Frequently Asked Questions About Crete

If you’re getting ready to visit Crete for the first time, there are probably many things you’re wondering about the island. Some of you sent me many of these questions via mail, so today, I’ve decided to write a different article; it has many of your questions about Crete and the most reasonable answers I can offer. And if you still have doubts… ask!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crete:

These are the questions about Crete you ask the most in your e-mails. All of these questions are authentic. You still haven’t emailed me if you didn’t find what you’re looking for!

How do I know if Crete is the right island for me?

That’s a very personal question I’d be able to answer if we were close friends… and sometimes not even then!

The truth is that Crete rarely disappoints because it is so diverse and offers so many different things to do and types of holidays that you most probably find something that appeals to you:

• Do you like exotic beaches?
• Do you enjoy good food and wine?
• Are you into outdoor adventures?
• Do you like the mountains?
• Do you enjoy dance, music, festivals, and traditions?
• Do you love ancient towns?

If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, then probably Crete is right for you!

How much time should I stay in Crete?

It all depends on how much time you can take to discover Crete and how much of the island you intend to visit. It is important to keep in mind that Crete is really big. So anything from 10 days to 2 weeks will allow you to see the best of the island.

Three weeks in Crete is ideal, and four weeks looks like heaven!

We often repeat that Crete is the biggest of the Greek islands or the fifth-biggest island in the Mediterranean, but what does that mean?

➡️ It means that it would take five to six hours to drive from west to east nonstop, while it would take you about 40 minutes to drive from one tip of Santorini to the other.

Well… let’s see if these details for comparison can help:

• Long Island (New York) is half the size of Crete.
• New York City is ten times smaller than Crete.
• Rome is also ten times smaller than Crete.
• The Dead Sea is twenty times smaller than Crete!

(Source: Mapfight)

Should I visit/stay in Chania or Rethymnon?

Time permitting, you should visit both! But your stay will depend on your travel plans. If you intend to visit the famous Elafonisi and Balos, then Chania is much closer and, therefore, better. Besides, many more beautiful beaches are in west Crete, even on the north coast.

Of course, Rethymnon has gorgeous beaches, but the best ones are mostly in the south.

It will also depend on your age. Rethymnon is a university town, so there are more clubs and entertainment for young adults in Rethymnon than in Chania.

Finally, Rethymnon is a smaller town with fewer inhabitants, which not only means that it will be (a bit) less chaotic but also easier to visit if you have less time. Here you can get further details about comparing both towns.

Should I book a hotel or an apartment for my stay in Crete?

Again, it is very personal. It also concerns your budget… but not only!

I always recommend staying away from international chain hotels simply because that is my travel philosophy regarding such an authentic and traditional destination. However, if you prefer international resorts, you will find them; some are stunning!

However, there are extremely beautiful hotels in Crete owned and managed by local companies, and many are family-run properties. You will feel the difference regarding personalized services, extra care, and attention.

Rental homes can also be great, especially for families with small kids who might have dietary needs that not all hotels can accommodate.

Is it better to stay in the old town or the city center?

If you plan to stay in any old town, pack accordingly. Not every hotel provides luggage services, and you might find yourself lugging heavy suitcases or losing your trolley wheels on the way to your accommodation. Old towns have cobblestones, narrow paths, steep areas, steps, and stairs. A backpack is the best solution.

Also, remember that old towns are pedestrian areas. Parking might be a huge issue if you rent a car, especially in August!

Keep prices in mind, too. Although beautiful, old towns are tourist areas, so food, souvenirs, and shopping prices are higher.

Should I book a tour to visit Knossos or explore it alone?

Booking a tour might get boring if you’re a history buff and know everything about Knossos already. Some Knossos tours do not focus on the site’s history but on myth. So you might hear “serious” official travel guides discussing King Minos and Queen Pasiphae as if there was proof that they existed! (I can’t help myself. This sh!t pisses me off – and for a ton of reasons which we can discuss if we ever meet!)

On the other hand, if you have no idea who the Minoans were or what you’ll see inside the archaeological site (Knossos or any other, for that matter), you will need a guide. Otherwise, everything will look like a bunch of old stones with no sense.

So my advice would be to book a tour but read a ton of reviews before doing so, and to be on the safe side, get yourself a good guidebook of Knossos before entering the palace!

Should I do Samaria Gorge the lazy way or the regular way?

There are many sound reasons to follow the regular hiking path (from Omalos to Agia Roumeli) when you decide to hike Samaria. The whole 5 to 7-hour path is worth every step of it.

