Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the island of Crete! It’s a beautiful island, well worth checking out. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Crete vacation.
Hate #1: Driving Around Crete
My biggest frustration when we visit Crete is having to drive around the island. There are some buses and taxis, but you really need a car to get around and see the most sights. If you decide to rent a home or apartment rather than stay in a hotel, then you will definitely need a car. Driving in Crete can be a hair-raising experience. Greek drivers can be a bit crazy, and you’ll likely find some winding mountain roads to explore. (Tip: most rental cars are manual transmission, and you’ll need an international driver’s license in order to rent a car in Greece.)
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Love #1: Crete Weather
The weather is why everyone loves to visit Crete! Crete is really a great destination throughout the year. Most tourists visit Crete in July and August, but the good weather extends way beyond the main summer months. It doesn’t really get cold in Crete, and there’s not a rainy season to worry about, so you will enjoy the weather in Crete whenever you decide to visit.
Hate #2: Sun in Crete
Yes, the sun is a big reason many travelers visit Crete, but it’s very strong, especially in the summer. It’s really easy to get a sunburn, and it can get really hot. Often, there’s a nice breeze coming off the water that cools the temperature down a bit. This feels really nice, but you may not notice that you are getting a sunburn because it’s not so hot out. You really have to wear sunblock all the time or you will likely end up with a nasty sunburn.
Love #2: Things to Do in Crete
The tourism infrastructure in Crete is fantastic. It’s easy to find Crete tours and Crete accommodations. Whether you want a standard hotel in Crete, or prefer a home rental, there are many to choose from. Renting a private home and cooking your own meals can be a great way to visit Crete on a budget. We’ll get to the beaches, but there are so many other things to see in Crete, like the Knossos archeological site. You can also explore monasteries and churches, each with their own interesting history.
Hate #3: “Crete Time”
Everyone in Crete seems to be on “island time” meaning everything takes just a little bit longer than you expect. Nobody is in a hurry, and you won’t be either once you acclimate to the slower pace of life in Crete. Just give yourself extra time for everything, especially when you are out to eat.
Love #3: Crete Beaches
There are so many beautiful sand beaches in Crete. The water is clear and warm, and there is great snorkeling, too. The beaches are kid-friendly and super relaxed. There beach bars all over the island, where you can rent a chair or have a chair free if you order food or drinks. You can even find empty beaches if you want to get away from the crowds for a day. Best of all, the beaches of Crete are safe. You don’t have to worry constantly about your belongings, and you won’t run into a bunch of touts trying to sell you things. Many of the beaches on the north side of Crete have lifeguards, which is great.
Hate #4: Seasonality of Crete
Tourism in Crete is very seasonal. In the high season or summer, it can be very crowded with tourists. But if you try to visit Crete in the low season, it can be really challenging to get to Crete. The low-cost carriers reduce airline service to Crete in the low season, so it will be harder to find affordable flights if you travel off-season. Some flights cease altogether in the offseason, so you may have to fly through Athens to Crete, or consider the ferry routes.
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Love #4: Locals of Crete
One of the things we love about Crete is the chance to meet locals. They have been welcoming travelers for centuries, yet they still love to share their beautiful island with visitors. If you can learn a few Greek words before your Crete vacation, you will find locals opening up to you even more and welcoming you. Even with crowds of tourists in the summer, the locals are super hospitable.
Hate #5: Ferries to Crete
Aside from direct flights to Crete, you can also take a ferry from the mainland and other Greek islands. Not all of the ferries are bad, but if you are visiting Crete on a budget and don’t want to spend the money on a room for the overnight ferry, be prepared to be awake all night watching your things. I highly recommend finding a cheap flight if you can and skipping the ferry experience. You’ll save a lot of time that you can spend on the beaches of Crete instead of sleeping on a ferry.
Love #5: Prices in Crete
Greece is a very affordable travel destination, and Crete is no exception. It is surprisingly affordable, even in the peak summer season. When you visit Crete restaurants, you eat really well for a very fair price. The portion sizes are big enough to share! You will pay a bit more in the touristy areas along the water, but overall, Crete is very reasonably priced for tourists.
Crete is all of the best parts of Greece, plus their own unique culture and cuisines layered in. Between the beautiful beaches, great weather and amazing food, it’s hard not to love everything about Crete. Want more tips for planning a Mediterranean vacation? Check out these other blog posts: