Battle of Crete: 85 Years On, Princess Anne at Maleme
This weekend Crete marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, the May 1941 airborne assault that left deep scars across the island. Princess Anne represented the United Kingdom at Maleme, attending a memorial service at the German War Cemetery before honouring fallen RAF personnel at the nearby monument. Earlier, she paid tribute to the 1,527 Allied soldiers buried at Suda Bay War Cemetery near Chania. If you are in the Chania region this weekend, road diversions around Maleme and Suda are in effect; the public ceremonies are moving and worth attending.
Weekend Weather Warning: Storms, Flooding, Hail
Do not let the temperature fool you — Crete is entering a turbulent few days. Rain and localised thunderstorms are forecast across the island this weekend, and the damage has already started. Heavy rains caused severe flooding in Tsoutsouros on the southern Heraklion coast, submerging roads and cutting off a mountain route. Inland, a violent hailstorm struck Dafnes, 15 km south of Heraklion, with early reports warning of serious damage to vineyards ahead of harvest. Pack a waterproof layer, check road conditions before heading south, and monitor Meteo forecasts if outdoor activities are planned.
Samaria Gorge Opens This Sunday
Good news for hikers: Samaria Gorge will be open on Sunday 24 May from both the Xyloskalo and Agia Roumeli entrances, following a favourable safety review. Given the weekend storms, expect slippery sections on the trail — start early, wear solid footwear, carry water, and verify the official status on the morning of your visit.
Winery Doors Open: Spring Wine Festival Today and Tomorrow
Crete's largest spring wine event is running this weekend, with estates across the island welcoming visitors for guided tours, barrel tastings, and winemaker talks on 23–24 May. The timing is bittersweet given the hailstorm damage in Dafnes, one of Heraklion's key wine villages, but most participating wineries are unaffected. Pre-booking is advised as slots fill quickly.
Kastelli Airport: What Future Travellers Should Know
The new Kastelli International Airport, 25 km east of Heraklion, is on track to open in 2028 with a capacity of 18 million passengers per year — nearly doubling current access to the island. It will eventually replace Heraklion's ageing Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. No impact on travel today, but worth factoring into any trip planning from 2028 onward.
June Price Alert: Costs Set to Rise Across the Board
Residents and long-stay visitors should adjust their budgets before June. A new wave of price increases is expected from June 2026, driven by energy costs and global supply chain pressure hitting supermarkets and services simultaneously. European fuel prices already jumped in April, pushing up car rental and transport costs island-wide. Plan accordingly.
4.4 Earthquake Near Kasos — No Damage
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake was recorded in the sea between Crete and Kasos today. No damage or injuries were reported. Seismic activity of this scale is routine in the eastern Mediterranean; no action is required for travellers or residents.
