Crete

Crete – What you should know

Crete is the southernmost and largest Greek island — and climatically the most reliable. Thanks to its position in the eastern Mediterranean, it receives almost uninterrupted sunshine in summer with very low rainfall. In midsummer, average high temperatures on the coast typically reach 31°C; in the interior, higher values can occur on hot days, which is why sightseeing is best done in the early morning or late evening hours.

The mountains of the interior — above all the Lefka Ori with peaks over 2,400 metres — create an interesting local climate. In winter it snows at higher elevations, while pleasant temperatures of 15–17°C prevail on the coast. Hikers find ideal conditions in April and May: the gorges carry water, the vegetation is lush and green, and the heat is still manageable.

Autumn travellers benefit from one of the longest swimming seasons in Europe: the sea remains typically around 24°C well into October, and the tourist crowds thin out considerably after the summer holidays end. September and October are regarded by connoisseurs as Crete's secret best travel season.