Fodele holidays 2026 / 2027

Why do people love going on holidays to Fodele?

The birthplace of El Greco - This tiny village is the claimed home of the world-famous Renaissance painter, adding some serious high-brow bragging rights to your jollies.
Citrus scented vibes - The valley is stuffed with orange and lemon orchards, so your morning stroll smells like a literal dream.
Private bay bliss - The beach is tucked between two mahoosive hills that look like someone's dropped them there strategically, keeping things feeling exclusive and shielded from the wind.
Authentic Cretan soul - Unlike the bigger resorts, the village has proper old-school charm with weavers selling handmade lace under giant plane trees.

What is the best time to visit Fodele?

Fodele is literally a chameleon; it’s a lush, green sanctuary in the spring and a sun-drenched coastal escape in the heart of summer. Because of its unique valley location and river, it stays a bit fresher and greener than other parts of Crete, making it an top-notch choice for nature lovers and sun-chasers.

Summer - Highs of 30°C make the private bay a haven for a splash around, followed by a delish spot of lunch in the village’s shaded square.
Autumn - The sea stays a toasty 23°C well into October, perfect for a cheeky late-season break without the airport queues.
Winter - It’s a mild 15°C on average, ideal for mooching through the natural beauty on offer or exploring the ancient monasteries in peace.
Spring - A lovely 18°C where the orange blossoms are popping off, scenting the entire valley for your morning frappe run.

What are the best beaches to visit on your Fodele holidays

Fodele is all about that "tucked away" feeling. While you’ve got a stunning sandy stretch right there, the nearby coastline is full of rocky inlets and crystal-clear coves that are perfect for a change of pace.

Fodele Beach - A wide, sandy stretch with a Blue Flag rating, perfect for families who want shallow water and easy access to snacks and a bev.
Agia Pelagia - A short hop away, this narrow beach is protected by a headland, making the water calm as a pond for snorkeling.
Mononaftis Beach - A pebbly little spot that’s absolutely quality for scuba diving and seeing some proper Cretan marine life.
Psaromoura Beach - This stylish hidden cove is a local favourite for those who want to dodge the crowds and just vibe out, perfect op for a new profile pic.

Things to do on your Fodele holidays

Don't think Fodele is just about lounging by the sea; there’s a whopping amount of culture and adventure tucked into this green valley. Whether you're a history buff or a fan of getting wet and wild at a waterpark, there’s plenty to keep the whole squad happy.

El Greco Museum - Visit the humble stone house where the legend was born and see some beaut reproductions of his masterpieces.
Fodele Beach Waterpark - A top-tier day out for the nippers with enough slides and splash zones to keep them occupied for hours.
Santorinios Gorge - Lace up your trainers for a stomp through this lush gorge, featuring waterfalls and mossy cliffs that are seriously 10/10.
Agios Panteleimon Monastery - Head into the hills to find this 16th-century beauty that served as a secret refuge during the revolution. Certainly not something you can see every day!
Village Square Dining - Sit under the ancient plane trees and tuck into some naughty slow-cooked lamb and a glass of local raki.

Popular Fodele hotels

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Weather in Fodele

JAN

12^°C

FEB

12^°C

MAR

14^°C

APR

19^°C

MAY

23^°C

JUN

26^°C

JUL

30^°C

AUG

30^°C

SEP

24^°C

OCT

20^°C

NOV

15^°C

DEC

13^°C

Summers in Fodele are genuinely red-hot, with the mercury hitting 30°C in July and August. It’s the perfect weather for a cocktail by the pool or a long day on the golden sands with some ice cream for the little ones. As the year rolls on, the valley stays dreamy and inviting, autumn and spring hover between 18°C and 23°C which is 10/10 for those who want to mooch about without melting their faces off. Even in winter, the citrus trees stay green and the vibes are easy breezy, with temperatures usually sitting around 15°C.

The UK could never!

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.

Culture
  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.
Nightlife
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 Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Why do people love going on holidays to Fodele?

What is the best time to visit Fodele?

What are the best beaches to visit on your Fodele holidays

Things to do on your Fodele holidays

Popular Fodele hotels

Weather in Fodele

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

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Culture

Nightlife