Hidden Gem Of Greece: This Sunny Island Boasts Crystal-Clear Waters & Ancient Culture

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With over 6,000 islands to its name and boasting warmer temperatures year-round, Greece is one of the most sought-after sunny getaways across the pond in the fall.

Be it the whitewashed villages of Santorini, Mykonos’ unrivaled party scene, or the rugged scenery of Milos, the Aegean will be brimming with visitors this season, but there’s one paradisiacal spot most Americans will skip on their island-hopping adventure through the Ellas heartland.

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and oozing ancient charm, Crete is a stand-alone destination, and if TUI’s latest figures are anything to go by, it is where European sunseekers will be going themselves for that last bit of sunshine before the cold creeps in.

One Of The Most Popular European Getaways This Fall

Before you proceed with reading, take a wee second to look up Crete on Google Maps. It’s really south, right?

For example, in the very south of the vast expanse of blue is the Mediterranean, which is subject to hot winds coming from not only Africa but also the Middle East.

Needless to say, it’s much, much warmer than your average European destination year-round, but particularly in the fall, when summer-like temperatures can still be recorded along parts of the coast, like Heraklion, Crete’s bustling capital, or the laid-back coastal town of Chania.

As TUI reports, Greece’s biggest island enjoys ‘mild and comfortable’ weather as late as October, with very little rain expected and long sunny days throughout the month, minus the scorching heat waves and raging wildfires you’d expect in the peak season.

On average, the average daily temperatures in different parts of Crete will range between 63°F and 73°F in this transitional period, only slightly cooler than summer, yet warm enough to be outside sunbathing, swimming, and taking part in outdoor activities––just remember to pack a sweater for the evenings.

More Than Just Pretty Whitewashed Towns And Blue Domes

If you’ve looked up Crete on a map, you might have realized it’s much larger than the Greek islands that lie north of it.

Its size is comparable to that of a mid-size European country: covering an area of 3,219, it is about as big as the state of Delaware and packed with iconic sights.

While there’s not much to see in Santorini, Mykonos, and the like other than Instagrammable bougainvillea-framed alleys and blue dome churches, Crete is dominated by historically charged sites, some dating back over 2,000 years.

A comprehensive trip to Crete will likely include a visit to Knossos, an archeological complex famous for its frescoed temples, a walk along Chania Port, a colorful fishing village renowned for its Venetian heritage and restaurant scene, and the nearby Roman ruins of Aptera.

That’s only 3 picks out of Crete’s extensive list of cultural activities that should keep you busy for longer than 2 or 3 days––once again, this is not another tiny stopover island you don’t linger for longer than a weekend on your way somewhere:

Countless Unique Activities To Take Part In

Crete is its own destination, and you could easily spend an entire week or two here without ever getting bored: the nature here is simply breathtaking, and if you love being out and about in the wild, this Samaria Gorge Trek is a must-do.

Starting from Chania, the tour starting from Chania drops you off right at the entrance of one of Europe’s longest gorges for a four-hour trek: though it may be challenging for some, it is surely rewarding, offering views of Crete’s White Mountains and of thousand-year-old forests, from only $35.80.

For the culture buffs out there, definitely book a spot in this Authentic Cooking Class at the foot of the White Mountains, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Greek––and specifically Cretan––dishes while learning more about the local History (reservation costs $121.55).

Now, if you’re hoping to be on the water at some point, after all, Crete is a Mediterranean getaway, don’t miss out on a sailing trip from Heraklion to the neighboring Dia Island, an uninhabited paradise lapped by seas of turquoise-blue––starting from $79.83, lunch, snorkeling and paddleboarding are all included.

Pink-Sand Beaches And Natural Mediterranean Pools

Is Crete still warm enough in the fall for a beach getaway? Darn right it is!

Think about it: the Med has had all summer to heat up, and now it’s just beginning to cool down as we head into the coldest seasons, so it’s a particularly good time for swimming.

Water temperatures are around 73.4°F, and unlike summer, the hordes of tourists will have already departed some of the busiest swimming spots, like Elafonissi, the busiest beach on Crete due to its unique, pink-colored sands, and the Caribbean-like, soft-white-sanded Balos.

For the best chance to beat whatever small crowds may gather along the Cretan coast, head to Preveli, near Rethymno, where an inland river flows into the sea, flowing by palm trees and forming a lake close to the Mediterranean: literal Eden.

Another beautiful beach that looks like a Mediterranean dream come true is Vai, in the Lassithi region.

A peaceful strip of honey-colored sands wedged between the largest palm tree forest in Europe and aqua waters, it is arguably Crete’s most picturesque natural wonder.

Crete Can Be A Budget-Friendly Getaway This Fall

We all know that once the peak season’s over, prices across Europe drop significantly, and Crete is no exception: everything from accommodation down to food gets markedly cheaper, whether you’re staying in a touristy town like Heraklion or an isolated coastal village.

In Heraklion, the cheapest rooms start from a negligible $21 this October at Happy Days, while privately-managed double rooms with terraces can still cost as cheap as $40 per night, as seen on Andy’s Apartment.

Inexpensive food is just as easy to come across, with $5-7 gyros sold at pretty much every street corner, and plenty of Mediterranean-style eateries serving freshly-made pasta and seafood for between $15-25: you can rest assured you won’t go hungry in Crete, even on a limited budget.

Naturally, you can go way above budget on a 4 or 5-star resort, but our point is, Crete can be budget-friendly if you’re not actively looking to splurge on luxurious stays: on average, a budget trip to the island will set you back by an acceptable $926.

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