However, I do recommend the lazy way (starting from the bottom near the village of Agia Roumeli and walking only until the Gates) in these cases:

• If you’re not super-fit (or not fit at all), don’t enjoy walking, don’t have the right shoes, or get tired easily.
• If you want to do Samaria with small kids, carrying a toddler on your shoulders for the last four hours of the walk is NOT fun! (Strollers are a no-no)
• If you have bad knees and hips, suffer from plantar fasciitis, or have any other health issue that reduces your mobility and makes walking difficult. When you start the hike from the highest point (Omalos), the first hour on the path will be a steep descent. I don’t suggest attempting it with bad joints. Knees will suffer the strain you put on them, and the rest of that hike will be painful. If your knees are so-so (like mine), use a walking stick and make frequent stops.

Do I need walking poles and hiking shoes for Samaria Gorge?

I’ll be brief. Yes, you need both.

Although some people claim that walking poles are unnecessary, get a pair of poles if you do not walk at least 13 km daily. You can buy them anywhere on the island for a small price. And no… don’t even attempt it with flip-flops. This post about hiking in Crete includes the best hikes and tips on hiking gear for Crete.

My friend and mountain guide on the island, Sophia, does not allow people with hiking sandals in her groups to visit Samaria. She highly suggests everybody wear hiking shoes (boots are even better, she says). In the last few years, she has also requested people to wear helmets when crossing the Gates.

I talk from experience, but she is a certified guide who knows better! So, lace up those boots!

Can I walk Samaria with the kids?

Yes, as long as they are used to walking or hiking and are at least 7 or 8 years old.
It depends on their age and interests. I don’t think there’s anything worse than a bored kid on a 13 km-long hike with no access to the Internet and nowhere else to go!

You can attempt hiking other gorges with the children. Crete has shorter, easier ravines that would still fascinate your kids. For instance, you can walk along Imbros or Agia Irini in the Chania region, while the Patsos Gorge is a popular walk for families in Rethymnon, and kids love it!

Teens are usually fine with Samaria and endure the walk well.

What souvenirs should I buy?

Buy local souvenirs, please!

As tempting as magnets for your fridge may look, remember that at least half are made in China!
Help the local economy by buying authentic souvenirs, including local leather products, olive oil, tsikoudia, embroidery, Cretan pottery, thyme honey, cheese, herbs, and spices.

And even better, buy directly from the producers or artisans. This guide will help you choose the right stuff.

Why do I need so many days to see the whole island?

You might need a lifetime…

Seriously, now. I appreciate your enthusiasm when you think you can see the best of Crete on a weekend, but that’s simply impossible.

Because the island is big and there are many things to do in Crete, you cannot devote less than five days to Crete to see some of it. Make it ten if you’re serious about it.

Crete has big cities, two gorgeous old towns, and hundreds of small villages, some of which are inaccessible by car, so you must also count the sailing time.

Crete is home to historically interesting churches and monasteries and is famous for impressive archaeological sites and museums.

If you are interested in the outdoors, the choice is endless. You will find mountains and valleys. Lakes and cities with lakes, cliffs, stunning gorges, plateaus, and waterfalls!

And if you enjoy driving, our roads might take your breath away!

Beaches are a whole different subject! Crete features sandy beaches, pebbled beaches, palm tree beaches, pink sand beaches, and many more. It also has amazing islands off the coast, north and south, including Gavdos, Chrissi, and Spinalonga.

You see? It’s impossible to see all of that in just a weekend.

Should I rent a car?

Yes, it is the most practical way to see Crete.

Alternatively, you can rely on buses to check most of the northern coast and part of the south. Remember that many southern areas and small villages are impossible to visit with public transport, so private transfers and taxis can be a good solution (but more expensive) than car rental.

Renting with a local company is the best solution, but always do so after you’ve compared many companies online before the trip. Car rental engines also compare local companies, so save yourself the hassle and check before arriving. Check rental car rates for Crete here.

🚫 Please avoid renting your car at the airport or upon arrival at all costs. You won’t only risk not finding a car in the middle of the season, but you will also pay much more than when you rent before the trip.

Should I rent a 4WD to go to Balos?

No, especially since driving to Balos has been forbidden since the summer of 2024. You will be better off getting there by cruise.

This decision was made because the number of cars getting to Balos daily ruined the local ecosystem. Even when most rental companies discouraged you from driving to Balos, ALL tourists (who normally rent a car) were driving there!

Can I go from Heraklion (or Agios Nikolaos) to Elafonisi by taxi?

This one makes me smile, not because it is impossible, but because it can be expensive. If you want to visit Elafonisi (or even Balos) and have not rented a car, check a transfer company or, even better, book an organized tour.

The trip alone is from 3 to 4 hours each way and can be stressful and tiring! This guide will get you started on the ways to get to Elafonisi.

Is it possible to go to Balos and Elafonisi on the same day?

