Laura Di Stefano, AKA The Historian Traveller, is an avid explorer, researcher and blogger with a passion for uncovering the intricate layers of history through travel and photography. With a PhD in medieval history, Laura uses research and on-the-ground explorations of historical sites around the world to fuel her readers' passion for cultural travel.

She’s also passionate about photographing architecture, hiking wild landscapes and exploring unconventional destinations and historical gems.

Discovering Crete in September: the magic of the ‘shoulder season’

When most travellers think of Crete, images of sun-soaked beaches and bustling tourist spots often come to mind. Nevertheless, Crete is a stunning destination even during the shoulder seasons of March to April and September to October. In particular, September’s a great month to visit due to mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices but there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, including swimming!

Why visit Crete in September...

Crete in September is ideal for either a short break or a long, relaxing week away. Mild temperatures, usually between 18 and 25 degrees, are perfect for outdoor activities and beach days. Plus, by September, many tourists have returned home, allowing visitors to explore popular sites and beaches without the usual summer crowds.

Crete is also famous for its scenic hiking routes and September is an ideal month to hike, thanks to the mild temperatures. September is also harvesting time for many Cretan wineries. Wine tasting, anyone?

10 things to do in Crete in September

Visit Chania’s Old Town

Chania has an old vibrant soul. Echoes of its historical past are visible throughout the mazed alleys of its Old Town. Ottoman minarets alternate with picturesque cafés, Venetian paved streets, Greek tavernas and traditional handicraft shops.

Visiting in September gives you the opportunity to focus on the city’s history and discover more of its architecture and cultural heritage. The Old Town of Chania is the city’s historical heart. The Venetian harbour, Egyptian Lighthouse, Maritime Museum of Crete and Splantzia Square should be on your sightseeing list.

Discover Crete’s best archaeological museums

Crete is home to some of Greece’s best archaeological museums.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in Greece as well as being one of the world’s best spots for Minoan Art. Most of its findings come from the Minoan Palaces at Knossos and other sites around Crete. One of the most famous artefacts of the museum is the Phaistos Disc, a mysterious object discovered in 1909 in the Minoan palace of Phaistos that is still under the research of many experts trying to decipher its language.

The recently opened Chania Archaeological Museum focuses on the archaeological heritage and Minoan history of Chania. It hosts a permanent exhibition in three galleries, revealing the splendour of the Minoan past as well as aspects of the civilisation’s everyday life through their surviving artefacts and sculptures.

Go wine tasting at Agia Triada Monastery

Built in the 17th century, during the Venetian occupation of Crete, the Agia Triada Tsagaloron Monastery is a prime example of Cretan Byzantine-Renaissance architecture. Visitable as a Museum, including an important library preserving rare books and codex, not many know that this monastery is also famous for its production of wine and olive oil. The Agia Triada wines are considered some of the finest on the island, thanks to the microclimate of the Akrotiri region of Chania.

Hike the incredible Gouverneto Trail

While around in Agia Triada, another lovely activity to try is hiking the Gouverneto Trail. The route starts about 5km north of the Agia Triada Monastery. The name of the trail comes from another important monastery in the area, Gouverneto. This was built in 1537 and is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The trail stretches for about 8km, going down towards the stunning Katholiko Bay. On this path, hikers can discover hidden caves, the ruins of previous abandoned monasteries and some of the most incredible views in Crete.

Relax on quieter beaches

In contrast to July and August, September offers a quieter month to enjoy some relaxing moments on the beach. In fact, crowds returned home, but temperatures are still pleasantly warm to soak up the sunshine or even enjoy swim. Elafonissi Beach is famous for its crystalline waters and white sands, while Vai Beach not only has clear crystal waters, but is also home to the largest palm tree forest in Europe. A stunning place to add to your Crete bucket list!

Discover the ancient ruins of Aptera

An unmissable activity for a September visit to Crete is to visit the Archaeological Site of Aptera. Towering at 200m above the stunning Souda Bay (at 15km from Chania), Aptera was one of the most significant city-states of Crete. The sites’ history dates to 3500-1070 BC and continued uninterrupted until the Roman Empire (67 BC – 324 AD). One of the most important archaeological findings of the site is the ancient theatre. It’s entirely made of limestone and perfectly preserved.

Take a boat trip to Balos lagoon

Balos lagoon is often depicted as an exotic paradise in Crete. This is thanks to its turquoise waters, remote location and white sands. You can only visit via boat or a three-hour strenuous hike from Kalyviani. For boat trips, you can take one of the daily morning boats sailing from Kissamos. These will tour the area with a stop at the Imeri Gravousa shipwreck and the nearby Venetian fort.

Visit the Palace of Knossos

The legendary Palace of Knossos is arguably the most famous archaeological site in Crete. World-famous for being the mythical location of the Minotaur’s Labyrinth, the Palace of Knossos is actually one of the oldest sites in Crete and a precious historical window on Cretan’s Minoan past. The palace is open all-year-round.

Take a boat trip to Spinalonga

On the north-eastern side of Crete, in the picturesque Gulf of Elounda, there’s a small island called Spinalonga. The island was first inhabited and fortified by the Venetians in the 15th century and remained under their rule until the 18th century. It’s famous for being the last Venetian fortress to be conquered by the Ottomans in Crete. Today, the island is inhabited. Nevertheless, you can still visit the fortress, the 20th-century leper colony and stunning crystalline pebble beaches. Boats are available every 30 mins from both Elounda and Plaka.

Have a taste of Cretan cuisine and its traditions

No trip to Crete is complete without a proper taste of Cretan cuisine! Traditionally, Cretan dishes feature local produce of which is made of plants, dairy, fish and poultry. There are also modern takes on traditional dishes that are becoming more and more famous and unmissable classics like dakos or bougatsa that still captures tourists’ hearts (and mouths!).