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With more than 6,000 islands to its name and warmer temperatures all year round, Greece is one of the most sought after sunny getaways across the pond in the fall.
Be it the whitewashed villages From Santorini, the unparalleled party scene of Mykonos, or the rugged landscape of Milos, the Aegean Sea will be packed with visitors this season, but there’s one paradise spot that most Americans will skip on their island-hopping adventure through the heart of Ellas.
Surrounded by crystal clear waters and age-old charm, Crete is a destination in its own rightand as TUIs latest figures If anything, European sun worshipers will head here for that last bit of sunshine before the cold creeps in.
One of the most popular European outings this fall
Before you continue reading, take a moment to look up Crete Google Maps. It’s really southern, right?
For example, at the far south of the vast blue space lies the Mediterranean Sea subject to hot wind doesn’t just come from Africa but also the Middle East.
Needless to say, it is much, much warmer than the average European destination all year round, but especially in autumn when summer-like temperatures can still be recorded along parts of the coast such as Heraklion, Crete’s bustling capital, or the coastal town of Chania.
Like TUI reportsGreece’s largest island enjoys ‘mild and comfortable’ weather until October little rain expected and long sunny days throughout the month, minus the scorching heatwaves and raging forest fires you’d expect in high season.
On average, average daily temperatures will vary in different parts of Crete between 63°F and 73°F only slightly cooler than summer during this transitional period, but still warm enough for outdoor sunbathing, swimming and participating in outdoor activities – don’t forget to pack a sweater for the evenings.
More than just beautiful whitewashed towns and blue domes
If you’ve looked up Crete on a map, you may have realized that it is much larger than the Greek islands that lie to the north of it.
Its size is comparable to that of a medium-sized European country: with an area of 3,219 inhabitants, it is approximately the same size as the state of Delaware and packaged with iconic sights.
While there isn’t much to see in Santorini, Mykonos and the like, apart from the Instagrammable alleys lined with bougainvilleas and blue-domed churches, Crete dominated historically charged sites, some of which are more than 2,000 years old.
An extended trip to Crete is likely to include a visit to Knossos, an archaeological complex famous for its frescoed temples, a walk along Chania harbour, a colorful fishing village known for its Venetian heritage and restaurant scene, and the nearby Roman ruins of Aptera.
Those are just 3 choices from Crete extensive list of cultural activities that should keep you busy for more than two or three days – again, this is the case not another small stopover island where you won’t spend more than a weekend somewhere along the way:
Tons of unique activities to participate in
Crete is its own destination, and you could easily spend a whole week or two here without ever getting bored: the nature here is breathtaking, and if you love being in nature, then this is Samaria Gorge Tour is a must do.
From Chania, the tour from Chania will drop you off at the entrance of one of the longest gorges in Europe for a four-hour trek: although it may be challenging for some, it is well worth it, with views of Crete’s White Mountains and thousand-year-old forests, from just $35.80.
For the culture lovers among us: definitely book a spot here Authentic cooking class at the foot of the White Mountains, where you will learn how to prepare traditional Greek––and specifically Cretan––food while learning about local history (reservations cost $121.55).
If you hope to one day be on the water, Crete is a Mediterranean haven after all, don’t miss this holiday. sailing trip from Heraklion to neighboring Dia Island, an uninhabited paradise surrounded by turquoise seas – from $79.83 lunch, snorkeling and paddle boarding are all included.
Pink sandy beaches and natural Mediterranean pools
Is Crete still warm enough for a beach holiday in autumn? Damn right it is!
Think about it: the Mediterranean has had all summer to warm up, and now it’s just starting to cool as we head into the coldest seasons. it is a particularly good time for swimming.
The water temperature is around 23.4°C and unlike summer, the hordes of tourists will have already left some of the busiest swimming spots, such as Elafonissi, the busiest beach in Crete due to its unique, pink colored sandand the Caribbean, soft white sanded Balos.
For the best chance of beating the small crowds along the Cretan coast, head to Preveli, near Rethymno, where an inland river flows into the sea, flows past palm trees and forms a lake close to the Mediterranean: the literal Eden.
Another beautiful beach that resembles a Mediterranean dream come true is Vai, in the Lassithi region.
A peaceful stretch of honey-colored sand, sandwiched between the largest palm tree forest in Europe and aquatic waters, it is perhaps Crete’s most picturesque natural wonder.
Crete can be a budget-friendly getaway this fall
We all know that once the high season is over, prices drop significantly across Europe, and Crete is no exception: everything from accommodation to food is clearly cheaperwhether you stay in a tourist town like Heraklion or in a remote coastal village.
In Heraklion, the cheapest rooms in October start from a negligible $21 Happy dayswhile privately run double rooms with terraces can still cost as cheap as $40 a night, as seen on Andy’s apartment.
Cheap food is just as easy to find $5-7 gyros sold on virtually every street cornerand plenty of Mediterranean-style eateries serving freshly made pasta and seafood for between $15 and 25: you can be sure you won’t go hungry in Crete, even on a budget.
Of course you can go way over budget with a 4 or 5 star resort, but our point is: Crete can be budget-friendly if you are not actively looking for luxury stays: average: budget trip to the island will cost you an acceptable $926.
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