The largest island in Greece is a real paradise! We have collected tourist reviews about Crete for 2019-2020. Find out what vacationers think about the weather, hotels, beaches, sea, excursions and entertainment. Pros and cons of 2021 holidays in Crete
Crete weather reviews
The low season on the island lasts from November to April. They start swimming in May. What reviews do tourists leave about spring Crete?
Anastasia: "The weather is unpredictable in early May. During the day it is already quite hot +23 ... + 27 ° С, but at night it is noticeably cold. Especially if you are not by the sea, but in the mountains."
Holidays on the island in June are loved by tourists with small children. They are in a hurry to spend their vacation by the sea before the intense heat starts. In July and August, the thermometer rises above +35 ... + 38 ° С. The sun bakes from the early morning, so many while away the daytime in hotels and restaurants, under air conditioning.
According to tourists, the weather in Crete in September is better than in May and June. The Mediterranean Sea, heated over the summer, cools slowly. Swimming is a pleasure: the air temperature is +22 ... + 27 ° С, and the sea water is +24 ... + 26 ° С. In autumn, the north winds subside, and there are almost no waves on the popular northern coastline.
SmAl: "In the evening, we recommend taking care of warm clothes, because it can be chilly. You should definitely keep warm if you are planning to go to the mountains, even if the coast is hot."
According to tourists, in October the weather in Crete is changeable. Sunny days alternate with cloudy ones, sometimes it rains.
Irina, Samara: "Although there were rains, it was short-lived - no more than 20 minutes, and then the sun peeped out again. We like to go here in the off-season, when there are few tourists."
Hotel reviews in Crete
There are plenty of hotels in Crete. These are elite resort complexes, luxury boutique hotels, budget hotels 2-3 * and inexpensive apartments for families. Look for comfortable accommodation in the north of the island, in the major tourist area of Crete. There are many inexpensive guesthouses and hotels on the south and west coast. It is convenient to rent an apartment or a house by the sea from local residents.
To make your holiday in Crete a success in 2021, study the reviews of tourists about hotels and choose the best one.
Novel: "Heronissos 4 * is an excellent hotel in a good location. The food is buffet style. The staff speaks Russian. If you want to have a good rest, this is just a godsend."
Tatiana: "There is enough space in the Horizon Beach 4 * hotel. The room was cleaned regularly, every morning we greeted the maids. Very beautiful patio. There is a lot of greenery, everything is in flowers."
Nataliya: "The hotel Filion Suites Resort & Spa 5 * rooms with mountain views. Fantastic! Do not be afraid of floors - there are lifts everywhere."
There are also negative reviews of tourists about some hotels in Crete.
Andrey Gagarinov: "We lived in Niriides Beach Hotel 4 *. Strict economy in everything. Shampoos and gels are given once, only upon arrival."
Alexander: "In the Mistral Mare 4 * hotel, the door does not open the first time, you need to repeat it several times for a" miracle to happen. "
Reviews about beaches and sea in Crete
The Greek island is the perfect place for a beach holiday. According to tourists, Crete has sandy, pebble and rocky beaches. Most of them are equipped for a comfortable stay and are marked with the Blue Flag. Showers and toilets are on the shore. There are cafes and taverns where you can have a snack. Vacationers are offered diving, boat trips, banana rides and parasailing.
All Greek beaches are free, that is, no one will forbid you to relax with your own towel or mat. For comfort, rent the sun loungers and parasols owned by hotels and beachfront restaurants.
For families with children in Crete, clean sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea are suitable. They are found in each of the four resort areas - Heraklion, Lassithi, Chania and Rethymno.
otkrovennaya: "Frangokastello Beach is a large beach with different sands and depths. There is plenty to do and swim."
Misterfin: "Agia Apostoli has four beaches separated by three rocky headlands. And it is very convenient."
Natalia S .: "Stavros beach is shallow, there are a lot of people, but the water is clear."
TochkaZreniya: "Balos Bay is the most beautiful beach on the island. Here you can swim in three seas at once and see how many colors the sea can sparkle."
Reviews of excursions in Crete
Look for author's interesting excursions on the Sputnik and Tripster sites. Individual and group, no crowds of tourists and in Russian.
