Crete is the largest of the Greek islands; it is located southeast of Athens in the Aegean Sea. The island has a varied landscape, from white sandy beaches to rugged mountains. Its history is just as varied, from the Minoans to the modern day. Settled by Neolithic tribes, who later became the Minoan civilization, Crete has also been ruled by the Mycenaeans, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.
For a brief period in the late 19th century, Crete was independent; it became part of the Kingdom of Greece in 1913.. Crete is known for its many ruins, including the Palace of Knossos, and bustling towns.
Crete straddles the Mediterranean/North African climate line, making temperatures fairly consistent year-round. Summers in Crete can be hot and humid, with highs in the 30s, while winters are mild and cool. Snow, if it falls at all, remains for only a brief period and mostly in the mountains.
The south coast, which includes the Messara Plain, falls in the North African climate zone and is warm and sunny for much of the year. October is the perfect month to visit Crete. While it is the first month of autumn, it is still warm across most of the island, and sea temperatures are around 23 degrees. There might be some rainfall, especially in the mountains and inland towns, but it is often short-lived.
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- A Guide to Visiting Crete in October
- Weather in Crete in October
- Reasons to visit Crete in October
- What to do in Crete in October
- 1. Explore the town of Chania
- 2. A jeep safari to the White Mountains in October
- 3. A boat trip
- 4. Visit a winery in Crete in October
- 5. Visit a traditional olive mill
- 6. Cooking lessons and lunch on a traditional farm
- 7. Ancient Aptera and Koules fortress
- 8. Hike Samaria Gorge
- 9. Balos Beach in October
- 10. Elafonissi Beach in October
- 11. The archaeological site of Knossos
- 12. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
- 13. Visit Spinalonga island
- 14. Explore the town of Rethymno
- 15. Check out the island of Chrissi
- Where to stay in Chania
- How to get to Crete
A Guide to Visiting Crete in October
Weather in Crete in October
Crete in October is lovely for those who want warm sunny days – but not hot ones. Crete is the warmest of the Greek islands in the autumn and is relatively quiet The tourist season begins to wind down by mid-October as the weather for the second half of the month is more unpredictable with some cloudy days and rain averaging 40mm which usually falls in just six days during the month. Having said that the average daytime temperature in October is still 24ºC
Reasons to visit Crete in October
You may think of a Greek island as a summer destination, but there are some compelling reasons to visit Crete in October. For example, it is less crowded than in the summer months. This is owing to the fact that many people have work and school during October.
It is also usually cheaper to travel in the fall when summer prices have fallen and hotels are offering attractive packages. Weather-wise, it is still sunny most of the time and people still spend ample amount of time at the beach.
Towns in Crete, like Chania, remain lively all year round, with restaurants staying open. Several harvest festivals take place across the island in October as well. As the weather cools down and the beaches empty out, there are still alternative things to do in Crete in October.
What to do in Crete in October
I recently visited Crete in October, and there was so much to see and do that I was never bored. The below list includes some of the things we did on our trip to Chania.
1. Explore the town of Chania
Chania is one of Crete’s larger towns. It is located on the western half of the island, on the northern coast and is the capital of the Chania region. It was an important Minoan city, as well as an important city-state during the Classical Greece era. Much of the old historical town is Venetian and is surrounded by ruins of the Venetian city walls. Of course, this core is the centre of the earliest civilisations in Chania, which date back to the Neolithic times; the modern town is simply the remainder of the Venetian city.
The main square in the old town is named for Eleftherios Venizelos, who is considered the maker of Modern Greece, and is the hub of most tourist activities. Nearby is the old Venetian port, the Egyptian lighthouse and the Topanas district, the old Christian quarter.
The old Jewish quarter is within this district as well. Today, this neighbourhood is popular in the summer and is home to a number of restaurants and bars, shops, and hotels. In the winter, or in the warm fall months, it’s still a great place to go for a casual drink or a nice dinner in the evenings.
Chania’s modern town has two popular neighbourhoods, Nea Hora and Halepa. Both have charming narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and plenty of character. Many of the churches in these neighbourhoods date to the early 20th century but are worth seeing for the ornate decoration and history.
Museums in Chania include the Archaeological Museum at the Saint Francis Monastery, the Nautical Museum, Folklore Museum, Byzantine Collection, War Museum, and the Museum of Typography.
Where to eat in Chania Town
Located in the old harbour of Chania, Salis Restaurant serves Cretan flavors with a modern twist. It has a seasonal menu and all the products are from local producers.
Located at the seafront of the old harbour of Chania, Apostolis is a family run restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood.
This traditional restaurant located in the alleyways of Chania’s old town near the market is housed in building dating back from 1618. It serves traditional Cretan dishes made from local products.
Located in the scenic Tabakaria neighborhood, on the waterfront, Thalassino Ageri serves Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fish, and seafood.
2. A jeep safari to the White Mountains in October
The White Mountains, or Lefka Ori, are the main geologic feature of the Chania province on the western side of Crete. These majestic limestone mountains are home to fascinating caves, gorges, and traditional villages. Their name comes from their colour, but in the winter they are snow-covered. We took a tour with Safari Adventures to explore these rugged mountains.
