Fodele Holidays

Fodele is a charming village and lovely beach resort located between the towns of Heraklion and Rethymnon, on Crete's north coast. Apart from the obvious attractions of the sandy beach and beautiful, verdant valley in which the village huddles, the main reason Fodele has become a fixture on the tourist circuit is its fame as the birth place of the painter El Greco. There's a museum and several other historical sites nearby, so if you're here on a day trip, or staying in one of the great hotels at the resort, you wont be disappointed.

It's easy to get to from the UK, with direct flights to Crete. On the Beach lets you find the best rooms in the best hotels in Fodele, so book now for fantastic Crete holidays.

Fodele enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers. This is the best time to enjoy your Crete holidays if you want sun, sea and sand, and the sea is warm enough for swimming from April to November. Spring is beautiful with bursts of wild flowers along the valley between the village and sea, and the autumn is nice when it starts to cool down. Only in the winter does the weather turn grey and sometimes wet.

Jan - 12ºC

Feb - 12ºC

Mar - 14ºC

Apr - 19ºC

May - 23ºC

Jun - 26ºC

Jul - 30ºC

Aug - 30ºC

Sep - 24ºC

Oct - 20ºC

Nov - 15ºC

Dec - 13ºC

Fodele village's claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of the painter El Greco (1541-1614). Although there is some dispute over this claim, with some academics believing it more likely that he was born in Heraklion, the village is very attractive and well worth visiting. At the edge of the village is the Museum of El Greco, in what is claimed to be the house where he was born. Here you will find reproductions of his work, along with documents about his life. There's a cafe attached to the museum where you can get refreshments.

Close to the museum is the splendid little Church of the Panagia. This doomed fourteenth-century Byzantine church was built on the site of an older basilica, and inside you will find restored frescos from a golden era of religious iconography.

In the countryside near to Fodele there are other historical attractions. The Venetian built chapels and gardens of the Covenant of Savathiana are set in a stunning mountain location, and The Monastery of Agios Panteleimon is another Venetian site. A little further afield is the ruin of Tilissos palace, a very important Minoan archaeological find.

Crete has a rich history, with successive invaders and occupiers, and as the home of the Minoan civilisation is credited as the birthplace of European culture. The Byzantine and Venetian eras were important and turbulent time for the island, and in and around Fodele you can find evidence of this past. Fodele is most famous as the home of El Greco. Born in 1545, he went on to become an extremely important figure in the history of art, dying in Spain in 1614.

Fodele is in a great place to enjoy Cretan culture. The cultural hubs of Heraklion and Rethymnon, which Fodele is located between, both hold arts festivals from June to October. Towards the end of July each year Fodele hosts its own cultural festival, with Cretan traditional music and plays amongst other entertainments.

The valley around the village is well known for its excellent oranges, lemons and limes, and if you visit the Covenant of Savathiana you will be able to buy delicious citrus jams made by the nuns who live there. Like the rest of Crete the highlight of the religious calendar is Holy Week, so if you are there during Easter expect many celebrations to take place in the local villages.

Fodele's nightlife focuses on the cafes and restaurants along the beachfront. There's a choice of great places to eat, a number of bars, and the hotels also provide evening entertainment. If you're after a more boisterous atmosphere you may want to head to Chania for a night out, but if you fancy a chilled out evening after a day on the beach, Fodele is the place for you.

Fodele is a charming village in a tranquil and fertile valley that leads to a beautiful coastline. A stream runs through the valley, watering the lush greenery. Orange, lemon and lime groves surround the village and the hills that roll down to the coast. Fodele boasts a wide bay and fine sandy beach that is well provided with swimming and sunbathing facilities, cafes, tavernas.

The resort has a number of really good hotels with views out on to the brilliant blue of the Cretan Sea. Fodele has idyllic landscapes, with its quaint village, picturesque valley and stunning beach.

Fodele is a perfect destination for peaceful, relaxed Crete holidays, with the historic village, stunning natural beauty, and of course the beautiful beach and resort on the seafront. On The Beach has the best deals on flights and accommodation in Fodele, so book now for your dream holiday in the sun.