Crete in Winter | A Guide to Exploring the Island Off-Season

• Population: 634.930 residents (census 2019)
• Acreage: 8,336 sq km with 81 uninhabited islets. 5th largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica.
• Economy: Agriculture, processing-packaging, and services (tourism).
• Terrain: Extremely mountainous with three main mountain ranges. The highest mountain is Psiloritis at 2.456 meters. Numerous imposing gorges with the most famous being the Samaria Gorge.

• It has 502 beaches. Lasithi has 164, Chania 136, Heraklion 131 and Rethymno 71.
• Airports: Heraklion, Chania, Sitia
• Road Conditions: Despite having a well-developed road network, especially in the island’s northern part, Crete lacks modern highways. The distance from the west to the east is 250 km.
• Public transport: KTEL buses. There is no train network.

Things to Do in Crete in Winter

Overall, Crete in winter is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic Greek experience. With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s sure to be a trip you’ll never forget.

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Top Activities to Do in Crete in Winter

1. Celebrate Christmas in Crete

One of my favorite things to do in Crete during winter is celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in one of the island’s larger towns. The streets, shops, port, and shore are beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and the iconic Greek Christmas symbol—the Traditional Fishing Boat (Karavaki).

The town centers come alive with Christmas Markets, and I can’t wait to visit the most renowned one—the Heraklion Market. The historic districts buzz with energy as people shop for the holidays, and I love stumbling upon live music in the local taverns, adding to the festive vibe.

Everywhere I look, there are delightful seasonal treats like kourabiedes and melomakarona. It’s truly a holiday wonderland!

During the Christmas holiday season, a complete Christmas village comes to life in the typically snow-covered plateau of Omalos (Chania).

Over in the Cave of Agios Ioannis in Marathokefala (Chania), they recreate the birth of the divine infant, complete with real animals, in a manger scene. It’s a special holiday experience!

2. Participate in Santa Run in Chania

Santa Run Chania made its debut in Greece in 2011, marking the inception of this festive event. Today, it stands as Europe’s largest and most prolific fundraising Christmas initiative worldwide.

All proceeds from participant registrations directly benefit four charitable associations, local shops offering treats to the runners, and the musicians and DJs who infuse the city streets with lively music, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Find out more about this event on their official website here.

3. Stroll the Gorgeous Beaches

Crete boasts over 500 spacious beaches (along with hundreds of smaller ones), all waiting for you, completely unspoiled and serene. If you’ve ever been to Elafonissi, Balos, or Falasarna beaches during the summer, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when it comes to the overwhelming crowds.

I love strolling along the peaceful shores when now and then, the sun breaks through the thick clouds, salt mingles in my hair, and with each gust of wind, a unique sense of tranquility washes over me. Best meditation ever 😀

4. Explore the Towns: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos

Crete has four large towns, Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion which is the capital of the island, and Agios Nikolaos to the west. If you are going to Crete for the first time then you should start with Chania, a stunning town.

The Venetian Port and Old Town of Chania transport you back in time while remaining a vibrant and thriving hub, a must-visit destination that embodies the rich tapestry of Crete’s history. You can spend a few days discovering the unbelievable wealth of picturesque areas in Chania.

Rethymno, which is one of the oldest towns in Greece built during the Minoan Civilization, has a beautiful Venetian port and Old Town that you will love exploring.

Heraklion is a vibrant town, the financial center of the island with university students that keep always the town vibrant. It also hosts Knossos Palace, the second most visited archaeological site in Greece after the Acropolis Hill in Athens.

Finally, the gorgeous Agios Nikolaos built around a lake, and so close to cosmopolitan Elounda and Spinalonga island, will fascinate you.

5. Visit the Archaeological Sites

Crete boasts a rich and diverse historical heritage, with ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and well-preserved monuments that stand as a testament to its glorious past.

Another great incentive to visit the sites in winter is that entrance is half-price and every first Sunday of November to March, entrance is free for everyone.

The Minoan Civilization flourished from around 3000 BCE to about 1450 BCE. The distinctive features of Minoan Crete include labyrinthine palatial complexes, vibrant wall frescoes depicting bull-leaping, and intricate golden jewelry.

