Once the winter kicks in, that's it for sunshine and shorts. Or is it? There's no reason why you can't still pop over to one of the Balearics for a slice of summery weather in the wintertime. Menorca, Formentera, Majorca and Ibiza hotels will be super cheap as it's the low season, plus you won't have to deal with the crowds you get in the height of summer. And while many of the nightclubs will be closed, this merely adds to the tranquility you can enjoy while you eat, drink and relax in the still-very-mild weather.
Although Crete hotels stay open during the winter months, there is not much winter tourism. The months of November and December remain quite mild but January and February are always the coldest months and snow regularly falls on the mountain villages. Indeed, the White Mountains remain covered in snow from November through till April. In Greece, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and in Crete on the 6th December, which is St. Nicholas's Day, boats are decorated and hung with lights.
If you're in Crete for Christmas then obviously the 25th of December is the day to be there, but note, local children traditionally have to wait until the 1st of January to get their presents. This date is a public holiday, known as Agios Vassilis, or St Basil's Day. And five days after this, there is the Epiphany, also known as the Blessings of the Waters which sees priests blessing the local fishing boats.
If you like to go hiking then book your winter break in Malta hotels. Even in January the average rainfall is no more than 20 inches, and you can expect dry, mild days - perfect for getting out and about on the island's many walking trails, amongst beautiful terrain.
Many sports-fans come to the island to participate in or watch sports. The Ta' Qali stadium is an important venue for local and international football competitions. The Marsa Sports Club is a big tourist attraction at this time of the year as it has an 18-hole golf course, 18 tennis courts and other sports courts.
Although Crete hotels stay open during the winter months, there is not much winter tourism. The months of November and December remain quite mild but January and February are always the coldest months and snow regularly falls on the mountain villages. Indeed, the White Mountains remain covered in snow from November through till April. In Greece, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and in Crete on the 6th December, which is St. Nicholas's Day, boats are decorated and hung with lights.
If you're in Crete for Christmas then obviously the 25th of December is the day to be there, but note, local children traditionally have to wait until the 1st of January to get their presents. This date is a public holiday, known as Agios Vassilis, or St Basil's Day. And five days after this, there is the Epiphany, also known as the Blessings of the Waters which sees priests blessing the local fishing boats.
If you like to go hiking then book your winter break in Malta hotels. Even in January the average rainfall is no more than 20 inches, and you can expect dry, mild days - perfect for getting out and about on the island's many walking trails, amongst beautiful terrain.
Many sports-fans come to the island to participate in or watch sports. The Ta' Qali stadium is an important venue for local and international football competitions. The Marsa Sports Club is a big tourist attraction at this time of the year as it has an 18-hole golf course, 18 tennis courts and other sports courts.
About the Author:
Claire Collins is a travel writer with experience in island destinations. She covers everything from Ibiza clubs to Malta hotels.
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