Travel
Travel Note
Preparing for Travel: Your To-Do List
Check Your Passport Expiration: Double-check your expiration date! For travel to Greece, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. If yours expires before November 2026, we recommend renewing it now. Driving Logistics: If you plan to rent a car, your valid US/Canadian/UK license is legally sufficient. However, we still recommend getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA (it costs about $20). It serves as an official translation and can prevent any "lost in translation" moments with local agencies or traffic police. Cash & ATMs: While cards are widely used in Rethymno, cash is still king for taxis, small tavernas, and mountain villages. We recommend getting Euros from a local bank ATM (Alpha Bank or Eurobank) rather than airport exchange booths for the best rates. A Note on Water Potability: The tap water in Crete is generally safe for showering and brushing your teeth. However, in many areas (including Rethymno), it has a very high mineral content that affects the taste and can be tough on the stomach if you aren't used to it. Most locals and visitors prefer to drink bottled or filtered water. You’ll find bottled water is very inexpensive and readily available at every "Periptero" (kiosk) and grocery store. Notify Your Bank: Set a travel notice on your credit and debit cards so they don't get flagged for "unusual activity" while you're enjoying your first Greek meal!
Flight
HER/CHQ
The wedding venue is nearly equidistant from two international airports located on Crete: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ). Heraklion, being a larger city, has better connections and infrastructure. Pick whichever is more convenient for you to fly to.
Travel Note
Car rental
Crete is very drivable and there are car rental options near both airports in Heraklion and Chania! Please note that car rental companies may require you to present an International Drivers Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car in Greece, and the IDP may be necessary in the event of a motor vehicle accident. To avoid any last-minute disruption to your travel plans, it is advisable to have the IDP along with your valid US driver’s license. Obtaining a Permit: You must obtain the IDP in your home country before you depart for Greece. US Residents: Can apply via AAA (American Automobile Association). Canadian Residents: Can apply via CAA (Canadian Automobile Association). Australian Residents: Can apply via the Australian Automobile Association.
Travel Note
Public transit
Public transit exists, primarily along the northern coast of the island. It is marginal by most standards. However, it is an option for getting between Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and even Adele, the town nearest to the wedding venue. Public Transit (KTEL): The intercity buses are reliable, air-conditioned, and affordable. The main bus station is located on the coast, just west of the Fortezza. Popular Routes: There are frequent buses connecting Rethymno to Chania and Heraklion (usually every hour). You can also take local buses to nearby beaches and villages. Tickets: You can buy tickets at the station kiosks or online at e-ktel.com. For local "Blue Buses" within the city, you can often buy tickets at kiosks (Periptero) or directly from the driver for a small surcharge.
Travel Note
Getting to/from the Venue
Taxis are common and relatively cheap on Crete (prices are government-regulated). We do recommend pre-booking a return taxi due to the venue's remote location. Booking in Advance: You can book a taxi ahead of time by calling or messaging a "Radio Taxi" service. The most common number in Rethymno is +30 28310 25000. Many drivers also use WhatsApp—it's worth asking for a driver's number if you have a great first ride! Apps: While Uber and Lyft do not operate in Crete, the app FreeNow works in larger cities like Heraklion, though coverage in Rethymno can be spotty. How to Pay: By law, all Greek taxis must now have card terminals (POS). However, it is highly recommended to carry cash (Euros). Local drivers often prefer cash, and sometimes "the machine is broken." Tipping: Tipping is not strictly mandatory but is very common. For a short taxi ride, simply round up to the nearest Euro (e.g., if the fare is €9.20, give €10). For longer trips (like Chania to Rethymno), a tip of €5–€10 is a kind gesture for good service.
Travel Note
Accommodation Recommendations
Our wedding venue is located a 15 minute drive from the town of Rethymno so we recommend staying in or around that area. We've provided a list of hotels recommended by our wedding planners below with multiple options depending on your preferences. However, we encourage you to also consider checking out the many beautiful villas available through Booking.com, VRBO, or Airbnb.
Hotel
Grecotel Plaza Beach House
Hotel
Aquila Rithymna Beach
Hotel
Grecotel Casa Adele
Hotel
Iberostar Waves Creta Panorama & Mare
Hotel
Avli Lounge Apartments
Travel Note
Extending your trip
It'd be easy to spend weeks exploring Crete (it's Greece's largest island), with it's mix of mountains, beaches, historical ruins, hiking, and wonderful farm-to-table food & wine. There's a list of a few examples within a 1-2hr drive of Rethymno to get you started a bit further down :) It's also a great jumping-off point for exploring Greece - you can take a ferry from Crete to other Greek islands (e.g. 2 hours to Santorini), or take a ferry or a short flight to Athens. There are also short, direct flights to many European cities, if you want to explore some other countries during your trip.