The most important Minoan Palaces are:

1. The ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos and the center of the Minoan civilization. It is located in Heraklion, open every day, and from the 1st of November entrance is between 08.30 and 17.00 (last admission 16:45). Ticket: €8

2. Phaistos Palace is a superb architectural complex and is considered to be the finest and most typical of all Minoan palaces. It is located in Heraklion, open every day, and from the 1st of November entrance is between 08.30 and 15.30 (last admission 15:15). Ticket: €4.

3. The Minoan Palace of Malia is situated 3 kilometers to the east of Malia town, next to the Potamos wetland and very close to the sea. This location once held a significant Minoan city and was the third-largest Minoan palace in size, following Knossos and Phaistos. Closed on Tuesdays.

From the 1st of November, entrance is between 08.30 and 15.30 (the last admission is 15:15). Ticket: €3

Other equally significant sites are the Minoan site of Agia Triada, the Minoan Palace of Zakros, the ancient city of Aptera, and Eleutherna, home to the necropolis of Orthi Petra, which offers insight into ancient Cretan burials and rituals.

6. Go Hiking – Top Activity for Crete in Winter

The E4 hiking route begins its journey in Portugal and spans across Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece, ultimately reaching its endpoint in Crete, where it stretches from Kastelli Kissamou to Kato Zakros.

This extensive path is easily identifiable by the presence of distinctive yellow and black markers.

Samaria Gorge may be closed between the 15th of October and the 1st of May but Crete has numerous other trails and gorges to hike, appropriate for winter hiking. However, these hiking trails, frequently suffer from a lack of proper signage.

Typically, these trails are indicated by red signs and, on rare occasions, by blue markers. I suggest, depending on the area you are staying, to contact a local guide to take you to the best and safest trails of your area.

Some of my favorite trails are:

• Perdika Gorge in Chania where the largest waterfall in Greece is located (240 meters high).
• The Apokoronou network in Hania is composed of 12 trails, altogether measuring a total of 150km where you will discover small villages, nature, and mountains.
• Ha Gorge in Lasithi with 27 waterfalls and vertical walls 400 m high.

7. Ski in Winter Crete

While Crete is not typically known for its ski resorts, there are a few options available for those who want to hit the slopes during their winter visit.
The island boasts Mount Psiloritis (in Rethymno) featuring the highest peak, Timios Stavros, at 2,456 meters, the White Mountains or Lefka Ori (in Chania) with Pachnes at 2,454 meters, and Mount Dikti (in Lasithi) with the peak of Spathi at 2,148 meters.

Cretan mountains are ideal for mountaineering in the snow, meaning more hiking and less skiing. In 2014, a small group of devoted hikers organized the first mountain skiing race in Psiloritis, which is now known as Pierra Creta and has become a tradition. Next Pierra Creta will take place 8–10 March 2024 and here you can find out more about the event.

You can contact the Cretan Ski School for more information about skiing in Rethymno.

8. Food Tasting in Crete in Winter

Crete is famous in Greece as the place with the most delicious Greek food. When visiting Crete in winter, you’ll find a wide variety of traditional dishes that are perfect for the colder months. Here are a few top must-try winter dishes in Crete:

Marathopita

Marathopita is a delicious, flat pie with a soft crust, baked with minimal oil in a pan. It is a traditional recipe of Chania, but it is found throughout Crete. For the filling, you will need fresh fennel, which gives a wonderful aroma while usually, they also add spinach and fresh onions.

Gamopilafo (Perfect for winter)

Gamopilafo is a traditional Cretan wedding dish made from rice, lamb, and a variety of herbs and spices. The rice is boiled in the broth of the meat that has been previously cooked. It is served hot, along with the boiled meat, with lemon, salt, and pepper. It’s a comforting and filling dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day.

Dakos

Dakos is a traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusk, tomato, xinomizithra cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. For extra flavor, in many small taverns, they soak the barley rusk in seawater.

Kalitsounia

Kalitsounia are small pies that are a popular snack in Crete. They are made with mizithra cheese or greens and herbs wrapped in dough. Those containing mizithra are usually served with plenty of honey and cinnamon.

These are traditional dishes that you will find in the vast majority of restaurants and taverns wherever you are in Crete. One of the best ways to enjoy the local food is to book the Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains (Chania).

