From the airport to the city centre Crete
There are three airports on the island: in Heraklion, near Sitia in the east, and near Hania in the west. While the most important is Heraklion (Greece's second largest airport), some charter and Greek airlines also fly to the other two, which can be very convenient if your final destination is close by. It is advisable, however, if you are heading to the Agios Nikolaos area, to choose Heraklion airport, which is quicker to get to and better served by buses than Sitia. You can also travel with regular airlines by simply changing in Athens where you will take one of the many flights to Heraklion or Hania. There are regular bus services to these airports from the city centers of Hania, Heraklion and Sitia. However, the safest option is to take a quick cab. There are no domestic flights in Crete. Therefore, to get from one city to another, you have to go through the mainland.
Arrival by boat Crete
From Piraeus, four Greek companies ensure the arrival in Crete by ferry. The boats serve the four main ports of the island: Heraklion, Hania, Rethymnon, and finally Sita, with a stopover in Agios Nikolaos. The choice of the port depends on the main destination: Heraklion is the best choice if you want to visit the center of the island; Hania and Rethymnon are good choices if you want to spend your vacations on the most popular beaches of the island; and Sitia is the best choice if you want to explore the eastern part of Crete. For information on connections and timetables, please contact the agencies or visit the following websites: www.gtp.gr and www.greekferries.gr
From the ports of Crete, several cruises are organized to the islands of the Aegean Sea, especially to Santorini. Prefer hydrofoils for shorter trips.
If you have the opportunity to take a boat trip, take advantage of it, as it is a way to discover the island in a different way. In Crete, many tourists rent boats, but if you are not an experienced sailor, it is better to contact the agencies that often offer variable duration rentals, with certified navigators, allowing you to canoe without the worries of navigation. Finally, to get to the small islands surrounding Crete, some fishermen will accept to drive you for a small fee.
Public transport Crete
This means of transport is particularly developed in Crete: KTEL buses are part of the landscape. Whatever your destination, you will always have the possibility to get there by bus, even in the most remote areas. Between the big cities and the important tourist points, the lines are very dense in season, with little waiting between each bus. Cretan buses are nowadays very modern in their great majority. As the roads are quite good, the trips do not look too much like a way of the cross, but don't forget that Crete is a mountainous country. Don't be surprised if you're never on time, as it's almost impossible to be on time in Crete, even if the buses are very punctual (and don't wait for you!). Bus timetables are available on the KTEL website (www.ktelherlas.gr) for the eastern regions of Heraklion and Lassithi, and on www.e-ktel.com for the western regions of Hania and Rethymnon. These two sites are regularly updated and the site for the western region of Hania-Rethymnon offers the possibility of booking online.
Bike, scooters & co Crete
If you look at a map, Crete isn't very big and the idea of cycling around it may seem great. Moreover, there are no climate problems, so there is little equipment and heavy stuff to take along. Specialists will be able to make excursions worthy of the name. A word of advice though: beware of the heat, don't ride in the sun at the zenith without protection.
Some travellers rent bicycles and take short day trips, but those who keep track of the kilometres on the odometer are becoming rarer. The easiest way is to follow the north coast, where slopes are usually never more than 10%. If, on the other hand, you feel up to it, you can ride along the south coast where the climbs are more difficult and numerous. You will be able to rent bikes and mountain bikes on the spot. Those who wish to bring their own equipment will not have to be wary of theft, which is too rare on the island to be reported. A simple symbolic anti-theft device (so as not to provoke too much temptation) will do the trick.
With a driver Crete
The agencies can offer a rental with driver and in general this does not seriously increase the price of the rental. It is better to plan this type of rental well in advance of your arrival to benefit from discounts on prices but also to avoid unpleasant surprises. For a very short or business stay, it is preferable to rent a car with driver.
By car Crete
Visiting Crete by car is a great idea: it is surely the best way to explore the most authentic corners of the island in total freedom. For those who cannot conceive of a trip in a car other than their own, Crete is accessible by ferry. You will have to travel through Italy to Trieste or Ancona to board a ferry to Igoumenitsa or Patras and then cross a good part of the Greek mainland to Piraeus, in order to embark on the final destination. The best solution is to rent a car locally, in one of the countless agencies that charge similar and usually very affordable rates. If you are a citizen of the European Union, a simple driving license is sufficient. The vehicles offered for rent are in fairly good condition, but we advise you to check the general condition before accepting the keys and, above all, to agree on the type and cost of insurance.
Cretan roads are, compared to the rest of Greece, excellent and, compared to the rest of Europe, quite good. On the roads, there are no particular problems and drivers are generally quite serious, at least in comparison with other parts of Greece. However, beware of public buses on winding roads, which may show up in the middle of the road in the surprise of a turn, fortunately often at moderate speed. Also, kri-kri can wander or rest in the middle of the road, so you should be alert and drive carefully. There are many potholes in the asphalt on the roads, it is almost systematic except on the main road. So be careful and don't drive too fast.
Accessibility Crete
Unfortunately, people with reduced mobility and babies in strollers are not a priority in Greece. Accessibility is therefore limited, especially on local buses. However, airlines and ferries have made arrangements to make travel accessible to all people with reduced mobility. In Crete, several hotels have made arrangements to facilitate access. In the museums, access has been provided to the first floor rooms which, fortunately, are the richest in exhibits. There is still a lot of work to be done to make the archaeological sites accessible, but in general those of Knossos and Phaistos do not present major problems. For a comfortable stay, it is advisable to contact a specialized agency.
