Platanias

Crete is undoubtedly charismatic but its outstanding natural beauty reaches its peak in spring time. After the winter rains the island is at its greenest and is literally carpeted with flowers;wild orchids and wildflowers are at their prime, and their intoxicating smells and vivid colours- whites, reds, purples, yellows- create an enchanting scenery. Yet mother nature’s magic is but one lure. Crete on early spring is a great holiday destination for another plain, yet important reason: It is off peak season, which means that all those sites that one simply must visit when in Crete -from Chania old town to the famous historical monuments scattered around the island-are not overcrowded with zealous tourists. It also means that you will have more time with the locals: you will be greeted everywhere with a huge smile, served like royalty and chatted up by friendly faces. Plus, the weather, with temperatures averaging 20 C- not too hot, but warm enough-are just perfect for hiking gorges and trails and strolling around quaint villages and historic towns. Granted, venturing into the beach and the water is not for the faint hearted, but the bolder ones do attempt their first dives even as early as late March, in the hotter parts of the island, especially in the South!

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