The tour began in the early morning with hotel pick-up in the Jeep. Then, our guide drove across the fertile valley into the mountains. The first stop was a traditional coffee shop in one of the many charming mountain villages. there he had the chance to enjoy some tea and coffee along with raki, homemade cheeses, herb pies, and other delicacies.
After the small break, the tour continued off-road to a shepherd’s hut. We passed by the dam and several vineyards en route to the hut, known as Mitato, where we also learned about the Cretan Graviera cheesemaking process. The views from up there were spectacular, and it’s possible to spot eagles or other wildlife in the mountains.
After we left the hut, we drove back toward the coast along the ridge, enjoying gorgeous panoramic views the whole way. We stopped for lunch at a small tavern in Therissos, where the owners plied us with Cretan wines and traditional food like lamb, sausages, and more. The tour ended back in Chania after we drove through the Therissos Gorge following our leisurely lunch.
3. A boat trip
Notos Mare offers a selection of private boat trips around Crete. They can start from the north or south coast, depending on where you wish to explore, and all can be tailored to your specifics. We started our day excursion from the old port of Chania, so we could sail around the harbour and take photos before leaving for Thodorou Island.
This uninhabited island is a protected haven for the endangered wild goat, known as “agrími” (or easier, “kri-kri”). It is also a Natura 2000 protected area, which is a network of protected nature and marine sites across the European Union, and the largest such network in the world. After enjoying some swimming time at Thodorou, we cruised back to Chania at sunset.
4. Visit a winery in Crete in October
Crete has been known for wine since the Minoan civilisation. In the Roman era, Cretans exported sweet wines to Italy. The majority of the modern-day wineries are in the northern part of Crete, which enjoys a Mediterranean climate and fertile soil. We visited the Mavres Winery, which is located near Chania in the foothills of the mountains.
They are known for their Romeiko grape, the main grape varietal on Crete. They use this grape to make white, red, and rose wine. During our visit, we walked through the vineyards and learned about how both red and white wines are made, then we visited the cellars where we got to see wines in the aging process. Finally, we enjoyed some traditional Cretan food alongside the 17 varieties produced by the winery.
5. Visit a traditional olive mill
Like wine, olive oil has a long history in Crete. Production dates back to Minoan times, and for as long as archaeologists can find, olive trees have been symbolic of the Greek people. It is a staple of the Greek diet, and as a result, is produced all across the country.
In Crete, the best olive oil productions are in the western part of the country, where the soil is rocky and hardy and the weather is the right mixture of drought and rain. We visited the Melissakis olive mill, located near Tsivaras to learn about olive oil production. Melissakis has been producing oil since the 1890s, and it remains a family-owned company.
They still have an original olive press, to show how oil used to be made, but the majority of the production takes place in the new facility, which opened in 2008. They also educate their visitors on the differences between extra virgin and virgin olive oils.
Basically, extra virgin is the best olive oil and has low acidity. Virgin olive oil has more acidity and is not as highly regulated as EVOO. Our tour ended with an olive oil tasting, which was very interesting and unique.
6. Cooking lessons and lunch on a traditional farm
Food and culture meet at a traditional olive farm on Crete. Some of the activities at The Olive Farm, which is located near Litsarda, include cooking workshops, olive harvesting workshops, wine seminars, yoga classes, olive oil soap workshops, and activities for kids. They also have animals like rabbits and chickens, and many gardens full of vegetables and herbs.
During our visit to the farm, we walked through these gardens to pick what we wanted to use for our cooking lessons. Cooking lessons take place in an open-air kitchen on the porch. This is where we made our own cheese, tzatziki sauce, salads, and pork. It’s also where we drank raki and dined on our homemade meal. The farm is a great place to learn more about the traditional foods and drinks of Crete.
7. Ancient Aptera and Koules fortress
Aptera was one of Crete’s most significant city-states. Settled in the Minoan period, it’s greatest period was during the Hellenistic era (323-67 BCE) when it flourished as a currency minting centre and merchant port city. Aptera, which is named for the goddess Artemis, declined during the Roman era and was finally abandoned during the Byzantine era.
Some of the ruins here include the city fortifications, the ancient theatre, a collection of Roman cisterns that provided water to the town, several Roman houses, and a necropolis. There is a later monastery that was in use until the 1960s, and several Ottoman-era fortresses. Koules, one of these fortresses, was built by the Turks to fight the Cretan revolution.
It is near another fortress, called Itzedin, which was built in the late 19th century. These are all easy to get to by private car, or you can take a local tour.
8. Hike Samaria Gorge
Crete’s October weather is still nice enough for a beach day or a hike, and there are plenty of opportunities for both on the island. October is the last month to hike at the famous Gorge of Samaria because it is impassable over the winter.
The gorge, which is located within Crete’s only national park, closes at the end of October and doesn’t reopen until May. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, take plenty of water, and enjoy the scenery and small churches of the longest (or second longest) gorge in Europe.
Check out my guide to hiking Samaria Gorge.
