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Autumn in Crete

October in Crete is a delightful month, offering warm and sunny days without the scorching heat of summer. As one of the warmest Greek islands, it ushers in autumn with a sense of tranquility, as the tourist season gently winds down by the middle of the month.

However, the latter half of October introduces an element of unpredictability, with intermittent cloudy days and occasional rain, usually spanning just six days during this time. Nevertheless, the average daytime temperature remains a pleasant 20ºC to 24ºC.

Things to Do in October

Visit Gorges and Villages

Embarking on a voyage through the Samaria Gorge and the idyllic villages nestled in mainland Crete offers an exquisite opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's breathtaking natural landscapes and its vibrant, deeply-rooted culture. This journey seamlessly marries the tranquility of coastal beauty with the raw and rugged allure of mountain vistas, presenting you with a rich tapestry of experiences.

As you set out on this enchanting adventure, be sure to savor the exceptional culinary offerings of Crete. From the renowned Cretan cheeses, which are a testament to the island's dairy craftsmanship, to the liquid gold that is their exquisite olive oil, and not forgetting the traditional spirit known as raki, every flavor encapsulates the essence of Crete's culinary heritage. These gastronomic delights will elevate your exploration, allowing you to relish the very essence of Crete while your senses are immersed in the sights and sounds of this remarkable Greek island.

Enjoy the Olive

Harvest Experience

Engaging in olive harvesting in Crete is a labor-intensive yet rewarding endeavor, and the island's welcoming communities are always appreciative of additional helping hands. Should you find yourself on the picturesque island during the olive season and spend time in its rural villages, don't hesitate to express your interest in joining the harvest.

For those seeking a comprehensive experience, some companies and farms offer olive harvesting vacations that are nothing short of immersive. These experiences involve the gratifying toil of gathering olives beneath the radiant Cretan sun, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. However, it's not all hard work; there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained.

In addition to harvesting, there are numerous related activities to enjoy, such as olive oil tasting sessions that reveal the nuances of this liquid gold, culinary experiences that teach you to cook with olive oil and fresh local produce, and the art of crafting olive oil soap. Moreover, delving into the intricacies of Crete's agriculture and visiting other artisanal food producers offer a comprehensive understanding of the island's culinary tapestry.

What truly stands out is the profound connection the people of Crete share with their land, an inspiration that is palpable. This profound connection is beautifully expressed in their honest and delectable cuisine, which encapsulates the essence of the island's rich heritage.

28th of October - The "OXI" Day

...At dawn of October 28, 1940, the Italian ambassador, Emanuele Grazzi, presented the Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas the ultimatum of Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini. This required the Italian army to cross the border with Albania and to occupy Greece. Metaxas replied in French “Alors, c’est la guerre” [‘So this is war’]. In a few hours the Italian army entered northeastern Greece. Greek soldiers successfully fought the Italian-Albanian forces and pushed them back into Albania. Because of that, Hitler’s German army had to step in and it invaded Greece in April 1941. The occupation lasted until October 1944.

Oxi Day (sometimes spelt Ohi or Ochi) is a national public holiday and commemorated on the 28^th October every year in Greece, Cyprus and by Greeks around the world.

In the days following, the word of Metaxas’ denial had spread around the capital and the Greek population took to the streets shouting “Oxi!”. His decision made on 28^th October 1940, is commemorated each year as a day that represents bravery, solidarity and heroism for millions of Greeks all over the world.

Although Greece had tried to remain neutral in the early days of WWII, it was at this time it became allied with Great Britain. The Greek Army turned out to be a formidable force, holding back the Axis forces from entering Greece for almost six months. Winston Churchill commented at the time of the Greco-Italian war and famously said:

“Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes,

but that heroes fight like Greeks.”

Kreta Eiendom SA is a real estate, construction and After-Sales Service Company. Newsletters include news, products and offers on properties in Greece. Want to change how you receive Kreta Eiendoms newsletter?
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