Spring in South Crete part 1

South Crete is an option that is suitable not only for summer vacations, as it can bewitch
you all year round. In the first part of this post, we will explore only some of the surprises
South Crete can hold for visitors at this time of year.

By choosing to spend your vacations in this magical place, you will discover nature as only
the locals have experienced it. The spring colors and aromas bring with them the time for
artichokes! Yes, you heard it! This is the time when all the house gardens have at least one
artichoke plant. This plant, though it does not look friendly when you approach it due to its
                                    large, thorny leaves, offers us one of the most delicious and nutritional vegetables.

The artichoke! It is so tender this time of year and so tasty that the locals are used to peeling
and eating it on the spot, raw as it is, without even adding salt or lemon. Also, every dish
contains artichokes. For example, they serve artichokes with snails and fresh fava beans!
Thus, the best gift one can offer to themselves when visiting Crete in spring is to have some
portions of folic acid!

Easter time! Easter is the celebration that prevails this time of year in Greece and mostly in
Crete. Customs and traditions take place in every corner of the island. The locals fast during
Lent with reverence and go to church in order to truly experience the Resurrection of Christ.

Every day of the Holy Week has a unique symbolism and everyone in every village helps
with church decorations or gathering wood for the Judas’s Bonfire on the Holy Saturday
evening. The women make bread with no olive oil during all Holy Week as well as the sweet
dough for the lazarakia! When everything has been prepared and after Christ’s
Resurrection, their Easter table is full of delicious food and lots of people!