Evaluation of comfort conditions in urban open spaces. Application in the island of CreteEvaluation of comfort conditions in urban open spaces. Application in the island of Crete Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-11-032014enThe thermal environment in outdoor public spaces and their level of use are strongly connected. The design of outdoor spaces, especially in urban areas, is very critical in Southern Europe due to their extended use during summertime where the urban heat island phenomenon deteriorates the microclimatic conditions. In this paper the main outcomes of outdoor spaces field surveys are presented, which were carried out in four different urban open spaces in Crete. On site measurements were implemented and a questionnaire was used in order to estimate the thermal comfort of visitors. Thermal indices like Predicted Mean Vote, Physiologically Equivalent Temperature, Standard Effective Temperature, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature are used to evaluate the features of urban microclimate and then are being compared in order to find the most suitable for the Mediterranean microclimate. This suggests another way of approach to the researcher and provides essential tools to the designer.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Energy Conversion and Management86250-258 Tsitoura Marianna Τσιτουρα Μαριαννα Tsoutsos Theocharis Τσουτσος Θεοχαρης Daras Tryfonas Δαρας Τρυφωνας Elsevier Sustainable urban design Outdoor thermal comfort Microclimatic monitoring