If you’re driving, yes, you might. I’ve known at least two couples that have seen Balos, Falasarna, and Elafonisi in one day! Yes… the three of them!

Is it advisable? I don’t recommend it.

You would need to wake up early to avoid heavy traffic and crowds. Of course, you will end up dead tired. Both roads (Balos and Elafonisi) can be long, stressful, and exhausting. Besides, you won’t enjoy it much unless – of course – you enjoy driving.

Is it better to arrive at Chania or Heraklion airport?

It depends on what area of the island you prefer to visit. The Chania International Airport is best if you visit West Crete (Chania and Rethymnon).

The Heraklion International Airport is better if you want to visit East Crete and its capital, Agios Nikolaos, or spend time in Heraklion.

Remember that the Heraklion airport receives regular flights all year round while the frequency of flights getting to Chania airport is dramatically reduced in winter. So, if you search for flights to Heraklion, you will find better and cheaper plane tickets. Learn more about how to get to Crete.

Can I pay even small fees with a credit card in Crete?

Yes, you can. Cash is preferred, but you can pay even small fees with a credit card. Remember that some periptero (small kiosks selling cigarettes, bus tickets, snacks, and water) and other small shops may not accept credit cards. The same applies to museums in small villages and certain attractions.

However, credit cards are accepted in most places.

Why does everybody say it is much better to visit Crete in September?

Because it is! These are some of the advantages:

• The weather is hot but not scorching, making visiting open places such as archaeological sites, natural parks, mountains, and even the beach easier.
• The huge crowd of tourists is gone.
• After months of basking under the sun, the sea is at its warmest!

And this leads us to the next question…

When is the best time / month to go to Crete?

We all know that you come to Crete for the beaches. Well, most of the time, that’s the first reason, and that is why Crete is primarily known as a beach destination.

• If you belong to that group, then July and August are hot, really hot, and perfect for those who (like me) cannot stand having their beach days ruined by rain. It does not rain in Crete in July and August—rarely.
• If you like the beach but enjoy other activities, including exploring nature and visiting gorges, archaeological sites, and museums, then the best months are May and June (spring), September and October, less crowded and less hot.
• If you like colder weather (still mild), don’t mind the rain, and want to explore the local traditions and visit museums and other enclosed areas, then any time of the year is fine. Winter tourism is becoming a trend that we all hope grows. The island can be gorgeous in winter.
  Fewer flights, hotels, and some tourist structures will open, but you will certainly manage to visit.

What should I wear on Crete? / What kind of clothes should I pack for Crete?

We do not have a strict dress code on the island. The general vibe is quite casual. So, please keep it simple unless you’re attending a fancy wedding or staying at a hotel with a strict dress code for dinner, although there are fewer of those as time goes by.

Overall, this can be answered in a quite simple way:

• Comfortable, light, breathable, fairly casual clothes in summer.
• Layers (plenty of them) in winter. However, you will remove them as soon as the sun is high.

If you want to go into detail, your packing list for Crete must include these:

• flip-flops and swimming gear (add goggles to go snorkeling)
• tank tops
• hiking shoes if you want to explore gorges and mountain trails
• flat, comfy shoes for cobblestone alleys
• a foldable backpack
• and the usual trio: sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

🚫 Keep it sensible! Don’t wear shorts in a church or a monastery! Cover your shoulders and wear clothes that cover at least your knees.

For more details and for winter clothes, check the packing list.

Is Crete a good destination to go clubbing and partying?

There are special resorts on the island that are famous for clubbing, such as Malia and Hersonissos in Heraklion.

You will find some clubs in Platanias and Agia Marina in the Chania region, and a few more downtown Chania.

There are a few more in Rethymnon because (it’s a university city, but don’t expect a wild nightlife scene. The best places for clubbing in Greece are not in Crete. You’ll be much better off heading to Mykonos or Ios Island.

Which are the absolute best beaches in Crete?

I could answer by saying that the best ones are Balos and Elafonisi. And you would be happy because you’ve read that everywhere else.

However, the truth is that the island boasts a coastline that’s over 1,046 kilometers long (650 miles), so you are bound to find some truly unique beaches, the most amazing you’ll ever see!

I’ve listed over 45 great Cretan beaches here, but there are many more…

Should I visit Loutro or Elafonisi?

You should visit both of them! They are completely different destinations that appeal to different tastes.

• If you prefer wide sandy beaches with an exotic feel, a place where you can spend your time sunbathing, swimming in crystal waters, or enjoying water sports, then Elafonisi might be your beach of choice.
• Loutro, on the other hand, is a small and picturesque fishing village that can be reached only by boat or hiking. Loutro has a beautiful sea with legendary emerald waters. The village reminds me of some Cycladic islands, with whitewashed houses and blue windows. Life goes by at a relaxed pace, and the crowds are usually not a huge problem.

