The spring in Crete is beautiful!

A visit to Crete is like a visit to a dream-land: sun and sea, picturesque landscapes, fresh air, pristine nature, and organic products.

The island remains very attractive for tourists and not only for sightseeing even in winter months and in March: during the off-season. In the beginning of spring, Crete will please you with an inexpressible number of flowering wild and ornamental plants. On the southern coast, you can find warm, dry, sunny weather in January and February days, not to mention the beginning of spring. This is an excellent option to lighten up the atmosphere of cold and gray Russian everyday life.

In early spring, those who seek the pristine nature will like Crete. The saturated with moisture soil beautifully decorates the island, bringing in its color palette bright fresh colors. After monotonous Russian landscapes you do not immediately get used to such splendor.

Be prepared to fall on some of celebrations when you come to Crete in spring. On the first day of spring, the rooted deep into centuries feast of the First Mart/Protomartos takes place in Crete. Until now, only one tradition has survived from that time – tying a red-white thread on the neck or wrist аs a protection from bewitchment. From February to March, the Carnival is celebrated in Crete. At the end of March and the beginning of April, the islanders celebrate Holy Week and Easter. In the Lassithi region, the 4-th April is the day of the Holy Trinity; on March 25, Cretans celebrate the Independence Day of Greece and on April 23 – St. George’s Day: he is the patron of the island.

Your holiday in spring can be well combined with excursions. Although some local travel agencies are closed at this time, finding a qualified guide will be not difficult. In addition, many attractions shrouded in legends and myths and known to all from childhood can be viewed on your own: it’s enough to rent a car. In spring, this service is more accessible than in summer. Only some rainy days can lightly harm your holiday. In this case, vacation can be devoted to museums of Crete which also provide an interesting leisure time.

Relatively warm weather favors your study of the surrounding area. Take note of one of the best preserves in Europe – Samaria. There are there the fresh lake of Kourna, surrounded on all sides by relief hills and the Dikti cave decorated with multi-colored stalactites and stalagmites. According to ancient legends, Zeus was born there. To experience the true spirit of Crete, we recommend leaving the beaten paths and riding through small cozy villages. Each of them has its own individuality, and you get completely different impressions, sounds, and smells, which are almost impossible to catch in the atmosphere of summer. The experience of such a trip promises to be unforgettable. To find the traditional Crete, you need to visit such villages as Kroustas and Krytsa with their special features of local culture and way of life not changing for many centuries.

Since March, humid air masses increasingly lesser “visit” the island. The sun’s rays are already quite warming the lower layers of the atmosphere; there are more sunny days and fewer clouds. Temperatures are increasing. In the afternoon daily average temperatures usually are + 16-17 ºC, and + 10-13 ºC at night. The water warms up to +16ºC. The daylight is over 12 hours, but the weather in March can present surprises: occasionally the island may be visited by cyclones from Gibraltar, bringing rain and thunder. According to statistics, the average of fully rainy days in March is no more than 6, and the one of total sunny days are more than 16. For example, the highest daily temperature in March 2017 was +22ºC.

A bright, significant event of this month is the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on March 25. It coincides with the Greece’s Independence Day. According to the Gospel of Luke, on this day the archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, telling the glad news that She was chosen to become the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the World. All-night vigils and solemn divine services are performed in temples and monasteries. In all the cities of the island, there are parades of schoolchildren and dance groups in colorful national clothes. In Heraklion there is also an extra military parade.

April is the height of spring. Crete reveals itself in all its glory, wildflowers bloom everywhere, orange and mandarin trees stand covered with flowers and a fragrant scent fills the whole air of the island. The average daily temperature reaches + 16-21ºC. Cloudy days and the amount of precipitation are noticeably reduced. Night temperatures vary around + 12-15ºC, the water becomes even warmer, reaching + 17-18ºC. Weather conditions can be characterized as moderately warm. By “Russian standards”, water is warm enough for a short bath.

April is the most favorable month for quiet trips to the island and visiting sights: the official tourist season only begins. Groups of tourists visiting the island appear more often. Movement of cars rented by arrived and getting acquainted with new places tourists begins on the roads. Many closed for winter hotels open their doors right before Easter. If you are planning to relax in Crete in April, then do not miss the wonderful opportunity to see the Easter celebrations in Greece. Many taverns will fry a traditional on this occasion holiday dish – parts of lamb or the lamb entirely.

By the way, direct charter flights from Russia to Crete (to Heraklion and Chania) begin in the second half of April.

In April tourist places on the island will be guest ready: the beaches are cleaned up, sun beds and umbrellas installed, summer cafes and mini-markets opened, and all winter garbage is collected. April prices are still low, compared with the summer ones. In addition, good discounts for rental housing, car and excursions are still present. An enjoyable trip to historical or picturesque places of Crete will bring great pleasure to all in a sunny, warm, but not hot day.

April weather is still sometimes changeable: in any case you can always visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum – one of the largest in Greece and the best in the world. The museum is dedicated to Minoan art. Diving fans will find stunning diving places. Between incomers, there are both beginners and professional divers. The first explore the marine environment at a shallow depth. Sunken ships are the task of the latter. Near Panormos (a place captured in 1206 by the Genoese pirate Enrico Pescatore who has built there a fortress the remains of which are still preserved), there is a “Venetian cemetery of anchors”; and near Skinaria divers will appreciate the stunning sea canyons. Divers are also attracted by bright stalactites of the Elephant Cave (not very far from Chania).

Of course, the visit to Crete in the early spring is for someone who loves such a time and is not afraid sometimes to get into the rain.

The spring in Crete is ideal time for vacation in May. There is still no heat, winds did not get up and sea water is already quite suitable for bathing.

Go to Crete in spring.

Do not deprive yourself of swimming opportunity and spending time on the beach. Enjoy nature, weather, and sights. At the same time you will save money and avoid the summer heat.

Relax beautifully, comfortably and joyfully!