From different resorts, tourists are taken on excursions to the sights of Crete. Tours with Russian-speaking guides are popular to the Samaria Gorge, Knossos Palace, Balos Bay, to the islands of Chrissi and Koufonisi, to the cities of Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania. Gastronomic, wine tours and pilgrimage trips to ancient temples and monasteries are in demand.
If you come with your family or friends, it is more profitable to rent a car and travel to the sights on your own. Compare for yourself! According to tourists, car rental in Crete costs 33-35 € for a day. Excursion to the turtle lake Kournas - 15 € per person, and an excursion to the palm forest and Preveli beach - 28 €. Multiply the cost by three and you will see how much you can save!
Likhacheva O.: "The island of Chrissi is beautiful, but Balos made a much bigger impression." More about the excursion →
nastya-kt: "We did not see turtles on Lake Kournas. Probably, at noon they were all hiding near the shore. But you can feed the fish from the catamaran."
Zherdeva E .: "The island of Santorini is magnificent! There are no complaints about the excursion, everything is clear and interesting."
Yngroche: "The Samaria gorge does not leave anyone indifferent. The trail from the entrance to the exit is 12 km and another three kilometers to the sea. Passed in 4.5 hours." More about the excursion →
Entertainment reviews
Vacationers like boat trips to neighboring islands, trekking, ATV and jeep trips. With children they go to the Cretaquarium, water parks, Labyrinth Park, Dinosaur Park, Margarites Potters' Village and Hersonissos Terrarium Aquarium. If you love diving, visit the local dive centers. Dives cost between 40 and 70 €.
Read reviews of tourists on popular activities during your holidays in Crete.
svetikrys1709: "The Aegean Sea is not Red. There are no such colors. But we saw moray eels, shoals of different-sized fish, starfish, many anemones, one funny cuttlefish, stone fish and sea urchins."
Ambassador536075: "Aqua Plus Aquapark" pleases with the fact that on the website you can buy tickets and book a transfer at a discount. "
agava1112: "Labyrinth Park is not the most popular attraction in Crete, but it perfectly reflects the specifics of this island and helps to get acquainted with popular myths."
Pros and cons of holidays in Crete
The Greek island is rightfully considered a universal seaside resort. According to tourists' reviews for 2019-2020, it was liked by families with children, youth, fans of water sports, lovers of cultural and sightseeing tourism and elderly travelers.
pros holidays in Crete in 2021:
- Warm Mediterranean climate.
- Clean sea.
- Lots of nice beaches.
- Hotels for every taste.
- Friendly residents.
- Great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Water parks, attractions and entertainment centers for children.
- Archaeological and architectural sights.
- Excellent cuisine.
PetiteMarguerite: "I've been to Greece many times on different islands, but I've never tasted food or wine tastier than in Crete."
Cons few:
- There are a lot of tourists during the high season.
- The weather in Cyprus is too hot in summer.
- Not everywhere you can pay for purchases or services by credit card.
Rozalia Elbaeva: "I changed rubles for euros in advance, because in small Greek towns, even in the high tourist season, they do not always accept debit or credit bank cards."
The nuances of rest in Crete and tourist advice
Consider seasonal price movements when planning your budget for your trip to Crete.If you want to save money, take tours in May, June or autumn. At this time, holidays in Crete are 1.5 times cheaper than at the height of summer. Find out how much money to take to Greece.
For your holidays in Greece, don't forget to bring sunscreen, a lightweight hat and sunglasses. Those who do not tolerate extreme heat should refrain from traveling to Crete in July and August.
Greeks are sociable and friendly people. In Crete, no one gets the feeling of being abandoned and no one needs him. On the contrary, you will be constantly patronized and offered help.
Sea urchins live in the sea around the island. There are more of them on wild beaches. Watch your step carefully while swimming!
julia mamochka: "Entering the sea is a bit problematic because of the sea urchins that are often found at the bottom. If possible, it is better to wear special shoes."
Elafonisi Island and Pahya Amos Bay are great surfing spots. Thanks to the constant waves, you can ride all year round. The best conditions are in June.
If you decide to travel to Cyprus at the end of the velvet season, be prepared not only for the vagaries of the weather. In October, the flow of tourists decreases, and the owners are closing many hotels, coastal restaurants and bars. In the resort village of Paleochora, cold natural springs flow into the sea. In October, swimming here is already uncomfortable.
