Crete for Easter!

[AlpacaLypse]

Hi, we've done it, booked ridiculously cheap flights to Kandia, Crete, for the second week of April.

Anyone been there so early in the season? What clothing should we pack? Any point in bothering with bikinis?

Also any recommendations for cheap hotel/apartment? It's me, DH and our 15 year old twin daughters.

chocolatewine (splendid name btw) thank you for those cheering words.

Hope the weather can stay that way for a few weeks... have just been spattered with hail and the wind seems to be coming directly from the Arctic.

I really appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

Since I've already booked the seats, I'll happily advise anyone looking for a fairly cheap pre-Easter getaway to check Ryanair's website, Bournemouth-Chania.

We went two years ago and it was lovely weather. Probably more like Cornwall in summer

Up to mid 20s during day but quite windy and rained a couple of times. Cooler in the evening obviously.

The sea where we were was clean and the kids went in it (probably about an hour from heraklion on North coast). They were less keen on the swimming pools as they weren't heated but it was definitely bikini weather for British people.

Have fun!

We did crete (the other side) late April a few years ago. as far as I can remember we had some quite hot days and some cooler. Nice for sightseeing. Definitely take the bikini in case! Most tourist attractions including Knossos and restaurants open but quiet. Was a lovely holiday!

I guess you are in Crete now? hopethe weather is good and that you are all enjoying your holiday!

A Cretan Easter is great! Lots of festivities and firecrackers! You could visit Souda Bay - where the Allies landed in WW2,and the war cemetery. Also the big freshwater lake - Kournas? - is worth a visit. I used to live hear Heraklion so my western Crete knowledge isn't as strong! Heraklion is a city so loads going on there if you danced a trio there, if Rethymnon area. Weather will fe mild but not bikini weather unless there's a freak great wave. Just get there and ho with the flow - get in the Greek spirit, there's always loads to do if even nothing to do so you chill out with a book enjoying a coffee by the harbour!

Oops! Just noticed dates of posts! Ignore me!

Got home about 1 a.m. last night with a touch of sunburn and several mozzy bites. Absolutely fantastic place, thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

bits... Airside of Chania airport is truly abysmal. I understand it is going to be upgraded, but until then expect the worst.

Our hire car was broken into at Knossos. Nothing stolen, they moved the parcel shelf and must have been disgusted to find that all we'd put in there was a couple of jerseys. We will have to do some complicated paperwork to get a refund on the repair bill. It made DP super twitchy about leaving anything in the car which meant my plan of carting beach kit around with us was kyboshed.

[happy] bits... Weather was like a good English June, sea was still a bit cold but girls still swam in it. Lots of Lidls and the range very similar to UK (and usually with the English name prominent on the packaging) so easy to do grocery shopping - we were S/C. English undoubtedly the standard second language for most people.

Wild flowers everywhere, lots of wildlife for DP to tick off too - vultures, eagles etc.

Archaeology everywhere. Yesterday morning I was looking at a Roman mosaic that in the UK would be in prime place in the British Museum. In a small municipal museum in Kissamos!

Now to update on Trip Advisor

Just seen this! Seems overall you had a good time and enjoyed yourselves!