Spring holidays from Heathrow: Crete

During Spring, there’s an invigorating sense of rejuvenation and renewal in Crete: colourful flowers and lush trees begin to flourish, fragrant herbs and blossoms abound and there isn’t the high-season throng of tourists vying for space and attention.

It’s Greece’s biggest island and well-known for its geographical diversity, with everything from high mountains and palm tree forests to olive groves and tropical beaches to explore.

There’s some stunning trekking, hiking and walking on offer in the imposing ranges that divide the island. Lefka Ori in West Crete is rather magical and the Ida Range in Rethymnon or the Dikti Mountains in Lasithi are pretty spellbinding, too.

Thanks to large crowds, visiting Crete’s interesting archaeological sites can be something of a stress in summer, but its many monasteries, traditional villages and even the Palace of Knossos itself are much more palatable in spring. As is the island’s glorious coastline.

Every beach feels special, but Elafonisi on the Southwest coast is ranked by many as one of the top 10 beaches in the world with its fine white and coral red sand, translucent turquoise waters, junipers and cedar trees.

This cosy islet, separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, also gets very busy in the summer but is borderline deserted in spring, so you can feel the distinct pink sand between your toes and quietly pretend this stunning haven is all your own.

A trip to Crete in its heavenly springtime feels incredibly personal and can be that much more memorable as a result. We really can't recommend it enough.