Practical tips for getting the most out of your Crete trip
Many small tavernas, market stalls, and beach bars are cash-only. ATMs are plentiful in Rethymno town centre. Withdraw before heading to remote beaches or villages.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. 10% is generous at restaurants — locals often just round up or leave the coins. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro.
AB Vassilopoulos and Lidl in Rethymno have excellent local products — Cretan olive oil, thyme honey, and local cheeses make great gifts and are much cheaper than tourist shops.
Greeks genuinely appreciate any attempt at the language. Even a simple 'kalimera' (good morning) or 'efharisto' (thank you) will get you a warmer welcome than most tourists receive.
Hello: Yia sas (formal) / Yia sou (casual). Please: Parakalo. Thank you: Efharisto. How much?: Poso kani? Cheers: Yamas! One beer/coffee please: Mia bira/ena kafe parakalo.
Lunch is 14:00–16:00, dinner rarely starts before 21:00. Restaurants that open at 18:00 are catering to tourists. For the real experience, arrive when the locals do — after 21:30.
The Cretan sun is intense, even on cloudy days. SPF 50 and a hat are essential from May to October. The hottest hours are 12:00–16:00 — this is siesta time for a reason.
Common on rocky shores. Always wear water shoes when entering the sea near rocks. If you get a spine stuck, remove it with tweezers — olive oil softens the skin and helps. Serious cases, go to the pharmacy.
EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free or reduced-cost treatment at public hospitals. Non-EU visitors should have travel insurance with health cover.
Greeks drive on the right. The main E75 highway is excellent. Mountain roads are narrow and winding — take your time, pull over for locals who know the road. Petrol stations close early in villages — fill up before leaving town.
Shops often close 14:00–17:00 for siesta, especially outside town centres. Supermarkets stay open. Restaurants follow Greek time: serious dinner doesn't start until 21:00–22:00.
Topless sunbathing is accepted on most beaches. Nudism is only at designated beaches. Keep music to yourself — earphones, not speakers. Leave no trace — bin bags are provided.