Crete · Sports & events

Heraklion's OFI Crete plays in the Greek Super League from August to May at the Pankritio, an Olympic-era ground that rarely sells out.

Sixteen kilometres downhill through the White Mountains, open roughly May to October, ticketed, and finished with a boat out. Allow six hours.

The far east coast gets consistent summer wind; schools on the beach rent kit and teach beginners in the sheltered corner.

Crete's races run autumn to spring, when the heat relents — Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion each stage a marathon or half.