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The island of Crete has a temperate Mediterranean climate meaning it experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. Crete has the mildest climate of anywhere in Greece. Summer sees almost no rain, while winter months, especially December to February, can be quite wet. Average temperatures are at their peak in July and August at 26 ºC while January and February see temperatures of 12 ºC on average.

In general, Crete experiences winter days that can sometimes be rainy and windy and feel quite cold. January sees the most rainfall, with some parts of the island averaging 14 rainy days in the month. Showers are frequent from November until February as well. Winter temperatures average about 12-14ºC. Temperature rarely falls much below double figures in lowland and coastal Crete although Heraklion did record a temperature of -0.8 ºC in 2004! In February 2004 Crete experienced an unusually cold period of weather which saw the whole island dusted in snow! Normally snow is extremely rare anywhere on the island apart from in the higher mountains.

Springtime weather on the island can still see a number of rainy days, especially in the north, though clear and mild days are frequent. Temperatures can and will begin to hit the 20s and the sea begins to warm up.

Summer begins in earnest from June. The period June to September sees almost no rainfall and average temperatures of around 25 ºC. Daytime temperature in mid summer can be in the low 30s, though it can sometimes even reach up to 40 ºC. Summer of 2002 saw the mercury rise to a stifling 45 ºC!

Temperatures begin to cool off in late September, and the now dry island begins to receive some much needed rainfall. Early autumn is a pleasant time with calm, clear days. The weather becomes more unstable from November onward as rainy and windy days increase, though sunny days with temperatures in the low 20s are not uncommon.

Different parts of Crete can experience very different weather patterns, due in the main to the weather barrier created by the mountain ranges that stretch from East to West across the island. The South is on average a couple of degrees warmer than the North and is also drier. Similarly eastern Crete is drier and warmer than those regions in the West.

Crete straddles two climatic zones – Mediterranean and North African. Southern Crete falls into the North African climate zone, enjoying warmer weather and averaging over 2800 hours of sunshine a year. The varying climates on the island are reflected by the landscape and vegetation. The south can be very arid, especially in summer, while the north is more green and verdant. Southern Crete’s similarities with the North African climate are evident in the fact that African swallows remain year round rather than migrating south.

The winds that visit Crete have an important role in shaping the island’s weather patterns. Cold, wet and windy winter days are experienced when the strong northern winds hit the island. The Sirocco Winds arrive from the Southeast bringing hot, sand filled air from the deserts of Africa. When the Sirocco Winds arrive the island becomes very dusty and hot and visibility can fall. However, when they blow in winter they bring warm air and pleasant temperatures. Southerly winds in the summer months can sometimes bring stifling temperatures of up to 45 ºC. On other summer days the welcome ‘Meltimi’ winds arrive from the North-west bringing a much needed cooling breeze to the island. When the wind blows from the east, Crete usually experiences calm and clear weather.

Sea temperatures around Crete are generally warm, and bathers can swim comfortably from May right up to November. The water remains above 20 ºC during these months, peaking at 25 ºC in high summer. The sea temperature will drop to about 15 ºC in February before beginning to warm again with the onset of spring.

In the mountains it can also be cold in from October to April.

Lodging vary from day to day. Most of the hotel stays will provide breakfast and dinner and during our evenings with rental apartment accommodation we will take our meals at local taverns, which is always a great experience with a special atmosphere.

North South
Day 1and 7: The night is spent in Georgioupoli - either at the Mythologia Hotel or in the Egeon Studios.
Day 2: Aghios Vasilios.
Day 3: Night at the beach of Preveli. A delicious dinner is provided at the local tavern near the sea.
Day 4: Triopetra -  in a rental apartment near the fantastic beach of Triopetra
Day 5:  Dinner at the entrance of the Patsos Gorge. The night is spent nearby.
Day 6:  Night is spent in Agios Konstantinios.

Discovery Ride
Day 1and 6: The night is spent in Georgioupoli - either at the Mythologia Hotel or in the Egeon Studios.
Day 2: Argiroupoli village.
Day 3: Village of Plakias.
Day 4: Laki Beach
Day 5: Argiroupoli village.
Day 6: Night is spent in Agios Konstantinios.

For smaller groups (under 6 riders) we stay at 2 and 3 star hotels and star rental apartments.
If you are willing to share - there will be no single supplement.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English and Western
Horses:		Cretan Horses (TILT), Mix Cretan horses with Arabs, Mix Cretan horses with cold bloods
Pace:		Moderate with trots and short canters. Extended canters on the beach - otherwise mountainous terrain. Most days have 5 to 7+ hrs in the saddle with 3-4 hr lunch break in between - 25 miles a day Discovery Ride: less demanding | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate+
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders

Crete is a very beautiful place for horse riding during the winter. Between 10 AM and 3 PM, temperatures easily reach 21 degrees Celsius. Some days though, it can rain quite strongly. Please bring some rain clothing if booking a trip during October – April and a sweater is good for evenings as they are cooler.  For trips taking place during October – April, the riding will mainly be done during the day.

During the summer, light cotton shirts with long sleeves are perfect! In the summertime (because of the heat) the riding will be separated over early mornings and early evenings, giving you free time to relax or swim during the hottest hours of the day.

Great care is taken in the selection of the horses according to each person's riding abilities and preferences - we match you up with the right horse for you! The horses are a range of Cretan Horses (TILT), Cretan Arab Crosses and Cretan Draft Crosses.

North South Trail - 6 riding days
The riding holiday is organized for good intermediate to advanced riders. The pace is moderate with many trots and canters, with 5 to 7 hours in the saddle per day.

Discovery Trail - 5 riding days
The riding holiday is organized for intermediateriders. The pace is moderate with trots and canters, with 5+ hours in the saddle per day.

Passports
Passport required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passports must be valid for the following durations:
(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) passports must be valid for length of intended stay.
(b) Australian, Canadian, USA and excluded EU passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.
Types of Visa and Cost
National visa: £30.
Working Days Required
Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.