Winter holidays in Crete

If you have spent one of your summers in Crete, you will surely have combined it in your mind with the turquoise waters of Balos and Elafonissi or maybe with the hot sun passing the foliage and reaching the Samaria Gorge. The fish taverns next to the waves and the smell of sunscreen in the crowded alleys of the old cities must be one of your unforgettable memories on this beautiful island. But Crete is not just that. It is a bustling island even in the winter. Its lifestyle is intoxicating. Its peaceful mountain villages, the virgin nature, the ancient secrets without the tourists' queues and the hospitality of its inhabitants without the winds of August is what awaits to be explored in one of the most fascinating seasons of the year. Omalos, Palaia Roumata, Askifou and Elos are unique destinations, perfect for your visit in the heart of winter. You will find with multiple opportunities for numerous activities, so don't worry about getting bored just because you won't be able to swim in the beach. These distinct corners of Chania are an ideal escape for those who love hiking and trekking. You will enjoy this adventure as you go through the present day's routes. Honestly, Chania and the rest of Crete are not only for the summer. In Chania, unlike many other tourist places in Greece, many thousands of permanent residents live and work in the city and the villages, so life is constantly running all year round. As for the winter, it is a great opportunity to get to know the place and especially the city in its authentic form.

Always a special place. Omalos is not only a place to visit just for the Samaria Gorge in the summer or maybe a few days escape to enjoy the snow during the winter. The entire Plateau can offer special thrills to nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. Especially during this period, beyond the snowy scenery, visitors will have the chance to spend pleasant nights there. The walking routes are abundant. Climb up to the Kallergi refuge, it is a one and a half hours uphill walking on a very good road. There are dozens of opportunities for excursions to the mountainous volumes of the White Mountains, definitely interesting for those who like visiting similar destinations all over Europe. The routes to the southern beaches and the villages of Selino and Lakkous are more than enough, while you will find special opportunities to escape around the neighbouring villages. In consultation with your accommodation manager, you might have the chance to watch the oil collection, as well as the shepherd's activities such as milking, especially at this time of year, and learn all there is to know about cheese making. This is often the case with groups of tourists. The area offers great variety in accommodation including boutique hotels and rooms to let. You will also find excellent taverns with local meat, stakes, mizithra and gruyere cheese and, of course, the traditional pilaf.

In Sfakiani Madara. When one hears about mountain scenery in Chania, the first thought that comes in mind is the area of Sfakia. Mountain volumes are one of the characteristic features of the area, which in the winter months it certainly a pole of attraction for many people. It would be a great idea to choose the area of the Askifou Plateau, the first big village on the way to Chora Sfakion. At Askifou the visitor can climb to the plateau of Tavris-Niato and get to the Tavris shelter. A unique route, of immense beauty, where the hiker can enjoy all the splendour of Sfakiani of Madara. Also, you can take separate walks on foot or by car to Asfendou - Kallikrati and Impro. There is also a shooting ground, where people who like shooting can exercise their skills, while in 'Lefkoritis' there are more opportunities for riding and shooting. The accommodation at Askifou is the starting point for tours to Impro, Hora Sfakion, the area of Anopolis and Agios Ioannis, as well as to the east of Sfakia, Fragokastelo area.

Mountain, sea and a lake! Nine Villages have a rare beauty. They combine mountain and sea scenery perfectly. It is not a coincidence that many people say that this place is the "Pelion of Crete" (Mt. Pelion is a famous destination in Thessaly region for those who love the combination of mountain and sea views). Indeed, the rare exceptional environment of the area can keep the interest of the visitor in summer as well as during winter. The chestnut is one of the main local products, so you will find many dishes that include it as a basic product in the taverns of the area. An excellent route you could include in your Greek holiday itinerary is the one from Ellos to Agios Ioannis. This spot is also used as an observatory for the lammergeiers (a vulture species of the area, in Greek it is called "gypaetos"). If you are lucky enough you can see them flying around. From Milia to Tsourouniana and the surrounding mountain peaks you can find other excellent trails, but also to Kampos on the western coast of Kissamos, while it is a unique experience to pay a visit to Ermis Vlatos Park, a real monument of nature. Don't miss the chance to take a walk or a road trip to "Koufi Kara" where one of the largest chestnut forests of the area is located, above Elos. In the village of Limni, there is a small lake. A unique landscape at such an altitude that has been shaped in a way that makes it accessible. In this village as well as in Vlatos, you will find traditional taverns to enjoy the exquisite Cretan diet. The whole area of Inachorion is really worth visiting, any season. The natural landscape is breathtaking. It might sound a bit strange, but Lafonisi has a lot of visitors during the weekends even in winter. Actually, many visitors go there not only for a winter swim but also for snorkelling and windsurfing! It would be interesting to pay a visit to the chestnut packing facility of the local producers cooperative.

Now, this is a village with a great history. You will love taking a stroll in the mountainous village of Palaia Roumata in the municipality of Platanias. You feel like you are travelling through time as you go along from the Byzantine era to the Venetian domination and from the German occupation and resistance until today. Palaia Roumata is about 43 kilometres from Chania, at an altitude of 380 meters up to 1300 where you can find the peak of the famous mountain of Apopigadi. It stretches over an area of 32 square kilometres and consists of 18 settlements. In Palaia Roumata you will also find the oldest olive tree, which is 3000 years old.

Palaia Roumata is characterized by the rich vegetation and the many streams (as the Greek name of the village suggests). The village has a rich cultural history. The tradition of dancing and rhythmic songs continues in the younger generations. 

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