Crete, Greece Travel Community

Too late to travel to Crete in December?

1 - 4 of 4 Posts
dpappas87

dpappas87

Active member
Is it too late to travel to Crete in December? I am going to visit some people for the holidays, but I also want to do some sightseeing.

Someone told me that Crete shuts down in October, but people still live there so it can't possibly be a ghost town.

What shuts down, exactly? Will I still be able to go to museums and stuff this time of year?
 
dpappas87 said:
Is it too late to travel to Crete in December? I am going to visit some people for the holidays, but I also want to do some sightseeing.

Someone told me that Crete shuts down in October, but people still live there so it can't possibly be a ghost town.

What shuts down, exactly? Will I still be able to go to museums and stuff this time of year?
Click to expand...
It's great to travel to Greece all times of the year! People still live there so only the touristy places shut down. I believe the museums for example stay open.
 
It’s never too late! If you go, consider renting a car from Cretarent they support winter travel too. Their fleets are well-maintained, pick-ups at airports and ports are easy, and they offer comprehensive coverage. It gives you flexibility to explore Crete’s off-beat spots even in December.
 
That’s a great question. December can actually be a charming time to visit Crete, even though it’s off-season. You won’t get the typical beach weather, but the island has a peaceful vibe, fewer tourists, and plenty of local culture to enjoy. Exploring villages, museums, and cozy tavernas can make the trip feel more authentic. I recently came across San Diego Limo Service while reading about smooth travel experiences, and it reminded me how timing and preparation can make any journey more enjoyable. Have you considered which parts of Crete you’d like to explore, the historic towns like Chania or the quieter countryside?
 
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Best "Home Base" on Crete?

I’m in the early planning stages for a trip to Crete and could really use some perspective from people who know the island well. I’m thinking of spending about two weeks there and trying to decide whether it makes sense to choose one central “home base” or to divide my time between a few different locations.

Crete seems so large and varied that part of me wonders if staying in one place would mean a lot of long drives, while another part likes the idea of settling in, getting to know one area well, and not constantly packing up. I’m especially curious about places that work well as a base for day trips—somewhere with good food, easy access to beaches or hikes, and a town atmosphere rather than just resorts.

If you’ve done a longer stay on Crete, how did you structure it? Did you stay put or move around, and would you do the same again?

Understanding Tradition of Raki on Crete

I’ve been hearing a lot about raki in Crete, and a friend of mine recently warned me that it’s kind of a big deal there. She told me she made the mistake of treating it like regular shotsa nd ended up getting pretty sick.

What she noticed afterward was that the locals weren’t drinking it that way at all. It seemed much more relaxed and tied to the meal or conversation, not something you rush through.

Now I’m curious what the actual tradition or etiquette is around raki. Is it always offered after a meal? Do you sip it slowly? Are there certain situations where it’s expected to accept (or not)?

I’d love to understand the cultural side of it before I go, so I don’t accidentally overdo it or miss the point entirely like my friend did!

Is Crete a good destination for a winter getaway?

I’m starting to plan a winter getaway and keep coming back to the idea of Crete. I’ve visited Greece in summer, but I’ve never experienced it in winter — and I’m wondering if Crete is actually a good choice for that time of year, maybe even for Christmas.

I know it’s the southernmost island, so the weather should be milder, but I’m curious what it feels like day to day. Are cafés and tavernas still open? Do locals gather in the squares, or does everything quiet down? I’ve heard Chania and Heraklion stay lively year-round, but I’m not sure about the smaller towns, possibly to even stay through Christmas. What do you think?

How much can you realistically see in Heraklion during a six-hour cruise stop?

I'm looking at a cruise that I might take next year, and one of the stops is Heraklion, Crete. I've never been there before, so I'm starting to research what there is to see and do. It looks like there are quite a few interesting options, but I'm wondering how much is realistic with only about six hours in port.

I'd love to visit the Palace of Knossos, but I'm also interested in exploring Heraklion itself, especially the Venetian Harbor, local shops, and maybe stopping somewhere for a traditional Cretan meal.

For anyone who has visited Heraklion on a cruise, how much were you able to fit into your day? Is it possible to see Knossos and still have time to explore the city, or would that feel too rushed?

I'm also wondering how much time to allow for transportation and getting back to the ship. Any advice would be appreciated!

Information Balos Lagoon?

I’m thinking about visiting Crete this year, and Balos Lagoon keeps coming up as one of the top spots to see. The photos look incredible, but I’m trying to get a more realistic sense of what the experience is actually like.

For those of you who’ve been, is it as stunning in person as it looks online? I’ve also heard getting there can be a bit of a trek—either by boat or a rough drive plus a hike. How difficult is it really? Of all the times I have visited Crete, I've never been. It's truly amazing how much there is to see there.
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top