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Page 1: Hotels4u Crete Travel Guide

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AT A GLANCE

Crete is one of the top Greek island getaways, and a

destination that has something for everyone. Whether you

are a beach bum or a lover of all things historical, Crete will

not disappoint.

WHEN TO GO

Crete can prove to be an enjoyable holiday spot all year round, but the best time to go depends on

what it is you are looking for in your break.

Weather

  Spring: The weather doesn’t become reliably warm until

around May but if you do come to Crete at this time you will

not find as many tourists as in summer and autumn. The

weather at this time of year is ideal for hiking.

  Summer: This is the peak time for families to visit the island.

At this time of year the weather is hot and the beaches are

bustling.

  Autumn: In September and October the weather is at its

most comfortable, and the tourist trade begins to die down.This is the best time to visit for a warm and relaxing holiday.

  Winter: As the weather becomes colder in November, tourism comes almost to a standstill. You

might struggle to find places to stay and eat in the seasonal resorts but you won’t have to worry

in the cities.

Image: Crete summer by Currybet on Flickr

THINGS TO DO

As the island is steeped in rich cultural history, you will find a multitude of interesting archaeological

sites worth visiting. There are also plenty of more family-friendly attractions and activities to keepCretan holidaymakers of all ages entertained.

Attractions

  Venetian Port: Situated in Chania, this crumbling, highly

picturesque Venetian port is well worth a visit.

  The Historic Museum of Crete: This museum in Heraklion

will provide you with a detailed history of the island.

There are also a series of collections featuring art,

literature and ancient relics.

  Idaion Cave: Though this cave has no great geologicalimportance, it is significant in Greek mythology for being

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the reported birthplace of Zeus - father of the Gods. As the cave is situated at the east of 

Mount Ida, you can also take the opportunity to admire the largest mountain in Crete.

  Venizelos Tombs: These family tombs are set in a pretty park and offer breathtaking

panoramic views of Chania. They are also the burial place of Eleftherios and Sophocles

Venizelos - two important figures in modern Greek history.

  Acquaplus Waterpark: One of the island’s mostpopular water parks, you can find adventure slides for

kids and a relaxing hydro-massage pool for adults.

  Public Gardens at Chania: The gardens can be

found near the city centre, and feature a playground as

well as a small zoo. Look out for the Cretan goats!

  Festivals: During the summer season there are a

variety of arts, and food and drink related festivals held

all over the island.

Nightlife

Malia has become almost infamous for its sometimes raucous, but always lively, nocturnal scene.With a huge variety of bars and clubs to choose from, this area has unsurprisingly become very

popular with the 18-35 crowd. There are however many resorts that offer exciting night time

alternatives, such as Chania and Heraklion.

  Senso Club: This venue in Chania is an upmarket nightclub with different music and events

throughout the week.

  Yiasou Melon Bar: Fairly chilled out by Malia’s standards, you can sit comfortably, enjoying

the open air surroundings and sampling one of their namesake Melon cocktails.

  Temple Bar: Hersonnisos is almost on a par with Malia in terms of the quantity of bars and

clubs to be found there. Temple bar, presumably named after the famous Dublin boozer, is

an Irish bar where you’ll be met with a friendly atmosphere and classic tunes.

Activities in Crete

Crete has a phenomenal 1000 kilometre long coastline, where gorgeous beaches can be found and

lazed on. Lying back and soaking up the sunshine isn’t for everyone however and if you are someone

who prefers a more active holiday you won’t be disappointed with the range of things to do.

  Golf : The Crete Golf Club is close to the islands capital, and is a championship 18-hole golf 

course, ideal for anyone who wants to perfect their swing.

  Water-sports: Windsurfing, water-skiing and parasailing are all available at the majority of 

the bigger beach resorts around the island.

  Rock climbing: Rock climbing is very popular with adventurous and sporty types and thereare many rocks to be conquered throughout Crete.

  Cycling: There are cycling opportunities throughout the year in Crete, with routes that cater

for all skill levels.

  Hiking: Crete’s mountainous terrain makes it ideal for hiking and trekking, and there are a

variety of trails to be enjoyed by those who fancy a different look at the Cretan landscape.

  Skiing: Though it may come as a surprise, during the winter months it is possible to ski in

Crete, although snowfall here is not always guaranteed.

