Weather, travel & transport

Weather

Crete enjoys the longest summer of all the Greek islands. July, August and early September are the hottest periods with virtually no rainfall. December, January and February are Crete’s winter months with temperatures in the mid-fifties to the mid-sixties. Without the intensity of the Summer heat the light is especially clear giving great clarity to the snow capped peaks of the White Mountains making it especially beautiful. January and February sees the almond trees flowering and the wild flowers that herald the early arrival of Spring. Like anywhere, temperatures do vary and it is not uncommon to enjoy a barbecue outdoors in these months. March sees the temperature continue to rise and the Spring flowers spreading into the higher altitudes of the mountains from the lowlands. April through to June are beautifully warm and it is in May that the Spring flowers are at their finest with only very occasional rain. Autumn sees October with an average temperature of 70 degrees, dropping to a very pleasant mid-sixties average in November, an ideal temperature for enjoying Crete’s perhaps less well known display of autumnal flowers.

The sea temperature between May and November barely falls below 70 degrees and even in January and February is 59 degrees. Cretans happily swim all year round.

Car hire

Car hire is essential. We will provide you with directions of how to reach us from the airport and are able to suggest car hire companies with reasonable rates.

Flights

We are 30 minutes from Chania Airport and 1 hour 40 minutes from Heraklion Airport. Charter flights from the UK are only allowed into Chania on Tuesdays but most days to Heraklion. The price of charter flights does vary considerably so it is worth having a thorough search. EasyJet now fly direct from both Gatwick and Manchester to Heraklion on many days of the week so do check their website (www.easyjet.co.uk). The drive from Heraklion is very straightforward and car hire from a company we can recommend there is very cheap. Scheduled flights arrive daily into Chania Airport from Athens if you want to combine a visit with a stay in Athens.