FAQs

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Below, we’ve compiled some helpful information for your impending trip to Crete Island! If you have any questions, concerns, or would like some recommendations, please feel free to reach out to us... we’re happy to help.

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TRAVELING TO CRETE

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Crete has two main airports: one in Chaniá and one in Herákleio. For guests traveling from the US, please note that there are no direct flights to the island, but both airports are easily accessible with one or two stops via major European cities like Athens, London, Paris, or Frankfurt. You can fly from Philly (PHL), Newark (EWR), or New York (JFK) to one of these hubs, then take a connecting flight to Chaniá or Herákleio. Athens is often the most convenient stop, offering frequent domestic flights to both Cretan cities. Alternatively, once in Greece, you can take a ferry from the port of Piraeús in Athens to the port of either Chaniá or Herákleio. Some solid websites for booking flights would be through www.SkyScanner.com or www.CheapOAir.com; for those interested in ferries, www.Ferryscanner.com is a trusted and reputable site for all ship services throughout Greece.

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CAR RENTALS

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Since Crete is Greece’s largest island, we highly recommend renting a car for your stay. An international driving permit isn’t required and US state-issued driver's licenses are accepted throughout the country. You can conveniently pick up and drop off your rental at the airport, but it’s best to book ahead to secure the best rate. Keep in mind that most cars in Greece are stick-shift, so if you’re not familiar with driving manual, make sure to request an automatic. Taxis are also available, though they can be a bit unpredictable in terms of timing—they are on island time, after all!

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PAY/WITHDRAWAL CASH (EUROS)

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Most debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Greece. The best way to obtain cash is to exchange dollars for euros at your bank before your trip. Just be aware that your bank may not have euros available, so it's a good idea to place your request a few weeks in advance. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs in Greece using your card, though there may be a fee. Pro tip: steer clear of exchange counters at airports, as they often charge higher rates!

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TEXT/CALL GREEK NUMBERS

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To call or text a Greek number from a US cellphone, dial +30 (hold down the 0 for the + sign) before the 10-digit Greek number. If you're using a US landline, dial 01130, and then input the number.

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OUTLETS & PLUGS

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The standard voltage in Greece is 230V, so you'll need a compatible adapter or power brick for your devices (you can find these on Amazon). Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs; Type C plugs fit into Type F sockets, but not the other way around. To ensure you can charge your devices without any issues, it's a good idea to check your electronics for voltage compatibility and bring along the appropriate adapters.

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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The emergency number 112 is the same across all regions of Greece, including Crete. This number can be dialed for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Additionally, you can also contact local emergency services directly using the following numbers: Police: 100 Fire Department: 199 Ambulance: 166 However, for convenience, dialing 112 will connect you to the appropriate emergency services no matter where you are in Greece. In this case, you do not need to dial 01130 in front of 112 when calling from a US phone!

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ETIQUETTE

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If visiting Greece for the first time, here are some helpful tips to help you understand local etiquette. Tipping is appreciated, and rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (about 5-10%) is customary. It's polite to use "Yía sou" (hello), “Ti kánis?” (how are you?), or “Kalispéra” (good evening) when greeting locals, even if that's the extent of your Greek language knowledge! The Cretan people are among the warmest in the country, embodying the ancient ideal of philoxénia: a term which translates to "friend to a stranger." This spirit of hospitality is reflected in their daily lives, so don't be shy!