9. Balos Beach in October
The Bay of Balos and its lagoon is the perfect place to visit in October as most of the crowds have gone home! This must be the most photographed place on the island. Situated between Cape Granvousa and the smaller Cape Tigani, the beach is lovely with white sand and the lagoon is always warm as it has shallow waters. It is possible to walk/wade to the peninsula itself which has a small chapel
Click here to book a boat cruise to Balos and Gramvousa from Kissamos Port.
If you are staying in Heraklion and you don’t have a car to drive to Kissamos port, you can book this day trip to Balos and Gramvousa (boat tickets not included).
Alternatively, if you are staying in Chania and you don’t have a car to drive to Kissamos port, you can book this day trip to Balos and Gramvousa (boat tickets not included)
10. Elafonissi Beach in October
This beautiful beach is situated in a remote part of southwestern Crete, about 75 kilometers from Chania. In some lights, the sand looks pale pink in colour and this is because it was formed from thousands of broken seashells. The waters of the lagoon are crystal clear and warm and it is possible to wade knee-deep out to the island where there are a number of small secluded sandy bays to enjoy.
Click here to book a day trip to Elafonisi from Chania or
book a day trip to Elafonisi from Rethymno.
11. The archaeological site of Knossos
The remarkable archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos is situated just south of Heraklion. The Minoan palace was built in about 2,000BC and covered 20,000 square metres. It was built on a number of levels and decorated with beautiful frescoes.
The palace was destroyed by an earthquake just 300 years later, but a more complex palace was built on the same sight almost immediately afterwards, but it was destroyed by fire 100 years later. Knossos Palace was surrounded by an ancient town. The palace is linked to the myth of the labyrinth which King Minos is said to have built to keep the mythical Minotaur away.
Click here to buy your skip the line entry ticket that includes a guided walking tour of Knossos.
12. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
This is one of the best museums in the world for Minoan art as it has the most complete collection of Minoan artefacts and other exhibits that span 5,500 years of the island’s history from Neolithic to Roman times.
You might be interested in The best things to do in Heraklion.
13. Visit Spinalonga island
Spinalonga is a small rocky, barren island in the Gulf of Elounda in the 16th century the island was a Venetian fortress and later an Ottoman military stronghold. When Crete became part of Greece in 1913, the island was transformed into a leper colony, and at its peak, 400 people lived there. It remained a leper colony until 1957.
For years, it was as if the inhabitants of Spinalonga never existed but the 2005 novel The Island by the British writer, Victoria Hislop changed all that. October is the perfect time to hop on a boat trip from Elounda or Ayios Nikolaos as this island will be largely deserted.
Click here to book a boat trip to Spinalonga Island from Agios Nikolaos.
Alternatively, you can book a day trip to Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Spinalonga from Heraklion.
14. Explore the town of Rethymno
Situated on the north coast of the island, Retyhmno has a strong Venetian influence, and its pretty Venetian harbour is filled with colourful fishing boats and lined with small fish tavernas There are beautiful beaches in the area, but there are plenty of other things to see including the monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi and the Ideon Cave, where, according to mythology, Zeus spent his childhood. For those who enjoy walking, there are several impressive gorges in the area to explore too.
15. Check out the island of Chrissi
The island of Chrissi is a little piece of paradise that is the perfect destination for an idyllic day trip. The island (which is also known as Gaidouronisi) is situated 15 kilometers off the southeastern coast of Crete and is a wildlife reserve – the most southernmost in Europe and the boat trip to it takes about one hour.
The island covers an area of 4,743 square kilometres and has many 200-year-old cedar trees plus so many other features of natural beauty. There is no infrastructure as Chryssi is just a stunning natural treasure trove with coastal waters of the clearest shades of blue and turquoise.
Click here to book a boat trip to Chrissi island from Ierapetra.
Alternatively, you can book a day trip to Chrissi island from Heraklion or Rethymnon.
Where to stay in Chania
Chania has an abundance of hotels to choose from. On my recent visit in October, we stayed at the Santa Marina Beach Resort hotel, located in the coastal village of Agia Marina, just 8 km away from Chania Town. Hotel facilities include spacious rooms with air-conditioning, direct access to the beach, swimming pools, a children’s playground, bars, and restaurants.
How to get to Crete
By air: There is an international airport in Chania with scheduled flights all year round. I flew from Athens to Chania with Aegean Airlines. During the high season (April to October) there are charter flights to Chania from many European airports. There is also an international airport in Heraklion with flights from European airports during high season and daily connections to Athens all year round.
By ferry:
You can take the ferry from Athens port (Piraeus). The ferry will leave you at Souda port which is just outside the town of Chania. From there you can take the bus or a taxi and discover the scenic town of Chania.
Alternatively, you can tae the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion port. The port is located in the centre of Heraklion town.
For more details about the ferry schedule and to book your tickets, you can check here.
I loved being on Crete in October! The weather was great, the crowds were very minimal, and there was still plenty to see and do. If you’re going to Greece, Crete is a great addition to any itinerary. There’s excellent food and wine, incredible ruins, and beautiful landscapes across the island. I highly suggest going to Crete!
This trip was organized by Discover Greece, but as always opinions are my own.