Top Tours to Book for Crete

If you are getting ready for your trip to Crete check out those winter guided tours that have all a Badge of Excellence:

• The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour – Explore East Chania Mainland
• Chania: Old Town, Public Market, Hill of Prophet Elias, Agia Triada
• Private trip to South Rethymno-Spili-Kourtaliotiko-Kalypso beach
• Private Full-day Tour to Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave
• Luxuries of Mirabello with Spinalonga Island & Agios Nikolaos from Elounda

FAQ for Crete Island

How to Get Around Crete in Winter

Renting a car is the best way to explore Crete during the winter season. The roads are less congested, making it easy to travel to various parts of the island.

There will be 2 to 3 days of snow in January and February in the towns, much more, however, in the mountains. If you plan to head into the mountains, ensure that you have a suitable vehicle for wet roads and carry chains with you in case you encounter snow.

What are Winters Like in Crete?

The climate and weather for Crete in winter fall between two climatic zones. The majority of the island falls within the Mediterranean zone, while the southern coasts, including the island of Gavdos, are in the North African zone.

The average temperature in winter ranges between 10-15ºC while the interior alpine areas of the three major mountain ranges can have temperatures as low as -10°C. Most of the inhabited areas are located near the 1046 km-long coastline, which means mild temperatures.

December is usually the wettest month, with an average of 11 rainy days, while January and February are slightly drier, with around 8-9 rainy days per month. January will be the coldest month in Crete in winter.

How to Get to Crete in Winter

Flights to Crete: There are daily flights from Athens to Crete. Aegean Airlines operates daily flights from Athens to both Chania and Heraklion, while additional flights to Heraklion are offered by Sky Εxpress. The flight time to Crete is 50 minutes.

Ferries to Crete: There are daily connections from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, by ANEK Lines that takes you to Chania or Heraklion, and Minoan Lines offering transportation to Heraklion. The ferry travel time ranges from 8.5 to 10 hours.

How Long Should I Stay in Crete

No matter what season you are visiting, you should keep aside a minimum of a week and even better 2 weeks.

How crowded is Crete during the winter months?

Crete is much less crowded during the winter months, which makes it an ideal time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy the island’s attractions without the crowds and queues that are common during the summer months. However, there are hundreds of thousands of locals and many major universities so it will be quite lively.

Is it cheaper to visit Crete during the winter season?

Yes, it is generally cheaper to visit Crete during the winter season. Flights and accommodations are usually less expensive, and you can often find discounts on tours and activities. Plus all the archaeological sites are half price and every first Sunday of November to March, entrance is free for everyone.

FAQ for Driving in Greece in Winter

• In case you want to rent a car, you may need an International Driving Permit. However, the residents of the US, Canada Australia, the UK, and Gibraltar are exempted from this obligation and can rent with their national driving permits as long as they are over 18 years old (Article 94 of Greek Law No. 4850/2021 – November 5, 2021). Greeks drive the right-hand side of a street.
• Always carry chains for your tires, you never know when the next crazy blizzard will find you.
• Rent a car with Discover Cars for new and affordable vehicles.
• Most of the country is connected by a highway system that uses tolls – open all year through. However, smaller roads in the mountains might be closed due to heavy snow.
• Belts are mandatory and you get a huge fine if you haven’t fastened them up.
• Young children should always be kept in their special seats, fastened, in the back seat. Children under 10 are not allowed in the front seat.
• Driving and talking on the phone also can give you a gigantic fine, use hands-free options.
• It’s illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.05%.
• The high-speed roads are in excellent condition. When you get off the main highways, the roads get significantly smaller.
• Read here some regulations about vehicles in Greece.

What to Pack for Winter in Crete

Although Crete is generally warmer than other parts of Europe during winter, it can still get chilly. Make sure to pack warm clothing, including a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You may also want to bring a rain jacket, as winter in Crete can be wet. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you start packing but just in case add some heavy wintry clothes.

Conclusion

Visiting Crete in winter is a great idea for those who want to escape from harsh cold climates and enjoy the culture and history of one of Europe’s most popular islands without dealing with the hordes of tourists who come in the summer.

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Other Posts for Crete Island:

• 21 Best Things to Do in Rethymno
• 28 Best Places in Crete
• What to Do in Chania
• Where to Stay on Crete Island

Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

• Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance), which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7.
• Metro: (€9) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
• Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €40 to Athens, €55-60 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
• Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable, new cars at affordable prices
• You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece
• Are you looking for domestic flights in Greece? Check out the official Aegean Airlines Website.

Essential Travel Info for Greece