Crete is an island located in the Eastern Mediterranean having an area of 8,450 km square.it is the largest in the Greek islands and fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also ranked as 88th largest island in the world. This island is surrounded by mountains and Mount Ida is the highest point of the island.  Hippocrates who is famously known as the ‘father of medicine’ has himself stated that the air of this island has healing powers and can form miracles. There are plenty of pink sand beaches in the world and Crete has two of those. Olive oil is very much valued on this island. An average person here consumes 1 litre of olive oil per year. This island is also the home to Europe’s largest palm tree forest. This island is very popular and attracts a lot of tourists every year. 

When to visit Crete, Greece

May to October is the best time to visit this island. You can spot the beautiful wildflowers throughout the island. This time the weather is perfect for swimming and to participate in various water sports. You can also go sightseeing in this pleasant weather. Many people visit this island for the beautiful beach.

What to know about Crete, Greece

Climate

Summer season is mostly crowded with tourists and the average temperature is around 27.5 to 29.5. At this time, the island receives 9 to 12 hours of sunshine daily. Very low chances of rain will be there and in the evening you can witness the beautiful sunset from the island which looks very peaceful. The winters are very cold, wet and blustery. The average temperature is around 15.3 to 17 and it also experiences rainfall of 74 to 92mm. 

Currency

Euro is the official currency of Crete. You can exchange your money at the banks or exchange offices after landing on the island. You can also pay using the smart cards or chip cards that adhere to international standards. It is also possible to pay by credit card or debit cards in most of the restaurants, shops, banks, gas stations and hotels.

Transportation

The excellent public transportation services are the biggest way to get around Crete and its attractions.

Buses

Car hiring

Ferries

Taxi

Bike hiring

Matala Beach festival

This is a very unique and famous festival which has been celebrated since the 1960s and 1970s. This festival is celebrated beneath the caves on the beach. This festival usually takes place in June and is like a trip to the past, with music, literature and art. It is the biggest music festival in Europe. In the past, the people used to live in the caves and Matala was their paradise while singing, dancing and love were the elements that composed their daily life. This festival is very popular and people from around the world gather to watch and enjoy this festival every year.

Language

Greek is the official and primary language spoken on the island. English is considered as the second most widely accepted language and almost everyone can communicate in it. Turkish, Romanian, Armenian, Bulgarian, Ladino and Romani are some minority languages which are used by the native people of the town. 9% German, 8% Italian and 8.5% French is also spoken as the foreign languages.

Places of attractions in Crete, Greece

Elafonisi Beach 

This is one of the most beautiful and breath-taking beaches on the island. The beach has clear blue water, pink sand and a marvellous landscape which is responsible for attracting a lot of tourists. It is famous for its natural beauty and also ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are many small caves towards the tip as the island stretches out into the sea. Earlier it was not so famous and only few people knew about its existence. Later it became popular for the beauty it offers to the tourists.

Triopetra Beach

As the name suggests this beach is best known for the three rocks found there, rising at the edge of the peninsula. This beach is very long and wide, so it does not feel so crowded. Under the peninsula, you can see a series of small caves which are ripe for exploring. People of any age can come and visit this place; it is a very family friendly beach. The water here is very clear and the mountains above the beach look so beautiful. It is the best place to relax in nature far away from the hustle and bustle of life.

The Palace of Knossos

It is the most historical place which has extensive and important archaeological sites. During the Bronze Age, it was the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan Civilization. An earthquake in the past disturbed and destroyed the whole palace which later was reconstructed. This place holds a long history of human habitation. There are several sections and each one of them is for a separate use. This palace is multi-story and built with carved structures. There are three entrances to the palace located on the north, west and south sides. It has beautiful architecture all around the palace. This palace is filled with amazing artefacts found on the island. There are artefacts and frescoes which are very beautifully decorated throughout this palace. This palace is definitely an attraction that you must visit.

Lake Kournas

This is a very beautiful lake and is the only lake with freshwater in the whole of Crete. If you are a nature lover, then you must visit this lake which offers a remarkable view. There are two fountains in the lake, but only one of them is visible during summer season and the locals call this fountain the Eye. This lake is very important for the ecosystem of Greece, as there you can find abundant fresh water throughout the year. This is a beautiful destination to relax and walk around the clear and transparent water of the lake. There are few cafeterias and taverns on the side of the lake that offer a remarkable view of the lake.