Autumn on Crete: The Elos Chestnut Festival

With its spectacular mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, verdurous plains and twisting and turning coastline, the island of Crete is renowned for its diverse and natural beauty. Though it has to be said being laden with scillas, crocuses, cyclamens and other wild autumnal flowers, autumn is a particularly beautiful season to discover Crete.

During the autumn locals across the island become involved in the heavy harvesting of grapes, olives for the pressing of wine and oil. With many herbaceous plants in bloom, Cretans also gather ‘horta’ and harvest the herbs to use in salads and cooking.

The Chestnut Festival

One of the most eccentric events on the Cretan calendar is the Chestnut Festival which takes place in October each year. The festival marks the arrival of the autumn. Locals and visitors gather in the town of Elos to celebrate the day dedicated to the wonderful delicacies and dishes made with chestnuts.

Being surrounded by chestnut trees, the picturesque town of Elos is the ideal place to hold a festival devoted entirely to this nut. Asides cooking and eating chestnuts you can expect plenty of drinking, live music and dancing at this annual event. Elos’ streets are brimming with entertainers dressed in traditional costumes and visitors are always encouraged to join in the fun.

Tsikoudia

Tsikoudia, the traditional sweet alcoholic drink made from honey and raki is served in abundance during the Crete Chestnut Festival.

Whilst the Chestnut Festival is the perfect time to become acquainted with traditional Cretan culture, Elos is worthy of a visit all year round. This pretty village boasts a rich history and culture. The town was once known as the Kastelli in reference to the Venetian castle that is built in Elos. The village also comprises of a museum located in the old Venetian palace. Ancient Roman mosaics that have been discovered in Elos also make an inspiring Cretan experience.

Yes it’s safe to say Elos and Crete is an incredible destination to visit regardless of the time of year. Though with the colour, vivacity and fun Cretans behold to the autumn, the months of September, October and November are particularly special on Crete.