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

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Greece, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

• Web:

  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

Chania International Airport (CHQ)

Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" is an international airport located near Souda Bay. It is is 12 kilometres from the city of Chania and 68 kilometres 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 only 5 kilometres from the city of Heraklion and 65 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos. A new airport for Heraklion, located 39 kilometres to the south-east of the city at Kastelli, is under construction. It is scheduled to open by 2027. 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