20/06/2026
The real sound of summer has arrived in Crete. A few days ago I heard the first loud call of cicadas slicing through the warm morning air and that is when summer truly began. 🦗
But just before they start another sign always comes. The Saharan wind hits Crete like a giant hairdryer blowing in fine red dust from North Africa. It leaves a layer on everything like garden chairs, cars, whitewashed houses and verandas. Anyone who cleaned too early has to do it again the next day. This red dust often comes with the last rain of the season. When that passes the sky clears and summer begins dry, hot and reliable. 🌬️
From now until mid-September rain is rare. Festivals and outdoor events do not get cancelled. The heat is strong but not suffocating because there is usually a light breeze and evenings cool down just enough to recover. People stay out late and there is life everywhere. ☀️
From mid-June to late August the cicadas begin their final chapter. Each one has spent a long time underground feeding on root sap. When their time comes they dig their way out through solid dry clay. They usually climb up a tree trunk, grip the bark and break out of their old shell. Their wings unfold as they fill with fluid. Then when the first sun hits the treetops one male starts to call. Not long after others join and the full chorus kicks in. 🌳
That sound can reach up to 115 decibels which is about as loud as a chainsaw. Only male cicadas sing. They use special organs called tymbals to make their sound. To protect themselves they shut off their hearing while calling. Females do not call and they answer by making soft wing clicks instead. So what you hear during the day is all male with a full force call and response rhythm across the trees. 📢
At night a quieter shift takes over. Crickets begin their softer and more melodic songs. It is less intense, more rhythmic and fits the cooler air perfectly. 🌙
Crete air stays humid since it is an island after all. But with no rain or clouds the smells of dry herbs and sunbaked plants become stronger. Locals water gardens and potted plants every evening. Dust settles daily so people sweep, hose down sidewalks and even cover remote controls or keyboards in plastic to protect them. 🦗
When the heat builds there is nothing like an ice cold frappe to cool you down. This is the real rhythm of summer in Crete with heat, dust, clear skies, dry air, loud cicadas by day, quiet crickets by night and people living outside until late. 🥤
Crete Insiders - Crete Chania
