Crete, Greece

Crete spreads from Heraklion's Knossos Minoan palace to Chania's Venetian harbour, the Samaria Gorge's 16km hike from the White Mountains down to the Libyan Sea, and the pink sands of Elafonisi at the western tip.

Highlights

When to Visit

May-Jun

Samaria Gorge opens May 1, Elafonisi pink sand and Balos Beach at peak, and Cretan wildflower bloom across the White Mountains.

Jul-Aug

Hits 33°C and Heraklion bakes, but the Lasithi plateau at 850m stays 8°C cooler, and Knossos morning visits before 10am avoid the worst sun.

Sep-Oct

Sea at warmest, Samaria Gorge accessible without summer queues, and the olive harvest beginning in late October across Crete's olive-grove heartland.

Nov-Apr

Mild Cretan winter at 14°C, mountain villages of Anogeia atmospheric in winter mist, and the Samaria closes November-April for safety.