Travelling to Crete: Where to Go in Off-Season and High-Season

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and sand. With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and charming villages, Crete is a paradise for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, when it comes to travelling to Crete, the timing of your visit can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll look at where to go in Crete off-season and where to travel to in high-season.

Off-Season (October to May)

If you’re looking for a quieter, more peaceful holiday, then the off-season is the perfect time to visit Crete. With fewer tourists around, you can explore the island at your own pace, taking in its natural beauty and rich history without feeling rushed or overcrowded. Here are some places to visit in Crete during the off-season:

1. Preveli Monastery and Beach

Preveli Monastery and Beach can indeed be a great destination to visit during the off-season, especially in April when the fields around the monastery are full of poppies. Located on the south coast of Crete, Preveli Monastery is a historic site dating back to the 17th century. It's known for its beautiful architecture, impressive frescoes, and stunning views of the Libyan Sea. During the off-season, visitors can enjoy free entrance to the monastery.

Preveli Beach, located just below the monastery, is a beautiful and secluded beach known for its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and stunning views. During the high season, it can get quite crowded, but in the off-season, it's a peaceful and serene place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Crete.

2. Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is a stunning natural wonder that stretches for 16 kilometers through the White Mountains in western Crete. During the off-season, the gorge is much less crowded, which makes it the perfect time to explore this beautiful landscape at your own pace.

3. Knossos

Knossos is an ancient Minoan palace and archaeological site located just outside the city of Heraklion. During the off-season, the crowds are much smaller, which means you can take your time exploring this fascinating site without feeling rushed.

4. Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is a stunning beach located on the southwestern coast of Crete. With its crystal-clear shallow waters and pinkish sand, it’s one of the most recognizable beaches in the world. During the high-season, the beach can get quite busy, but it’s definitely worth a visit. The windy western coast of Crete and especially Elafonisi is a great place for kite and windsurfing.

5. Balos Beach

Balos Beach is a secluded beach located on the northwestern coast of Crete. With its turquoise waters and stunning views, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island. During the high-season, the beach can get quite busy and covered in chez longs and parasols, and big boats regularly bring tourists from Chania, but it’s worth the trip off season.

High-Season (June to September)

With warmer weather and longer days, there are plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring. However, you are sure to share the most iconic places of Crete like Balos or Knossos with hundreds or thousands of travelers. Here are some places to visit in Crete during the high-season:

1. Heraklion

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and is home to many historical sites and cultural attractions. During the high-season, the city comes alive with street performers, music festivals, and other cultural events.

2. Lefka Ori

Lefka Ori, also known as the White Mountains, is a mountain range located in western Crete. It's known for its stunning natural beauty, including gorges, peaks, and valleys. During the high season, it's a great place to hike, climb, and explore the mountains. Avoid a packed Samaria Gorge during the high season, but apart from Samaria, there are plenty of spectacular hikes you can choose from.

Villages of the White Mountains:

Anogia

Anogia is a small mountain village located in the foothills of Mount Ida, the highest mountain on Crete. It's known for its traditional architecture, folklore, and handicrafts. During the high season, it's a great place to explore the natural beauty of the mountains and learn about the local culture.

Milia

Milia is a small eco-village located in the White Mountains of western Crete. It's a sustainable retreat and a great place to escape the crowds and relax in nature. During the high season, it's a popular destination for hiking, yoga, and meditation.

Anogia

3. Loutro

Loutro is a small village located on the southern coast of Crete. It’s only accessible by boat or on foot, which means it’s much quieter than some of the other beach resorts on the island. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.

4. Zaros

Zaros is a small village located in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. It’s known for its natural springs and beautiful surroundings. During the high season, it’s a great place to escape the crowds and explore the mountainous region of Crete.

5. Spinalonga

Spinalonga is a small island located off the coast of Crete. It was once used as a leper colony and is now a popular tourist destination. However, during the high season, it can still be less crowded than some of the other historical sites on the island. It’s worth a visit for its beautiful views and fascinating history.

6. Rethymnon

Rethymnon is a beautiful coastal town on the northern side of Crete. It has a picturesque old town, a Venetian harbor, and beautiful beaches. It can get busy during the high season, however, you don’t get bothered by big crowds in a city the way you are bothered by people in the places you want to have some nature experience

7. Kato Zakros and Anatoli

Kato Zakros is a small village located on the eastern side of Crete. It's known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural scenery. Anatoli boasts beautiful houses built of natural stone and great sea views. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit a donkey sanctuary a href="https://www.facebook.com/DonkeySanctuaryCrete/" target="_blank">"Walking with donkeys" located nearby. During the high season, it's a great place to relax and unwind away from the crowds.

8. Archanes

Archanes is a small village located in the hills of central Crete. It's known for its ancient ruins, traditional architecture, and vineyards. During the high season, it's a great place to explore the local culture, sample the local wine, and relax in the countryside.

Crete has a lot to offer beyond its beaches and cities. By exploring its mountains and small villages during the high season, you can experience the natural beauty and rich culture of the island without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.

In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a lively holiday, Crete has something to offer all year round. By choosing the right time to visit and exploring the right places, you can make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

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