Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Crete
 |  | Fact File : Crete |
|
| | | Crete | | Did you know?
There are 25 million olive trees on Crete.
Language
Greek
Visas
None required for UK citizens.
Getting there
There are three airports on Crete, and most flights land at the largest, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, in Iraklio.
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
Buses are the main form of public transport. A broad national highway links the major centres of Crete's north coast, and buses are frequent. Less frequent are buses to the mountain villages of the interior and south coast.
Currency
Euro
Costs
A moderate three-course meal including a Greek salad, grilled meat and a dessert will cost around £7 per person. As a rough price guide: a bottle of Heineken, 66p; a litre of wine £3.30; minimum taxi fare is £1.20, then either 18p per km from 5am to 12pm, or 35p per km between midnight and 5am; pack of cigarettes, £1.30; 24-exposure camera film, £2.50; litre of petrol, 50p.
Weather
Unless you love oppressive heat and overcrowding avoid mid-summer when temperatures often hit 40C (104F). Early summer (May to early June) and late summer (late August to early October) are much more bearable on both fronts. A disruptive northerly wind — meltemi — also causes havoc with ferry schedules and beaches during July and August.
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT in summer, two in winter.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 081 (Iraklio)
Voltage
220V, 50 cycles. Plugs are the standard continental type with two round pins.
Opening hours
Banks, Mon-Thur 8am to 2pm, and 8am to 1.30pm Fri (larger banks in some towns also open late afternoon and Saturday morning). Post offices open 7.30am to 2pm Mon-Fri. Shops in tourist areas can be open seven days a week, although most close in the heat of the day and Sundays. Most museums and archaeological sites are closed on Mondays.
Health - Before you go
The UK has reciprocal health arrangements with Greece but you'll need to take an EHIC form (get one at the post office here). No jabs are required, although they are recommended for tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and rabies.
Health - When you are there
The tap water is safe to drink. You may experience stomach upsets when you're there, but most are relatively minor. Beware of the sun and pack insect repellent.
Warnings
There are strict regulations on what medications you can bring into the country — codeine, for example, is banned. So check the labels and get a certificate from your GP outlining any medication you may have to take with you.
Emergency
Dial 171 for the tourist police, 100 for the police, 166 for an ambulance and 104 for roadside assistance. British Consulate, 16 Papa Alexandrou St, Iraklio Tel (30) (081) 224 012, fax (30) (081) 243 935.
Customs
On entering a kafeneion, taverna or shop, it is customary to greet the waiters or assistants saying, kalimera (good day) or kalispera (good evening).
Pets
Dogs and cats are allowed into Crete with the vet certificate required under the Pet Travel Scheme. See your vet for details.
Tipping
The service charge in restaurants is included in the bill, but it's customary to round up the bill and leave a small tip. Same goes for taxis.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
Did you know?
There are 25 million olive trees on Crete.
Language
Greek
Visas
None required for UK citizens.
Getting there
There are three airports on Crete, and most flights land at the largest, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, in Iraklio.
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
Buses are the main form of public transport. A broad national highway links the major centres of Crete's north coast, and buses are frequent. Less frequent are buses to the mountain villages of the interior and south coast.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p, moderately-priced restaurant meal for one with wine £10, 24-exposure camera film £2.50, bottle of beer £1 and four-mile taxi ride about £3. Prices may vary.
Weather
Enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate. Hot and dry in the summer months, it doesn't rain at all in July and August and the temperatures can reach 40C(104F) - be aware of strong winds. The sea is warm enough to swim in from mid-April to November. January and February are rainiest but it rarely gets any cooler than 7C(45F).
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT in summer, two in winter.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 081 (Iraklio)
Voltage
220V, 50 cycles. Plugs are the standard continental type with two round pins.
Opening hours
Banks, Mon-Thur 8am to 2pm, and 8am to 1.30pm Fri (larger banks in some towns also open late afternoon and Saturday morning). Post offices open 7.30am to 2pm Mon-Fri. Shops in tourist areas can be open seven days a week, although most close in the heat of the day and Sundays. Most museums and archaeological sites are closed on Mondays.
Health - Before you go
The UK has reciprocal health arrangements with Greece but you'll need to take an EHIC form (get one at the post office here). No jabs are required, although they are recommended for tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and rabies.
Health - When you are there
The tap water is safe to drink. You may experience stomach upsets when you're there, but most are relatively minor. Beware of the sun and pack insect repellent.
Warnings
There are strict regulations on what medications you can bring into the country - codeine, for example, is banned. So check the labels and get a certificate from your GP outlining any medication you may have to take with you.
Emergency
Dial 171 for the tourist police, 100 for the police, 166 for an ambulance and 104 for roadside assistance. British Consulate, 16 Papa Alexandrou St, Iraklio Tel (30) (081) 224 012, fax (30) (081) 243 935.
Customs
On entering a kafeneion, taverna or shop, it is customary to greet the waiters or assistants saying, kalimera (good day) or kalispera (good evening).
Pets
Dogs and cats are allowed into Crete with the vet certificate required under the Pet Travel Scheme. See your vet for details.
Tipping
The service charge in restaurants is included in the bill, but it's customary to round up the bill and leave a small tip. Same goes for taxis.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Crete |
|
| |  | | Villa Challis, Kokkino Chorio, Crete
Three bedroom detached villa with air conditioning, private pool, half an acre of land and beautiful views of the Mediterranean and mountains. 10 minutes from the blue flag sandy beaches of Almyrida
|  | | The Stonehouse
The stonehouse is a villa with private pool overlooking the bay of Keratokampos on the quiet south coast where life is laid back and relaxing with plenty to do around this beautiful island
|  | | Terracotta villa
Terracotta villa is a private house overlooking the bay of Keratokampos on the quiet south coast where life is laid back and relaxing.
|  | | Villa Estia Fotini Kokkino Horio Crete
Beautifull detached fully fitted two bedroom stone built Villa with a/c, Large private tiled infinity pool,half acre of land views over sea and mountains.blue flag beach in Almyrida 10 minutes away.
|  | | Villa Jenna
Luxury 4 Bedroomed Villa with Private Pool. Breathtaking views, air-con and maid service included in price!!....NO PRICE INCREASE FOR 2009!!!
|
Holiday Rentals in Crete |
|
|
|
|
|
|
