Travel Information

Crete is easily accessible via three main airports (Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia) with numerous direct international and domestic flights, particularly from April to November. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) run daily to Heraklion and Chania, providing a scenic, overnight, or high-speed alternative. Early booking is recommended for peak summer, and a valid passport is required for entry.

How to Move Around

Affordable KTEL public buses connect major beaches and towns. The Old Town and Venetian harbor are highly walkable. Local city buses (blue) serve nearby beaches like Agioi Apostoloi, while, for regional travel (green buses) and taxis are reliable alternatives.

  • Police - 100
  • Tourist Police - 171
  • Fire Department - 199
  • Fire Department of forest fires - 191
  • Hospital - +30 28210 22000 & +30 28213 42000

Additional Information

The Currency of Crete, Greece - The euro

Electricity

Crete uses a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency, with standard Type C and Type F (Europlug) sockets. While historically reliant on oil-fired plants, a new 335km, 1,000 MW subsea cable connection (Ariadne) completed in 2025 now supplies the island, significantly improving energy security, reducing emissions, and enabling increased renewable energy.

Time

Chania, Crete is hours ahead of the UK EET time.

Water

Tap water in Crete is generally considered safe to drink, as it is treated and monitored by health authorities. However, high mineral content, distinct taste, or older plumbing in some areas may cause, or lead some to recommend, bottled water, which is cheap and readily available. It is safe for brushing teeth and, in many areas, for drinking.

Key Water Information for Crete:

  • Safety: Tap water is safe for consumption across most of Crete.
  • Taste/Minerals: The water can be "hard" with high mineral content, which may cause stomach upsets for sensitive individuals, notes TripAdvisor users.
  • Regional Differences: While water in larger cities like Chania is often considered good, some visitors in other, smaller areas might prefer bottled water.