Hotels in West Crete, Greece

West Crete is the rugged, sun-soaked side of the island, famous for the Samaria Gorge and pink-sand beaches like Elafonisi. Summers here are hot and dry (averaging 86°F / 30°C), perfect for hiking the 18-kilometer gorge or snorkeling in the clear Libyan Sea. Come winter, the temps drop to around 55°F / 13°C, making it a great time to explore ancient ruins like Aptera, with its Roman cisterns and Venetian fortress, without the summer crowds.