Photo by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
Ever wondered when it’s the best time to visit Crete? Greece’s largest island is a yearlong wonderland – a four seasons destination brimming with attractions no matter the weather. But in spring, it’s perhaps at its most stunning, with nature’s blooming beauty setting the stage for an unforgettable escapade.
If you find yourselves in spring in Chania, here are a few suggestions on what to do, to make the most out of your stay.
Embark on a boat trip
On the coast of Souda Bay, a few km away from the Adeste Chania luxury villas, Kalyves is a popular village with a nice sandy beach, several seafront restaurants with sunloungers for relaxing; and a choice of high-impact activities including fishing, kayaking, windsurfing and hiking, for the sportier types. But if you’re looking to really up the ante, a great idea is to hire a boat and cruise around the coastline. Between braving a dip in crystalline waters, discovering beaches that are inaccessible by car and admiring dolphins playing along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to carve memories for a lifetime. Almyrides, a seaside resort also in the Apokoronas region, and in close proximity to the Adeste villas in Chania, is another departing point for boat cruises in stunning seascapes. Likewise, a day that’s filled with pinch-me-now-moments awaits you if you decide to experience the big guns, the exotic – and multi-photographed – beaches of Balos, Falassarna or Elafonissi, with a private sailing trip. Choices are varied to suit individual needs and whims –consult with our seasoned concierge to tailor-design the itinerary that works best for you and your party.
Experience the icons – tourist free
Not too hot, but warm enough; spring weather in Crete is just perfect for exploring ancient monuments and cultural heritage sites – the added bonus being the absence of the regular tourist hordes. Choose to visit Aptera, a 30-minute scenic car ride away from your Adeste Chania villa. This was one of the most important city-states on the island since Minoan times, with the unearthed Roman reservoirs, public baths, graves and fortifications attesting to its glorious past.
Some 30 km away from the Adeste, the iconic old town of Chania – one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful ports, and arguably Crete’s most picturesque city – is a sight for sore eyes – and a vibrant destination with something to tempt all. Amalgamating Venetian mansions and Turkish dwellings, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, Chania looks like an open-air museum of architecture. But it is simultaneously very much alive and kicking with a wealth of restaurants, cafes and bars on the seafront and amidst the quaint little alleyways. Wander around; walk along the sea-tossed stone pier up to the trademark Egyptian lighthouse – one of the oldest in the world; shop for Cretan gruyere, raki and olives; visit the Nautical and Archaeological Museums; get immersed in the local rhythms and cadences. That’s a day to remember.
Sample Crete’s Nectar
The history of Cretan wines dates back to the Minoan era – more than 3.000 years ago. Over the aeons, they become increasingly sophisticated and via a flourishing trade system, renowned across the known world. Under Ottoman rule, production however waned. Many of the ancient varieties fell into oblivion – until they were salvaged and revived in recent times, thanks to the systematic efforts of a new generation of winemakers. Nowadays Cretan wines are reclaiming their position in the international oenophiles’ scene.
Discover Crete’s rising stars with a tailor-designed tour of the wineries of Chania. Their pastoral setting – especially lovely in springtime – adds to the experience’s allure.
If you’re more of a beer kind of person, you can visit the highly sophisticated facilities of the Cretan Brewery – the first microbrewery in Chania; learn the secrets of the brewing process and sample artisanal beer among olive, orange and avocados groves.
Bonus Tip: Speaking of nature, spring is a great time to explore the Botanical Park and Gardens Of Crete, in Chania – a wonderland of ornamental plants, fruit trees and multi-coloured local flora.
Is your appetite whetted? Immerse yourselves in a thrilling spring adventure with the help of our concierge team: They are 24/7 at your disposal, to help you customise the escapade that matches your style, needs, party size and composition.
Did you like this post? Stay tuned to our blog for more insights, tips and advice on what to see, shop, eat and do in Chania and the island of Crete!
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