Do you want to make your summer last longer? Are you not quite ready to put your suitcases into storage and get out your cardigans, but instead long for sunshine and outdoor living until the end of October? Well, when it comes to late summer sun in September and October, – Crete is the word.
The autumn months of September and October are for many the best time to visit Greece’s largest island, once the crowds and the soaring high temperatures of peak summer start to ebb.
What will the weather be like in late September and October?
Expect highs of 27 at the end of September and 23 degrees in October and average daily sunshine of 9 and 7 hours in September and October respectively. For the best chance of higher temperatures thanks to that late summer sun, head to the coast rather than into the mountainous regions of the island.
Ideal temperatures for hiking and swimming
Whist temperatures in the UK usually plummet during September and October, Crete’s geographical position in the Mediterranean means it still enjoys largely dry and warm weather in comparison. When better to go hiking in the Samaria gorge, cycle around quiet country lanes or enjoy sea swimming while the water temperatures are still balmy. In the area around Chania, the sea can be as toasty as 25 degrees in September and up to 24 degrees in October! Compare that to the UK’s sea temperature averages of 18 degrees and 16 degrees respectively and we know where we’d rather be splashing! As for where to swim, take a look at our ‘5 of the best beaches in Crete’.
Open for business
Whilst other places in the Mediterranean are bringing in the tables and even shutting up shop until next summer, Crete’s many tavernas and restaurants are still very much open for business outdoors, at least until mid-October when you may start to dine inside in the evenings for a cosier atmosphere. Read our Top 5 Tavernas in Crete blog for our favourites!
Plenty to see and do
As well as activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking and swimming, Crete’s rich history means it’s the perfect destination to immerse yourself in culture. Whilst the Minoan Palace of Knossos might be the most famous archaeological site on the island, there are lots of other things to keep you educated and entertained. Read our ‘Best cultural hotspots in Crete’ blog for inspiration.
Where to stay?
Chania From seafront apartments to blow the budget high-end luxury villas and everything in between, we’ve something for everyone looking for late summer sun. Western Crete’s Venetian harbour town and surroundings is the most popular area for Freelance Villa clients.
Gavalohori
Just 30 kilometres from Chania is the gorgeous and up-and-coming town of Gavalohori. Historically an agricultural village where most houses are between 300 and 500 years old, recent years have seen artisan shops, galleries, bakeries and cosy tavernas here, whilst the ancient houses have been sympathetically renovated.
Two of our most popular Cretan villas are also here (handy!), Villa Karissa (one of our newest) and Villa Metapothia (ideal for families and large groups).
Stalos
Just 7 kilometres west of Chania, the seaside resort of Stalos is a fabulous family friendly destination. Boasting all the amenities from shops, tavernas and mini markets, there’s a huge long sandy beach linking Agia Marina and Platanias, ideal for autumn sea swimming.
Click here for our other Stalos apartments and villas.
Georgioupolis and Vrisses
The twin destinations of Georgioupolis and Vrisses offer the best of both worlds: the Blue Flag beach and lake Kournas at the former a magnet for late summer sun worshippers and swimmers…
….Vrisses as a base for more active adventures like hiking.
Other places to stay in Crete
From Plaka to Rethymno, Armeni to Sternes, have a look at where else you could stay.
If you’d like to know more about where to go in Crete for late summer sun, e-mail us at: info@freelancevillas.com or call us on +44 1789 297705. We’d love to hear from you!
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