Chania — Travelrags

The GuardianOct 16, 2026

‘A haven of soft light, warm sunshine and sandy beaches’: readers’ favourite autumn escapes

In search of autumn festivals, good food and islands where it still feels like summer? We asked you to recommend your best off-season breaks • Tell us about a spooky spot in the UK – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher Last October, while I was cycling around south-west France, near the Spanish border, a tip from a local waiter led me to Collioure , near Perpignan. The town was like a Medi…

14 things in this story

White MountainsNature reserveMountains where sun shone while northern coast had rain.
Elsewhere
Tagus RiverPublic artworkLisbon, PortugalBoat trips offer views of pastel-coloured hills at sunset.
Aljafería palaceSightZaragoza, SpainStunning palace to explore.
Mercado dos LavradoresMarketFunchal, PortugalThe building was designed by Edmundo Tavares and opened on 24 November 1940.
Le MouréNeighborhoodCollioure, FrancePastel-coloured alleyways for happy hour wine and fish tapas.
Ponto FinalRestaurantLisbon, PortugalWaterside taverna for coffee, pastries, anchovies, and beer.
WhitesandsSightSt Davids, United KingdomCoastal path towards beaches, good for watching seals.
RakotzbrückeSightBad Muskau, GermanyDevil's Bridge reached by a narrow gauge forest railway.
Charco AzulSightEl Hierro, SpainVolcanic swimming hole on the rugged coastline.
South West Coast PathTrailWoolacombe, United KingdomCoastal walking route accessible from Woolacombe.
St Abb's HeadNature reserveSt Abbs, United KingdomDramatic clifftop walk with seabirds and sea air.
harbour cafeRestaurantSt Abbs, United KingdomServes fresh crab rolls.
Loutro ferryPlacePalaiochora, GreeceFerry that sets the town's rhythms.
Plaza del PilarSightZaragoza, SpainLocation for a vast floral tribute to the Virgin Mary.

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 10

Off-Season Greece: To Avoid the Crowds on Crete, Hike and Ski in Early Spring

Nikos Tsepetis gives the inside track on the season that he calls Crete's best for food, hiking, and even skiing.

16 things in this story

AmmosHotelseaside boutique hotel in Chania
Red Jane BakeryBakeryhotel owner's bakery
Lefka OriHotelWhite Mountains, still have snow in spring
Evgonia TavernRestaurantsimple tavern with fish and meat
Periplous RestaurantRestaurantat the Tanneries Hotel
Tanneries HotelHotelold building by the water
NyketeridaRestaurantfamous for magiritsa soup
Kafeneio FixCaféhumble taverna in the old Turkish neighborhood
TamamRestauranttaverna inside a Turkish hammam
AttikonSightfavorite open-air theater
KiposParkopen-air theater showing Hitchcock films
FagottoPubjazz bar
Elsewhere
NtouniasRestaurantDrakona, Greecerural taverna, cultivates own ingredients
Costas CafeneionRestaurantMaza, Greecefamily-run cafe serving dakos
Pierra CretaFestivalCrete, Greeceannual ski mountaineering race
Sweetwater BeachSightChora Sfakion, Greecetiny cove with sweet water from mountains

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Lonely PlanetSep 9

16 Best Things to Do in Greece

Traveling to Greece delivers in myriad ways: ancient history, stunning vistas from coastal cliff towns and the freshest food.

