Our top reasons to visit the island of Crete

Temperate Mediterranean Climate

Crete is renowned for its consistent warm and sunny climate, featuring hot summers and mild winters all year round. For those seeking sunshine, Crete is the perfect holiday destination. The peak months, from May to October, offer guaranteed sunshine and minimal rainfall. The climate in Crete is generally mild. April and May are delightful, with an average temperature of 24°C and lows of 12°C. If you plan to visit in spring, pack light clothes for the day and warmer attire for the evenings to accommodate the temperature changes. Summer in Crete brings beautiful weather with high temperatures and minimal rainfall. Temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C during the summer, with the hottest months being July and August. Coastal areas benefit from cooling breezes during the day, thanks to prevailing northwest winds, offering relief from the hot and humid weather.

Idyllic beaches galore

For those who adore serene beaches, Crete is the place to be! With countless options, it's challenging to name them all, each possessing its own unique allure. Whether it's soft pink or white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, there's a beach for everyone. Some are still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, offering a delightful experience of swimming and unwinding on unspoiled shores. Picture yourself plunging into the pink and blue waters of Elafonissi, swimming or snorkelling in the azure seas of Paleochora's long, sandy beach or head to Plakias, where the crescent bay is kissed by the warm waters of the Libyan Sea. Alternatively, revel in the extraordinary natural beauty of Balos. Crete proves to be a paradise for beach enthusiasts seeking stunning coastal escapes.

Myths & Legends

Crete boasts a remarkable array of divine and heroic figures, some of which trace back to the ancient Minoan era. Numerous Greek myths are intertwined with Crete, continuing to captivate with stories of untamed nature goddesses, divine youths, priestesses wielding serpents, legendary kings, bull-headed creatures, and innovative inventors.

In the second millennium BCE, the island of Crete was inhabited by an advanced pre-Greek society known as 'the Minoans'. When archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans began excavating the Knossos site on Crete in 1900, he often linked his discoveries to ancient Cretan myths. He named the structure at Knossos the 'Palace of Minos' after the legendary king of Crete and associated it with the tale of the Labyrinth. This elaborate maze was built by King Minos to confine the fierce Minotaur, a creature with a human body and a bull's head. According to the myth, the Minotaur was slain by Theseus, the renowned hero of semi-divine descent. After defeating the Minotaur, Theseus returned to Greece, where he became the king and the founder of Athens.

The myth of Daedalus and Icarus is one of the most well-known and fascinating Greek myths, as it consists of both historical and mythical details. While in Crete, Daedalus drew up the plan for the Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete and Greece. It was a magnificent architectural design and 1,300-room building adorned with stunning frescoes and artifacts that survive to this day.

One of Crete’s greatest mythological stories is that of the birthplace of Zeus, arguably the most famous and powerful god in Greek mythology. As Zeus grew up, he successfully defeated his father in a fight and overthrew him from his throne. Zeus freed his siblings from Kronos’ stomach and with his brothers Poseidon and Hades went to battle with the Titans. They overthrew the Titans and took control of the world. They divided the world up by drawing lots. Poseidon became lord of the sea, Zeus of the sky and Hades took over the dominion of the underworld.

Cultural Crete

Crete, the cradle of mythic legends and epochal histories, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Cretans, who are as brave in war as they are inventive in peace. This island, birthplace of the mighty Zeus according to ancient lore, has been sculpted by its inhabitants into a vibrant tapestry of culture and history. Cretans are natural storytellers, artists, and artisans, weaving tales not just through words but through their rich traditions and the very landscape they inhabit. The island is dotted with grand-scale archaeological monuments that speak volumes of its storied past, from the enigmatic ruins of the Minoan civilization to the Venetian fortresses that guard its shores. Life in Crete is a harmonious blend of the past and present, where age-old customs are preserved with fervour, and every meal is a celebration of the island’s bountiful produce. The Cretan appetite for food and fun is insatiable, manifesting in lively festivals and a culinary tradition that is both hearty and healthy, epitomizing the famed Mediterranean diet. In Crete, the zest for life is infectious, inviting all who visit to partake in its joys and discover the depth of its cultural riches.

