Crete (Heraklion)
Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, Crete is by far the largest of the many Greek Islands and offers something for every kind of traveller. The island has experienced thousands of years of conquest and habitation and has a complicated and diverse heritage. Sightseers can investigate the remains of the ancient Minoan culture that flourished here thousands of years before Christ. Generations of Roman, Venetian and Turkish rule have also left their mark and there are fascinating sights scattered throughout the island.
Its northern coastline is home to busy holiday resorts and a wealth of powdery white beaches, where couples and families come to soak up the Mediterranean sunshine. The gateway to the island is the large, modern city of Heraklion, which is not so much an island idyll as a vital commercial centre. Other major holiday resorts in Greece include nearby Malia, lively Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon with its lovely old town, and Chania, to the west, which known for its 14th-century Venetian harbour and waterfront restaurants.
The wild interior of Crete offers some spectacular mountain scenery drives and many opportunities for hikers and serious cyclists. The White Mountains in the west soar to over 2000m, while the more gentle mountains in the east hide the extraordinary Lasithi plateau in their midst, which is dotted with white windmills. The south coast of Crete is much more remote and rugged than the north. It is crisscrossed with gorges and dotted with unspoilt villages, pretty coves, and secluded beaches.
Climate for Crete
Crete has a largely Mediterranean climate, with some influences from North Africa’s weather patterns. Visitors will find hot, dry summers and mild winters. Peak summer temperatures generally range from 86F (30C) during the day to 72F (22C) at night, though it can get significantly hotter during heat waves. Rainfall is almost non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October and April. Crete’s mountains sometimes receive snowfall during winter. Otherwise, snow is rare on the island. Some visitors find Crete uncomfortably hot and humid during mid-summer, so spring and autumn may be the best times to visit for walking and sightseeing, when travellers can expect milder weather and smaller crowds.
Health Notes when travelling to Greece
There are no specific health risks but everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting Greece. Most health problems come from too much sun and too much food or alcohol, though there’s also the risk of encountering sea urchins, jellyfish and mosquitoes. Medical facilities in major cities are excellent but some of the smaller islands are a long way from a decent hospital. Larger towns and resorts have English-speaking private doctors and the highly professional local pharmacies can usually deal with any minor complaint. Travellers should take along any necessary prescription medication. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Greece
Though Greece is a safe destination, peak tourist season usually sees a spike in petty theft cases, especially in crowded areas. Visitors should conceal valuables or store them in hotel safes and watch out for pickpockets. Violent crime is rare but there have been incidents on some islands; visitors travelling alone should not accept lifts from strangers.
Customs in Greece
Though more traditional than the British in some ways, most Greeks are friendly and welcoming enough to seem intrusive to reserved British tourists. Greeks are also the heaviest smokers in Europe and will often ignore the smoking ban in public places. Swimwear is expected on the beach but tourists should dress properly in bars and restaurants.
Duty Free in Greece
Travellers visiting from inside the EU can bring in 800 cigarettes, or 200 cigars, or 400 cigarillos, or 1kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume over 22 percent, 20 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume under 22 percent, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer.
Visitors arriving from outside the EU and are over the age of 17 will not pay duty for 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 100 cigarillos, or 250g of tobacco, 1 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume over 22 percent, 2 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume under 22 percent, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.
Doing Business in Greece
Greeks prefer to dress formally in dark-coloured suits for men and stylish outfits for women. Punctuality is important to them though meetings may not start immediately. Visitors should offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact when greeting Greek men and women for the first time, and print business cards in both Greek and English. There is no ritual surrounding the exchange of business cards.
As Greeks like getting to know their colleagues before conducting any serious business, it’s unlikely a deal will take shape at the first meeting. The local culture follows a hierarchical structure and visitors should show respect in the same way. Gift giving is common in social settings but not necessarily in business.
Communication in Greece
The international access code for Greece is +30 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Free WiFi is available at cafes, hotels, restaurants and similar establishments throughout Greece; purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option to paying high international roaming costs.
Tipping in Greece
A service charge is automatically added to most restaurant bills and an additional tip is not expected, though it’s always welcome. Rounding up the bill is sufficient for drinks at cafes; taxis, porters and cloakroom attendants will expect a tip.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Non-EEA travellers to Greece must hold visible means of financial support to cover their stay in the country. It is also recommended that non-EEA members hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Passengers not holding onward tickets may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for their return or onward journey. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Greece. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, only need to be valid for period of intended stay in Greece. All other endorsements require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Greece.
A visa is not required for passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period for holders of passports with any other endorsement.
Holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authorities, and endorsed ‘Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom’, do not require a visa to visit Greece.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Greece. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Greece. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Greece. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Greece.
A comprehensive bus system makes Crete easy to navigate. Frequent bus services work the north coast, while less frequent services cater to the south coast via the mountainous interior. Crete’s towns and resorts also have many tour companies that offer excursions to all major sites. Ferries link the towns along the south coast and the islands, but many only operate during summer. Taxis can take visitors to all sites and are reasonably priced, especially if two or three passengers share. Travel agents can find English-speaking drivers to act as guides. For visitors with limited time on the island, hiring a car is the most flexible way to travel outside the cities and towns. Renting a car allows visitors to leave the overdeveloped tourist trail and explore the real Crete.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