Should I tip in Crete? How much?

You will get good service even if you don’t, but locals appreciate tips. Remember that salaries in Greece can be low and that most people work seasonally, so they will often not work (or do underpaid jobs) in winter. The money they make in summer should last all year.

Although some restaurants already charge a service charge, a tip—even just coins—will go a long way. A small tip is always very appreciated! Trying to budget your trip? Read this.

How is the winter in Crete? / Is there winter in Crete?

Of course! And it’s mildly cold and short. Winter in Crete tends to start being felt in late November, and it stops, often all of a sudden, sometime during April.

Some winters are very cold, some have rain, and some even snow. Winters are shorter and sunnier in the East and Southeast parts of the island.

Winters are rainier and more humid in the Chania region.

How much time do I need to visit Gavdos? / Can I visit Gavdos island in a day?

No, it is not possible. You’ll need at least 3-5 days.

Consider this:

• There is only one daily ferry to Gavdos on the days it runs. That means there are no ferry connections every day of the week Besides, when the boat docks at the port of Karabe in Gavdos, it often gets back to Crete within the hour.
• You need at least three days to see a good part of Gavdos. Many places on Gavdos Island can be accessed only on foot, even if you get your car on the ferry (check with your rental company if they allow this or if you must pay an extra fee).

In short, you’ll need to spend the night in Gavdos. That means that you will need more time than you imagine.

🌬️ Always be flexible. Strong winds often affect this part of the Lybian Sea, stopping the ferry routes.

🚫 Don’t book a trip back to Crete from Gavdos on the day your flight home departs. If ferries are stopped, you cannot leave Gavdos.

Can I visit Santorini on a day trip from Crete?

You can. There are many daily tours from Rethymnon and Heraklion to Santorini. The trip takes about 2-3 hours (each way), allowing you to see the highlights of Santorini and make it back to Crete within the day.
Several companies sell one-day trips to Santorini from Crete. And some packages are real value for money.

However, suppose an organized tour is too expensive for you. In that case, booking a ferry ticket from Heraklion (in Summer, also from Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos) and enjoying your self-made romantic Santorini escape is possible.

Can I drink tap water in Crete? Do I need to buy bottled water?

We drink tap water all the time. But this also depends on you and your taste.

Water is drinkable (and tastes well) almost everywhere in Crete. and bottles can be refilled (to waste less plastic). So, unless you find a sign that says otherwise, please respect the sign.

In places like Samaria Gorge, for instance, you can refill your bottle from natural springs in the mountains—and it’s refreshing and delicious!

Is it smart to arrive at Chania airport and leave from Heraklion airport?

It is a great idea for those touring the island.

We used to do this when we were still not living in Crete. However, this can be inconvenient if your rental company does not allow a different drop-off point. Always ask before you book the car because sometimes extra fares apply. This is for the expenses of sending a driver to pick up the car at an airport hours away from the car rental office. And guess who will pay for that? Yes, you.

On the other hand, sometimes it’s cheaper to arrive and depart from the same airport, but if you plan to explore the island, carefully consider what options work better for your budget and travel times. Even if you save on the ticket fare, you will spend a lot on taxis or transfers.

How long does driving from one end of Crete to the other take?

It can take from 4 to 6 hours, depending on factors such as traffic, weather, and your own driving pace.

However, if you really want to be precise, you need to estimate the distance between the easternmost (Kouremenos) and westernmost (Elafonisi) points in Crete. In that case, and if you drive non-stop, according to Google Maps, you would need 5 hours and 22 minutes to drive the 353 km.

Does Crete face the Ocean? Is Crete on the Aegean Sea?

As romantic as it may sound if it was, the answer is no. To both questions. Other bloggers might call it Aegean (simply out of ignorance or because Crete is in Greece), but the truth is that Crete’s northern coast broaches the Sea of Crete (Κρητικό Πέλαγος); to the south, the Libyan Sea (Λιβυκό Πέλαγος); in the west, the Myrtoan Sea, and toward the east the Carpathian Sea.

Why do they serve olives with a pit in a Greek salad?

I’ve received this question twice, and it has always surprised me! I honestly don’t know the answer, but you will find they have a pit. Please be careful and go slow on that salad.
Because you want to avoid visiting the dentist in Crete!

Do you have more questions? I have answered some more questions in this guide to planning a trip to the island, and many more have been answered in this list of stunning facts about Crete!

You will find a few more interesting things in these 20 secret travel tips about Crete and these 20 common mistakes you should avoid. Do you have any other questions about Crete?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Crete

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