 2019-2023Best time to visit Jul–Aug