Images: Venetian Harbour by Dalbera on Flickr / Cretan Goats by Jan-Erik Finnberg on Flickr 

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SHOPPING

Leather goods, pottery, jewellery and olive oil are just some traditional souvenirs you can pick up in

every town in Crete, to take back to those at home. Aside from traditional Cretan wares, there are

plenty of shops catering for high street and designer tastes.

Shopping Areas:

  Hersonissos: Find a wide range of goods here from

souvenirs and crafts in the markets, to jewellery stores and

famous fashion brands.

  Chania: The ideal place to pick up food stuff and gifts,

including hand crafted gold and silver jewellery. The real

speciality here is leather, so much so that there is actually a

whole street dedicated to it, aptly named ‘Leather Alley’.

  Heraklion: The streets of Heraklion are lined with a mixture

of high street names from Zara to Benetton, plus one off boutiques and traditional stores.

Markets: 

  Chania Market: The indoor Chania Market takes place every day except Sunday, and

specialises in the sort of fresh produce a typical Cretan diet consists of. There is also a

weekly outdoor market in Chania on a Saturday, selling everything from food and clothes to

shoes and accessories.

  Heraklion Market: The open air market in Heraklion also takes place from Monday to

Saturday. At the end of the market you will find the Venitian Bembo Fountain.

Shopping Centres:

  Talos Plaza: Located in Heraklion, this is the largest shopping centre in Crete and is perfect

for anyone wanting to find the solutions to all their retail needs all under one roof. As well as

an excellent range of shops, there are also restaurants and a cinema here.

Image: Crete Market by Clara S

FOOD & DRINK

Cretan cuisine has been heavily influenced by Turkish and Middle

Eastern flavours. Speciality foods on the island include cheese, olive

oil, honey, and by the coast, seafood and fish. When it comes to

drinking in Crete, you don’t have to go far to find the popular aniseed

liquor, Raki, as well as locally produced wine.

Popular Crete Hotspots:

  Chania: Chania’s location lends itself to the city being a prime spot for trying some of the

finest seafood that Crete has to offer. Chania is also the only place on the island where you

will be able to sample the soft cheese Piktogalo.

  Rethymno: This city loves to celebrate Cretan food and drink in all its glory, and in 2012 they

hosted their first Cretan diet festival which looks set to go ahead annually. 

  Hersonissos: A touristy area of Crete with similar menus serving meat, burgers, chips and

vegetables, rather than more authentic fare. Still, it’s a cheap and cheerful place to eat. 

Image: Greek Salad by Stacy Spensley 

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CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Useful Phrases

  Hello - Yia sou 

  Do you speak English? - Milas anglika? 

  Where is the toilet please? - Pou ine I twaleta, parakalo?   How much does that cost? - Poso kostizi afto? 

  Thank you - Efharisto 

Dos and Don’ts 

  DO order a bit of everything when eating in restaurants, as Cretan food is ideal for sharing. 

  DON’T show too much skin if you visit any Greek Orthodox churches.

  DO as the Cretans do and eat dishes with your hands where it is appropriate.

  DON’T make the OK hand gesture as it is considered obscene. 

  DO join in with Cretan dancing if you get a chance - it is mostly witnessed at celebrations. 

TippingIn many restaurants, there is often a service charge of between 10-15% already built into the bill. If 

this is the case, it’s customary to leave a few coins for the waiter if you have received good service.

Taxi drivers, porters and maids can also be given a few Euros.

Image: Euros by Images of Money

TRANSPORT

Many people will not need to use any public transport during

their time in Crete as most amenities in your resort can be

reached on foot. If you’re looking to explore more of the islandthough, buses are a cheap and easy way of getting around, while

taxis and hire cars are readily available.

Getting Around

  Bus: KTEL, Greece’s national bus service, also serves

Crete and is a cheap, safe and reasonably reliable mode

of transport.

  Taxi: You can flag taxis down or order them by phone. Often taxis will stop despite already

carrying a passenger; if you are going the same way and are happy to share they will take

you along for the ride too.

  Car: Anyone who wants the freedom of travelling around the island at their own pace canhire a car for as long as they want, from one of the many car hire companies in Crete.

Fare Information

  Bus: Most short journeys should cost no more than a few Euros.

  Taxi: Journeys within towns often cost no more than between €3-5. For longer journeys,

always ask the driver how much they expect the journey to cost before getting in.

  Car: It depends on what type of car you’d like to drive but the cheapest can be hired for

around €40 per day. 

Image: Taxi in Crete by Olivier Duquesne 


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