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Greece in October

I am heading to Europe for 17 days in October, the first 3 of which will be spent in Munich. After that I would like to spend a week in Crete, and a week elsewhere. Two questions. Will it be warm enough to enjoy the beaches in Crete and swimming? Any suggestions for my 2nd week (or in lieu of Crete if it isn't going to be swimming weather)? My husband and I like outdoor adventures, hiking, and beer/wine/good food after our day of adventures. All help is incredibly appreciated.

Posted by
1383 posts

Sara

I've swum in Crete in October, and some people swim there all the year round. October is better than April as the sea is warmer. Later in the month it is still comfortable to swim but, for me at least, not sitting around on the beach weather. The south of the island is less developed but is also less protected and windier.

I'd consider Chania as a base. It's a beautiful town with good restaurants and an acceptable town beach twenty minutes walk west of the port, and also has good transport connections. Half an hour on a bus east will take you to Georgopolis with a really long sandy beach and two rivers. Half an hour further is Rethymnon which is also worth a visit. From Chania you can also arrange a trip to walk the Samaria Gorge, which is beautiful.

http://www.west-crete.com/samaria-gorge-photos.htm

One possibility for a second week, assuming you are staying in Greece, is one of the northern cyclades. Andros and Tinos both have excellent walking and are relatively unvisited, at least by foreign tourists.

Details of walks on Andros here

http://www.cycladen.be/AndrosEng.htm

We stay at the Karaoulanis room in Andros, and this year they have some new rooms at the back of town.

http://www.androsrooms.gr/ANDROS_chora_studios_apartments_Greece_rooms.htm

You don't mention whether you intend to visit Athens. If it was me I would go to Chania, fly back to Athens for a couple of days, go to Andros or Tinos via Rafina port, and then go straight to the airport from Rafina on the return. This saves another trip in and out of Athens.

Have a good trip

Alan

Posted by
34 posts

On the other hand, late October can be cold and windy on the islands. But there is lots to do in Crete besides swimming and being on the beach. Naxos and Tinos have good hiking.