Our 7 night 'Cultural Crete' holiday encourages you to enjoy activities like walking in typical Cretan landscape, cooking some Cretan dishes, learning about the ancient and modern skills of olive oil and wine production and more about the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet; visit a local archaeological museuem and a farm tour and cookery lesson. It also includes a boat trip to Balos lagoon. All activities are of course optional and will be combined with a little walking in the countryside or by the sea.

Majestic mountains

Crete boasts a ruggedly beautiful landscape, largely due to the encircling mountains. The White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the west stand out as the island's largest range, offering a stunning backdrop. While these mountains receive snow from November to May, they are named 'white' because their water-rich limestone surfaces shimmer with a silvery-white hue under the bright sun. This impressive range divides the island into northern and southern parts, featuring peaks, rugged ravines, and famous landmarks like the Samaria Gorge, along with challenging terrain that leads to steep hillsides on the southern coast. Nestled within the mountainous heart of the island are various elevated plateaus, hosting charming traditional mountain villages. This distinct Cretan scenery shapes the island's unique character and influences its inhabitants.

Jaw dropping Gorges

Crete offers more than just its renowned beaches and hospitable locals; its landscape is equally exceptional, with its gorges standing out as particularly striking features. The island boasts an abundance of awe-inspiring natural canyons, with over 400 of them predominantly situated in the western region. Exploring these canyons through hiking presents an opportunity to revel in magnificent vistas and natural beauty. Embarking on a walking holiday in early spring proves to be an excellent choice, as the weather tends to be pleasantly warm and sunny while the flora is in full bloom. One of the most renowned hikes in Crete commences in Omalos, leading through the Samarian Gorge within the National Park. Accessible only during the summer months, this trek spans 16 kilometers, culminating in Agios Roumeli by the Libyan Sea in southern Crete. Noteworthy is the Samarian Gorge's status as the second longest gorge in Europe, with a particularly striking segment known as the "Iron Gate," where imposing stone walls rise 300 meters high, creating a narrow passage just 4 meters wide. Concluding the journey in Agios Roumeli allows for a refreshing swim in the sea and a satisfying meal at a local taverna. The diverse terrain traversed and the enchanting scenery encountered along the way offer a truly magical experience, allowing you to connect with and appreciate the sheer force and beauty of nature.

Cretan cuisine

Cretan cuisine, with its ancient roots and a blend of cultural influences, stands as a testament to the island's rich history and bountiful land. Emphasising simplicity and the richness of local produce, it offers a culinary experience that is both wholesome and flavourful. Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Cretan diet, not only enhances the taste of dishes but also contributes to the health benefits associated with this Mediterranean diet, known for its positive impact on longevity and well-being. The emphasis on fresh vegetables, legumes, and fruits, along with a moderate use of meat, reflects a balanced approach to eating. Seafood, drawing from the island's extensive coastline, adds a vibrant dimension to the palette of flavours, with dishes like grilled octopus capturing the essence of Cretan culinary tradition. In essence, Cretan cuisine is a celebration of nature's bounty, traditional wisdom, and the joy of sharing meals that are both nourishing and delightfully flavourful.

An island for all the family

Crete, the jewel of the Mediterranean, is as an idyllic haven for families yearning for both adventure and serenity. As the southernmost Greek island, it boasts a climate and setting that's welcoming throughout the year, making it an ideal choice for families. The island is abundant with accommodation tailored for families, ensuring comfort and convenience for both adults and children. Attractions in Crete cater to a wide range of interests; from its stunning beaches that beckon for days under the sun to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology that animates the historical sites, there's no shortage of activities to engage every family member. For those seeking a blend of thrill and laughter, the island's amusement parks offer evening entertainment that's hard to resist. Moreover, Crete's renown as one of Europe's safest destinations adds an extra layer of comfort for parents, allowing families to freely explore and immerse themselves in the enchanting experiences Crete has to offer.

Sunvil offers holidays to the 'real Crete'

Crete is ideal for those seeking a relaxing beach break with an excellent Mediterranean climate and a fantastic mix of vibrant towns, traditional tavernas and true Greek hospitality. Our Crete holidays offer a wealth of ancient treasures and wonderful holiday resorts.

We offer a range of Crete holidays and our destination experts are a mine of information about what to do on the island, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to relax by the beach or hire a car and explore the island with one of our tailor made Fly Drive holidays – we have you covered.

Check our website for full details or give our team a call on 020 8568 4499.