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Local Travel Info
Internal Flights and Major International Airports in Crete
At the time of writing there are two major airports in Crete with a third, Sitia, on the eastern side of the island in the process of being built. Heraklion airport, 5km east of the city of Heraklion is the largest of the airports in Crete and takes most chartered flights. Chania airport in the west is located on the Akrotiri peninsula about 14km from Chania. If you are staying on the West side of the island, but fly into Heraklion, the transfer could be anything from 2-3 hours.
Getting to and from the Airport in Crete
From Heraklion airport, the number 78 takes 20 minutes to get to Heraklion and costs 76p (€0.75). The bus service from Chania leaves from right outside the terminal building and costs £1 (€1). Taxi's however are readily available and it is rare that you have to wait long for boarding one. A price list is available at the airport so be certain to check this as the drivers have a tendency to charge over the allotted price.
Renting Cars in Crete
Renting a car in Crete is the quickest and most convenient method of exploring the island and there are several well known car hire outlets offering reasonable rates. The reputable car hire firms such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar, all operate in Crete though independent car rentals will offer better rates. If you are considering hiring a car in Crete you can expect to pay around 18-30 Euros a day or 80-100 Euros for the week and must have held a valid drivers licence for at least a year. The minimum age to rent a car in Crete is 21 and under 25's are usually asked to pay a surcharge. If you are travelling during the high season it is recommended you book early as car rental in Crete is limited.
To book car rental in Crete online, view our Car Hire section for Crete. We offer Ok Bravo users the latest special offers and best rates available for car hire in Crete.
Drivers License Requirements in Crete
Most drivers in Crete have a disregard for road laws and it has a high accident rate, although most are minor accidents. If you take care it is perfectly safe to drive around the island. The roads around the major cities are well maintained, but other roads can be full of pot holes so care should be taken with your speed. The speed limits in Crete are 56mph (90km) on motorways and 30mph (50km) in built up areas. There are few road signs informing you of the speed limits so apply logic. Regular speed checks are made by the police. They drive on the right hand side of the road in Crete and a seat belt must be warn at all times. To drive in Crete you must be a least 21 years of age and have held a valid driving licence for more than a year. For non-EU members an International driving certificate is required. If your drivers licence does not have a photograph you should also carry your passport. Drinking and driving is an offence though you can get away with 0.5mg of alcohol in your system. If you are involved in an accident you must wait for the police to arrive. There are no emergency phones, but dialling 112 on your mobile will alert the police. If your vehicle breaks down the emergency numbers 104 or 154 will get you some help.
Crete by Bus
The buses in Crete run every hour or half an hour depending on the destination. The bus service in Crete departs from the bus station and makes a stop in each of the towns it is visiting. In Heraklion busses along the north coast leave from bus station A and from bus station B for the south. The buses are privately owned, usually by the driver and his family so pride and quality service is guaranteed. The drivers inevitably blast the speakers with Cretan music to put everybody in a good mood and an enjoyable trip.
Crete by Taxi
Taxi's are everywhere in Crete and readily available at reasonable process. The savvy drivers however are prone to overcharging, so it is recommended you pick up a reliable up-to-date guidebook which has a list of prices you should expect to pay, and be sure to agree the price with the driver before you get in. For journeys within the same town you shouldn't expect to pay more than €2 to €3 euro, though if you are travelling with a lot of luggage expect to pay a little more. Tipping is also customary. It's just as easy to flag a taxi down from the kerbside as it is to pre-book a service and usually turns out cheaper as most pre-book cabs in Crete charge a booking fee.
Cycling in Crete
Cycling in Crete is a perfect way of exploring the island and taking in some spectacular views. There are numerous routes to try, from dirt tracks, old trails and isolated asphalt roads. As Crete is vastly a mountainous region, biking can be challenging though there are plenty of trails that are suitable for people of all capabilities. Tailor made packages specialising in mountain biking incorporate accommodation and guided tours with specially mapped out cycle routes. Whether you prefer to keep on the asphalt, take in the glorious countryside or venture off the beaten track and explore the challenging terrain, Crete has plenty to offer. If you go on a cycling holiday in Crete the cost of hiring a bike is incorporated in the value of your trip, but bicycles can be hired on a day-to-day basis for around £9 (€10) or £45 (€50) for the week. Helmets, bicycle locks, maps and recommended routes are provided. It is recommended that cyclists do not travel due west whilst the sun is setting as the glare is blinding and potentially dangerous.
