Which side of Crete is best?

It depends on what type of experience you're looking for. The east side of Crete offers more rugged and less crowded beaches, while the west is known for its cosmopolitan cities and picturesque villages. If you want to relax and enjoy peace and quiet, then the East is your best bet.



People Also Ask

Historically, most resident expats prefer the island's more traditional west and while the east is known for its handful of lively holiday resorts, one corner there has become a hot spot for luxury living…

MORE DETAILS

If you are looking forward to having some quiet time and a semi-rural experience, consider visiting the southern side. However, the more adventurous tourists should go to the north where it is easy to find transportation, modern amenities and exciting nightlife.

MORE DETAILS

Chania Town is probably the most beautiful town in Crete. The Old Town of Chania, with the evident Medieval style, is a wonderful place to walk around, lined up with elegant Venetian mansions.

MORE DETAILS

South Crete is generally a couple of °C warmer (but water temperatures are roughly similar). The east of the island, has less rain than the north and especially the north-west.

MORE DETAILS

Yes. The south coast - air and sea temperatures - is generally warmer than the north coast, and the south east is the driest part of the island.

MORE DETAILS

This means that even when the north coast is uncomfortably windy, the south coast may be calm and pleasant. The exception to this is where gorges and valleys channel the north winds, which can create areas of intense winds at certain spots along the coast. This is especially true at Frangokastello and Plakias Bay.

MORE DETAILS

Beaches on the southern side of Crete are less windy but sometimes they can also be affected. DISCOVER THE BEACHES WITH YOUR OWN CAR! Want to discover Crete with ease and totally carefree?

MORE DETAILS

In general, eastern Crete is warmer than western Crete, the southern part of the island is warmer than the northern, the western part of Crete has more vegetation and in the mountainous areas the weather is cooler.

MORE DETAILS

Places to Avoid in Crete
  • Malia. ...
  • Hersonissos. ...
  • For travelers whose primary aim is to connect with the genuine spirit of Crete, away from the noisy clubs and throngs of tourists, it's essential to tread the less beaten path. ...
  • Elafonisi Beach. ...
  • Knossos. ...
  • Samaria Gorge. ...
  • Chania. ...
  • Rethymnon.


MORE DETAILS

Ierapetra is called the sunniest city in Crete. Moreover, it is the southernmost town in Europe, which provides the view onto the coast of Africa. This place combines the features of a typical resort with a rich historical heritage.

MORE DETAILS

Elafonissi beach Located on the southwestern side of Crete, Elafonissi is a fantastic beach with exotic crystal waters.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Crete is from mid-May to June or from September to October. May brings with it warmer waters and beautiful wildflowers that can be spotted throughout the island's natural attractions.

MORE DETAILS

Diaporos is never windy—unlike most of Greece It is an ideal destination not only for those who want to relax and kick back on one of its beaches with white-pink sands but also for those who cannot stand cold water or want to enjoy the sea in the winter time.

MORE DETAILS

There won't be any cooling rain showers: Crete has zero rain in July and August. This is one time of year when, contrary to what you might expect, Corfu is actually hotter than Crete. Daytime averages in both July and August are 32ºC, so expect some days to be much hotter.

MORE DETAILS

This one is a close call with both destinations seeing temperatures sitting in the balmy mid- to late-twenties during the summer months. Out of the peak season, the Greek island of Crete warms up as early as May hitting around 25C, while the Algarve isn't far behind at around 22C.

MORE DETAILS