Crete in Winter

30/01/2020
Crete is one of the most popular Summer destinations. However its unique mountains and picturesque villages make it an ideal Winter destination. Whether you are a fan of relaxing walks on stone paved paths and fun filled lunches next to a sizzling fire, or an adrenaline seeker.
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Crete is one of the most popular Summer destinations. However its unique mountains and picturesque villages make it an ideal Winter destination. Whether you are a fan of relaxing walks on stone paved paths and fun filled lunches next to a sizzling fire, or an adrenaline seeker who lives for sports, Crete has a unique proposition for you.
The best part is that you do not need to drive all night to start your long awaited weekend. Just catch your ferry on a Friday afternoon and start relaxing from that very moment. Enjoy your dinner with a glass of wine and wake up the next morning in your destination. Pick up your car from Let's Drive and start your exploration.

Traditional coffee shop (kafenio) in Crete
Start your day with a traditional greek coffee in the village coffee shops, take a relaxing walk in the traditional pathways and enjoy delicious cretan food with your friends next to the sizzling fire.

Walks and food in the traditional villages
There are countless Cretan villages worthy of a visit. Just to mention some particularly unique, you can pay a visit to the mediaeval village Maroula in Rethymnon with its fortress homes, high towers, picturesque arches and pebble paths. Next to the archaeological area of Latous in Agios Nikolaos you can visit the traditional Kritsa, while on the road to the famous Anogeia don’t forget to visit Axos, one of the 100 ancient Cretan city states, with its numerous churches and water springs.

Graffiti depicting Nikos Xilouris
Graffiti in famous Anogeia village, depicting Nikos Xilouris an iconic local musician.

Hiking with a view
Cretan mountains combine the harsh terrain with magnificent views to the Cretan and Libean sea. After all Zeus, the most important ancient god, was born in these grandiose mountains in Dikteon Andron. The islands mountaineering clubs maintain noumerous paths and many mountain refuges. Kallergi refuge in White mountains and Prinos refuge in Psiloritis are two of the most famous ones.

White Mountains in Crete
Winter hiking in Crete can be challenging but rewarding. Make sure you use the advice of local guides and mountaineering clubs.

Europes southernmost ski mountaineering spots.
Ski mountaineering is a unique sport which combines the downhill thrill with the satisfaction of the climbing achievement. It gains in popularity every year in Greece and specifically in Crete you can participate in the international event Pierra Creta which takes place every two years.
Ski mountaineering in Crete is a unique combination of sports and tradition.

Cretan musicians
In the caption you can see Cretan musicians welcoming Pierra Creta athletes.

Departure Arrival Company Departure Time Duration Arrival Time Indicative Price Departure Piraeus Arrival Heraklion Company Αegeon Pelagos Departure Time 16:00 Duration 16h 00m Arrival Time 10:00 Indicative Price 38,00€ Departure Piraeus Arrival Heraklion Company Minoan Departure Time 21:00 Duration 08h 45m Arrival Time 05:45 Indicative Price 37,00€ Departure Piraeus Arrival Heraklion Company Anek - Superfast - Blue Star Departure Time 21:00 Duration 09h 00m Arrival Time 06:00 Indicative Price 31,00€ Departure Piraeus Arrival Sitia Company Αegeon Pelagos Departure Time 18:00 Duration 20h 00m Arrival Time 14:00 Indicative Price 44,00€ Departure Piraeus Arrival Chania Company Anek - Superfast - Blue Star Departure Time 21:00 Duration 09h 00m Arrival Time 06:00 Indicative Price 41,00€ Departure Piraeus Arrival Chania Company Minoan Lines Departure Time 21:00 Duration 12h 30m Arrival Time 09:20 Indicative Price 27,00€ Departure Piraeus Arrival Rethimno Company Sea Speed Lines Departure Time 21:00 Duration 12h 50m Arrival Time 10:20 Indicative Price 39,00€

The itineraries above were valid at the time the article was published. To check the current timetables at any time click here!