Visiting Crete: History And Nature
Slow traveling in the out-of-season island was the number one reason why Crete in winter is worth a visit. And there is more. In winter, Crete’s astounding nature and history also await the avid traveler.
[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]A[/miptheme_dropcap]s mentioned in the previous article, visiting Crete in winter brings a far higher chance to befriend locals who will make you feel not like a tourist, but like their guest. Socializing with the locals also brings you closer to the more undoscovered attractions of the island.
Crete is rich in history as well as in nature. Both of them make for perfect attractions once the weather has cooled down and sunbathing and beachlife are no longer your most favorable things to do on the island. We are bringing two more reasons why visiting Crete in winter should be worth your while.
1. History
Visit Crete: Ancient History
For example, if you are interested in archaeology, you might just find your way to the world-famous visit Knossos Palace – origin of the ancient Minotaur myth – easily all by yourself, but you will probably miss the just as impressive Minoan ruins in Archanes. Locals, however, might just tell you how to get to the archaeological site located about 14km south of Heraklion.
Visit Crete: Recent History
[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]A[/miptheme_dropcap]nyone interested in more recent history like that of the Second World War raises will favor a visit to the village of Maleme at the North Western Coast of the island. With a population of only 700 people the small village was the first (and critical) spot of the German Airborne landing in 1941.
While it is somehwat hard to find military museums in the smaller villages the elderly locals – many of them veterans of the local milita fighting the Nazis – will gladly recount their stories from the War as eye witnesses. Having a shot of raki with you next to the fire place of a coffee shop you are sure to be told the story behind the black and white pictures on the wall.
2. Nature
[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]I[/miptheme_dropcap]n winter nature may appear to visitors very differently from summer or late spring, but that does not imply you will miss out on an abundance of impressive views of the landscapes. As there is no haziness due to the summer heat in the atmosphere, Crete offers some astounding views.
The pleasant feeling of easy access to any museum or sight together with easy hotel booking due to the absence of tourists should count as a massive upside.
Also, thinking of the good weather as mentioned in the previous article, you can still enjoy the magnificient beaches. These keep their charm even once temperatures have dropped – even more so, if you can tolerate the cold sea water.
Visiting Crete Off-Season: Deserted Beaches, Authentic Old Towns – Slow Traveling at its Best
The only disadvantage is the fact that you won’t meet any of the mermaids that in summer frequent the same beaches by the thousands.
But be aware that Cretan towns are full of university students who finish their exams in June and come will be back by October. These young people make nightlife in Crete so busy and interesting that I will cover the matter with aspecial article in the close future.
As an epilogue I could say that visiting Crete in the will have you see whole towns from a completely different angle. In comparison to summer time it basically gives you the feeling as if you had the whole island just for yourself.
Visiting Crete: An Outlook
Stay tuned for the upcoming third part in the series where you’ll learn about cheap ways to travel Crete outside of the touristic season as well as the most recommended places for B&B and L&D (Lunch and Dinner).