Swim in the Sea and Walk in the Snow – On the Same Day in Crete

Swim in the Sea and Walk in the Snow, on the Same Day in Crete. Many people think Crete is only beach, sun and summer holidays. And yes, we have beautiful sea and warm weather. But Crete in winter is something very special. In our village in eastern Crete, even in winter we can have days with 16 or even 20 degrees. Blue sky, calm sea, sunshine. On a day like this, you can go for a swim in the morning if you want. It feels almost like spring. But what many people don’t know is that only about one hour from Heraklion, you can stand in the snow.

We left our village wearing T-shirts. It felt warm and normal. We drove up into the mountains, higher and higher. The olive trees slowly disappear, the air becomes cooler, and the landscape changes completely. At the end of winter, the snow is still there on Psiloritis, the highest mountain in Crete. The last part you must walk. You hike through the snow with bright blue sky above you. And when you stand there, it feels a little bit unreal. T-shirt weather in the village, snow under your feet on the mountain. All on the same island. This is something I love about Crete. It is not only beaches. It is mountains, wild nature, strong contrasts. In a short distance you can feel two different seasons. Winter here is quiet and beautiful. You see the real island, the villages, the farmers, the mountains. It is simple and powerful. You could swim in the sea in the morning, and walk in the snow after lunch. This is Crete.