Practical Tips in Crete
Tips & Tricks for Crete
Traveling in Crete – Practical Tips Short Guide
The 7 Most Important Tips in Crete:
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- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Crete is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months.
- Getting There: Crete has two main airports: Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ). These airports have regular flights connecting them to major European cities. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Athens or other Greek islands to Crete.
- Transportation: Renting a car from a local agency at Crete Airport is highly recommended to explore Crete at your own pace. The island has an extensive road network, and having a car gives you the flexibility to visit remote villages and beautiful beaches. Public buses are available but may have limited schedules, especially in rural areas.
- Driving on the national road : The right hand lane, separated from the main highway by a continuous white line, is not only for stopping in an emergency. It’s used as an extra traffic lane so, when you see a car , especially Bus approaching fast from behind, continue to drive OVER the white line . So all traffic doesnt accumulate behind you!
- Don’t always trust your GPS: Driving to small villages, your GPS sometimes shows the shorter road, but you may end up finding yourself on remote paths without any signs or on twisted narrow roads in the country fields!
- Sometimes villages and locations bear double names : One official and the other as it is called locally. For example, the town of Kissamos is also known as Kasteli. Very often you see double locality name in road panels pointing in opposite directions ! Do not worry, sooner or later, you will drive to that location.