22 things in this story

FalasarnaSightBeach with soft cream sands on the island of Crete.
ElafonisiSightBeach with pink, coral-tinged arcs on the island of Crete.
Elsewhere
AcropolisAttractionAthens, GreeceQuintessential landmark of Western civilization, still spectacular after 2500 years.
SantoriniSightThira, GreeceBelle of the Cyclades islands with famed sunsets and volcanic bowl.
MeteoraSightKalabaka, GreeceSix ancient Orthodox monasteries seem like something from an epic movie.
CreteSightHeraklion, GreeceGreece's largest island, offering unique cuisine and beautiful beaches.
Palace of KnossosMuseumHeraklion, Greece4000-year-old Bronze Age capital, said to be the Minotaur's labyrinth.
DelphiSightArachova, GreeceSanctuary of Apollo, once the bright light of the ancient Greek world.
Byzantine upper townNeighborhoodThessaloniki, GreeceA Byzantine maze in Thessaloniki, rich with ancient history.
Tomb of Philip II of MacedonMuseumVergina, GreeceMagnificent riches from ancient eras near Thessaloniki.
Mt OlympusSightLitochoro, GreeceGreece's highest mountain and mythical home of the ancient Greek gods.
Archaeological MuseumMuseumHeraklion, GreeceShowcases fascinating treasures of Minoan culture in Heraklion.
PreveliSightRethymno, GreeceStunning beach on Crete backed by a palm forest and monastery.
ZagorohoriaNeighborhoodIoannina, GreeceQuaint stone villages in the mountains, bases for hiking Vikos Gorge.
Vikos GorgeTrailIoannina, GreeceSplendid natural landscapes in Northern Pindos National Park.
Corfu TownNeighborhoodCorfu, GreeceA traveler's favorite on Corfu island with a Venetian fortress.
ListonSightCorfu, GreeceScenic arcaded terraces in Corfu Town's Old Town.
MystrasSightSparta, GreeceExtraordinary and important Byzantine city ruins in the Peloponnese.
MycenaeSightMykines, GreeceImportant ruins in the Peloponnese, once ruled by Agamemnon.
EpidavrosAttractionEpidaurus, GreeceAncient theater ruins in the Peloponnese.
Mani peninsulaNeighborhoodAreopoli, GreeceWild territory in the Peloponnese, known for fortified towns.
ancient OlympiaSightOlympia, GreeceSite of the very first Olympic Games, with ruins of stadium and buildings.

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Lonely PlanetAug 28

How to Plan an Offseason Trip to Greece

The offseason in Greece trades hot days for quiet trails, uncrowded ancient sites and local festivals. This is why we love it.

9 things in this story

HaniaNeighborhoodHistoric city on Crete
Samaria GorgeTrailTrek through mountains to a beach opening
ancient city of ApteraSight
Elsewhere
MeteoraSightKalabaka, GreeceUNESCO site with monasteries on towering rocks
South Aegean SeaNeighborhoodRhodes, GreeceIslands with warmer water temps for offseason swimming
Greek EasterFestivalAthens, GreeceCelebrated in April or May, more widely than Christmas
panigiriaFestivalAthens, GreeceLocal festivals celebrating saints, harvests, or traditions
Temple of PoseidonSightAthens, Greece
Palace of KnossosMuseumHeraklion, Greece

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 14

The Best Islands to Visit for Turquoise Coves, Cliffside Villages, and World-Class Snorkeling

Welcome to paradise.

20 things in this story

KissamosNeighborhoodConsider staying here for laidback Cretan lifestyle.
Balos LagoonSightTake a ferry to wade in its shallow waters.
FalassarnaSightKnown for its pink-flecked sands.
Elsewhere
Tella TheraHotelCrete, GreeceFor a homey, hillside suite.
Minos Beach Art HotelHotelCrete, GreeceFor an artsy bungalow off the beaten path.
Kapsaliana VillageHotelCrete, GreeceFor an inland stay.
Cabot TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaAn 185-mile loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Cape Breton Highlands National ParkPlaceCape Breton, CanadaA third of the world-famous Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, renowned for stunning ocean…
Skyline TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaFour-mile trail ending with cliffside views.
Cabot Cape BretonParkCape Breton, CanadaFor golfing with ocean views.
Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a breezy eco-lodge.
Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by HiltonHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a tucked-away jungle retreat.
Sea Pines Nature PreservePlaceHilton Head Island, United States600-acre preserve with wetland boardwalks.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife RefugePlaceHilton Head Island, United StatesFor biking and bird-watching.
Coligny Beach ParkParkHilton Head Island, United StatesBustling beach park on the island's coastline.
Alder Lane BeachTrailHilton Head Island, United StatesQuieter beach, ideal for lounging.
The Inn & Club at Harbour TownHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a country club classic with golfing.
Disney's Hilton Head Island ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor an amusement park without the crowds.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a sweeping beachside resort.
IsabelaPlaceGalápagos Islands, Ecuador

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