For travelers whose primary aim is to connect with the genuine spirit of Crete, away from the noisy clubs and throngs of tourists, it's essential to tread the less beaten path. ...
Crete is a safe place to travel and you shouldn't lose sleep over the risk of crime. As anywhere, though, common sense should always prevail: lock your doors, don't leave valuables in the rental car and never leave your phone or other treasures unattended on the beach or at the cafe.
Crete in 4-5 daysWith a few more days in Crete, you can get out of the cities and off the beaten path to see more of the island's natural areas. Crete is known for its olive groves, and many of them welcome visitors.
Elounda Gulf Villas has just earned it's place in my top 5 favourites and here's why. Elounda is a beautiful simple fishing village in the North of Crete. Over the years it's attracted the worlds rich and famous with the likes of Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio and the Saudi Royal Family choosing to holiday here.
Arguably the prettiest village in the whole of Crete is Margarites. Located 27 kilometres east of Rethymnon, underneath of Mount Psiloritis, the village is best known as being the pottery center of Crete. Traditional Creten village of Margarites, famous for its handmade ceramics.
The island is known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, and the crime rate is low. However, as with any destination, it is important to take the usual safety precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and not leaving your belongings unattended.
It depends on what type of experience you're looking for. The east side of Crete offers more rugged and less crowded beaches, while the west is known for its cosmopolitan cities and picturesque villages. If you want to relax and enjoy peace and quiet, then the East is your best bet.
Greek sewage pipes are much narrower than US or British pipes, and therefore can't handle paper or any other items as it will easily clog them. This is because the infrastructure and sewerage system are much older.
The best time to visit Crete is from mid-May to June or from September to October. May brings with it warmer waters and beautiful wildflowers that can be spotted throughout the island's natural attractions.
You can spend as much or as little as you want in Crete. At the budget end of the spectrum, you're aided by the island's size and popularity, which means options are many. With some planning and shopping around, you can get good deals on transport and accommodation.
There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.
The climate in Crete is a Mediterranean one.For example, between May and September, you can wear short and light clothing to cope with the local temperatures. For the beach, you'll need a swimsuit and some flip-flops that you can replace with some walking shoes for your hikes.