The picturesque, idyllic and tranquil island of Crete offers all visitors plenty to see, do and experience. Inhabitants welcome holiday-makers in with open arms to indulge in local cuisines, enjoy Cretan culture and become immersed in the Cretan way of life and traditions.

For the sleepy yet beautiful island, the summer season is an extremely interesting and vivid one. The Cretan people have a strong zest for life and encourage any chance to party and enjoy the simple things in life. Summer sees the unveiling of music, religion, culture and art festivals spread over the island in celebration and remembrance.

Dates for your diary – July and August

If you are travelling to Crete this summer, here is a short guide of the goings on within Crete this summer, and a few of the not-to-be-missed main festivals that will be filling the island’s streets throughout the sunshine season.

When it comes to festivals, celebrations and carnivals – nobody does it quite like the Crete. After all, they invented them right?

Chania Summer Festival

Chania Summer Festival is usually held from the 1st July – 30th September and offers visitors and inhabitants a-like a wonderful insight into the unique culture of Cretan life. One of the island’s most popular festivals, Chania Summer offers a jam-packed programme of dance, art, theatre and music to invite you into Cretan life in style.

Yakinthia Festival

The Yakinthia Festival is usually celebrated on the last week of July in the small village of Anogia. Yakinthia combines the Cretan love for art, music and culture and mainly includes the livestock-owning community who welcome visitors to their little rural paradise. Yakinthia Festival celebrates the life and history of Saint Yakinthios, who according to myth, died for love.

Rethymnon Cretan Wine Festival

The more subtle festival of Rethymnon is often missed by visitors; however it is a must for all architecture, music or shopping lovers. The festival often takes place mid July through until September and thoroughly takes advantage of its Venetian past.

Assumption Day

Assumption day, the 15th August celebrates the peak of summer and is one of the biggest Orthodox religious festival and Bank Holiday in Crete. The island is filled with celebration, people and music inviting all to come and enjoy!

Whether you miss any of the above fantastic festivals, there are plenty of traditional Cretan music and art celebrations that fill local villages throughout the Cretan summer.

A few more dates for your Cretan diary

Feast of Agia Marina – July 17th

Feast of Profitis Ilias – July 20th

Paleohora Music Festival – First 10 days of August

Cultural Festival of Ano Viannos – Lasting 3 days at the beginning of August

Arhaes Wine Festival – August 15th

Crete Sultana Festival – Last week of August

Potato Festival – 3 days at the end of August, at Tzermiado

So whether you are looking for White Mountain relaxation, a cultural experience by the sea or a festival-filled summer, Crete is sure to be the perfect island to provide you with whatever type of holiday you dream of. Here at Pure Crete, we provide high quality, beautiful and unique Crete holiday villas to suit any type of getaway; so for more information please feel free to get in contact with our friendly and helpful team on 01444 880 404 today or drop us an email at info@purecrete.com and start planning your ideal summer today!