Best Time to Visit

Crete boasts one of the best climates in Europe, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Generally speaking, there is a temperate Mediterranean climate, although during winter there is usually snow in the mountains. Winters in other parts of Crete are relatively mild, while spring, autumn and summer are sunny and warm, or even hot. The rainfall is concentrated from autumn until spring and is more frequent in the western part of the island. Summer is, of course, peak season in Crete. The best time to visit is probably during shoulder season, namely in April, May, September and October, when the temperatures and the weather are good for beach days and sightseeing, but the touristic spots are not too crowded.

Passport / Visa

Greece can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Chania International Airport (CHQ)

Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" is an international airport located near Souda Bay. It is is 12 km from the city of Chania and 68 km from the town of Rethymnon.

• Web:

  www.chq-airport.gr

• Phone:

  +30 2821 083 800

• More info:

  The airport is named after Daskalogiannis, a Cretan rebel against Ottoman rule in the 18th century.

Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is the primary airport on the island of Crete and is the second busiest airport in Greece. The airport of Heraklion is but 5 km from the city of Heraklion and 65 km from Agios Nikolaos. A new airport for Heraklion, located 39 km to the south-east of the city at Kastelli, is under construction. It is scheduled to open by 2025. The new airport will replace the current Heraklion International Airport as the hub for central Crete.

• Web:

  www.heraklion-airport.gr

• Phone:

  +30 2810 397 129

• More info:

  The airport is named after Heraklion native Nikos Kazantzakis, a Greek writer and philosopher.

Public Transport

In Crete, there are two main bus companies: for the centre and east of the island, you need KTEL Heraklion-Lassithi, while for the west KTEL Chania-Rethymnon. The two companies work in tandem, so one can purchase a ticket that crosses their nominal border. Tickets can be purchased at the main bus terminals, at some kiosks and on board. The website of the companies provides all timetables and the possibility to book tickets.

• Web:

  www.e-ktel.com/en

• E-mail:

  info@e-ktel.gr

• Address:

  Partheviou Kelaidi 33, Chania

• Phone:

  +30 2821 093 052

Taxi

Crete Taxi Services +30 6970 021 970 of +30 6945 027 933 info@crete-taxi.gr www.crete-taxi.gr/en Crete Cab +30 6955 171 473 info@crete.cab www.crete.cab Cretan Taxi +30 6946 281 620 info@cretantaxi.com www.cretantaxi.com