CRETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Crete Travel Guide
Getting To and Around Crete
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Scheduled Flights
The only year-round way of getting to Crete is to fly
to Athens and take a connecting flight to Irakleio, Chania
or Rethymno. There are flights to Athens from all EU
capitals and from major cities in North America, South
Africa and Australia. Domestic airlines compete on
routes, and flights are frequent.
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Charter Flights
Charter airlines owned by large package holiday
companies fly to Chania and Irakleio from most airports
in the UK and large mainland EU cities in summer. The
first departures are in late April or early May, with the
last return flight in early October. Most flights are sold
as a package with accommodation and car rental.
3 Ferries
Fast ferries sail
overnight, every night,
between Piraeus, the port of
Athens, and Chania, Irakleio
and Rethymno on Crete.
Another popular option is to
island-hop, staying for a few
nights on one or more of the
Cyclades.
Car Hire
There are local and
international car rental
companies at every airport,
resort and major town in
Crete. Renting on the spot is
often more expensive than
booking in advance with a
major firm. Drive defensively and cautiously at all times
– Greece has one of the worst accident rates in Europe.
5 Buses
Local buses operated
by the KTEL consortium are
a cheap and cheerful way to
see Crete and meet local
people. Tickets are cheap
and there are regular
departures even to remote
villages. English language timetables are usually available
from local tourist offices.
6 Taxis
Taxis are surprisingly affordable, and operate not
only in towns but on long journeys between towns and
villages. Short journeys are metered, but for longer trips
there is usually a fixed price – agree it before setting off.
Most drivers speak some English, and vehicles are
usually modern Mercedes saloons.
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Local Boats
The only way to travel between Sougia and Chora
Sfakion on the south coast is by boat. In summer, small
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boats putter along at least once a day, calling at Agia
Roumeli and Loutro.
8 Riding
Mule or pony trekking is a great way to explore the
awesome mountain scenery of the Lefka Ori (White
Mountains), where there are still no motor roads.
9 Bicycle
Away from the north coast and its busy highway,
there are hundreds of miles of farm tracks and jeep roads
which are ideal mountain-biking territory. Cycling is best
enjoyed in spring (April–May) and autumn (late
September–October).
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Motorbikes and Scooters
Two-wheeled transport is popular with summer
visitors. However, great caution should be used, both
on busy roads and off-track. Helmets are compulsory
only for riders of larger motorcycles outside town limits,
but should be worn at all times (see Renting a
Motorbike).
General Information
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When To Go
December, January and February are cold, wet and
windy with heavy snow on the mountains. Spring flowers
begin to appear in March, but sunbathing is not a real
option until April, and rain is possible until May.
Temperatures start to climb seriously in June, peaking
at 35°C or higher in July. October can be beautiful, with
sunny days and cool nights, and even November can be
a good month for sightseeing, though not for the beach.
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Passports and Visas
UK visitors require a passport; most other EU
nationals require only a valid identity card. Citizens of the
USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require
visas for a stay of up to 90 days.
3 Customs
Visitors from other EU countries are not subject to
customs formalities. Unauthorized export of antiquities
and works of art is a serious offence. If bringing
prescription drugs with you, also bring a copy of the
prescription and, if possible, a letter from your doctor to
say why you need them.
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Tourist Offices Abroad
The Greek National Tourism Organisation, also
known as the Hellenic Tourist Organisation and referred
to by its Greek acronym, EOT, has offices in all European
capitals, major US cities, and in Australia and South
Africa.
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Tourist Offices in
Crete
EOT has offices in Irakleio,
Chania and Rethymno. There
are also local tourist offices
in the major resorts. All have
English-speaking staff who
can provide maps, bus
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Practical Info