The 20 Most Common Mistakes in Crete and How to Avoid Them

Enough with all the shoulds and musts for Crete. It is time to focus on a few common mistakes you want to avoid for your trip to the island. They are as important as the things you should do. After all, any error has the potential to ruin your entire holiday. So, better be careful, check these mistakes to avoid in Crete, and make the most of your time in this paradise!

Traveling to Crete any time soon and wondering how to spend a smooth holiday? Then this post is right for you! Here, you can check those rookie mistakes you want to avoid when visiting Crete. Have a wonderful time on the island, and do not regret anything!
Here you go… Avoid these mistakes in Crete!

1. Don’t Think of Crete as Just a Beach Holiday

Yes, Crete is an island, but an island does not only mean gorgeous beaches. You do not have to drive or often walk far from the coastline to meet its enormous mountains. 

Hidden within those cliffs lie some of the most magnificent places on this island. Think of forgotten villages, evergreen valleys, or spectacular gorges. Those locations are worth exploring, and you will also often have the whole place just for yourself. 

If that sounds too remote or hard to reach, remember Crete is home to some of the most ancient civilizations on Earth. Make sure to visit some of its museums or monuments to explore an incredible mix of culture and history. 

2. Don’t Try to See the Whole Island at Once 

This is a no-no. Yet, many tourists aspire to see the whole island on their first visit. It is when they come here that they realize the sheer size of this spectacular island. Crete is not like other smaller Greek islands in the Aegean. 

You can explore the entire island of Santorini in less than four days, but you can only touch the surface of Crete in under a week. Trying to explore all of Crete in one go is not only impossible, but it will also leave you disappointed. You will miss so much of what Crete has to offer. 

After all, the best experience on the island is settling in one place and allowing yourself to be part of the community. Crete has four major regions: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Choose one of them and make the most of it. 

3. Don’t Be Scared to Explore 

Sticking to one region does not mean you should only see the popular attractions. Why go to Crete and only view places packed with tourists? If you do so, you will miss more than you can imagine. Crete is an island you have to explore if you want to see its authentic beauty.

If you are wondering, spending your vacation on renowned beaches can make a great holiday. But it is only that good. Why settle on mediocrity when perfection is within arm’s reach? Literally. 

You do not have to go far from a popular attraction to discover a relatively unknown village, remote beach, hidden coves, or peaceful retreat. 

4. Don’t Be Put Off from Hiring a Car

You may hear stories of tourists renting a car and paying a fortune for car damage. Although less common in Crete, any road accident can turn your long-anticipated holidays into an all-year struggle. 

But it does not have to be. Everything will be fine if you are cautious and follow the driving rules. 

If you want that extra peace of mind, why not pay some extra bucks to get good car insurance? This will save you from a lot of trouble in case of an accident, however major. If you think renting a car is not worth the money or hassle, think again. There is no better way to see the island’s raw beauty than by hitting the road!

5. Don’t Drive in the Middle of the Lane if You are Not a Fast Driver

Once you realize how great you did rent a car, you will face the harsh reality of Cretan streets. This is not about the quality of the roads, which, for the most part, require frequent maintenance. 

What you will find most challenging — and interesting at the same time — is nothing else than the way the locals often drive. 

Don’t be surprised if Cretans ignore road markings and speed limits. For instance, locals will usually overtake in the presence of a double solid white line. Don’t let that put you off. When you see any car approaching you with speed from behind, head to the right of the road or get to the emergency lane if there is one. Then, let the other car overtake you and keep exploring the island in peace. 

6. Don’t Expecting Other Drivers to Use Common Sense

Apart from speeding and unexpected overtakes, locals often put aside their common sense when driving. They are known for “forgetting” to show they are turning or suddenly stopping without warning. Again, as long as you are focused, you will be fine.

Whereas other drivers may not use common sense, it does not mean you shouldn’t. Use your seat belt, respect the speed limits, and follow the road markings. Do not forget that these signs are there to keep you safe, not to make you slower. 

7. Don’t Forget about the Goats!

If you think local drivers will be your only concern while driving, you guessed wrong. Crete is home to thousands of wild goats that often see the road network as a fast way to move around. 

As a result, you may often bump into a few goats while driving around Crete, especially in the mountainous and more remote parts of the island. 

Worry not, however! If you are cautious and aware of your surroundings, you will spot them from a distance and lower your speed in time. 

Do not forget that those goats were there first before we built those roads trespassing their area. 

Although goats are not near villages or towns, you still need to watch for stray cats and other wandering animals; there are many in Crete.

8. Don’t Expect to Find a Parking Spot Easily

Once you have survived the rush of local drivers and zigzagged your way through any 4-leg animal, chances are you will come by a popular attraction. 

And then you have to park. This can often be harder than driving. And it’s more frustrating. But there is no need to worry. After all, you are not in a hurry. You are in Crete to have a joyful time, relax, and view new places. 

9. Don’t Be Too Nervous When You Drive (You’ll miss a lot!)

Fair enough, driving a car in Crete often hides a few challenges here and there. But, at its core, renting a car and using it to move around the island is the most rewarding thing you can do. 

You do not need to be nervous, or you will spoil the fun. You only have to be cautious and sensible. If at any moment you get too nervous, ask your friend or spouse to drive the car.

It will be safer for all of you. And whether you are in the driving seat or not, be aware of the surroundings too. 

10. Don’t Expect to Have Dinner Early

If you want to experience how the locals live, forget the 7 p.m. dinner. In Greece, 7 p.m. is time for your afternoon coffee, ideally an iced frappe. 

If you are wondering what is wrong with this country, remember: it’s a long list. Yet, you never know how cool or convenient something is until you try it. Cretans eat dinner around 10 p.m. or later, especially in summer. And there is a good reason for that. 

If you eat your main meal of the day after work, you cannot do much during your day other than work and eat. So, moving dinner later opens up space for more activities. You can use that approach to visit more places during your holidays.

11. Don’t Refuse a Complimentary Shot of Raki

Cretans are proud people who value hospitality and sharing. When you visit their island, especially their homes, they want to make you feel at ease. A way to thank you is to offer a shot of raki, a local alcoholic beverage made from grapes.  

It is often seen as rude to refuse such an offer. In a way, it is equivalent to saying their hospitality is not good enough. This can hurt their feelings. So, unless there is any health issue, take that sip, enjoy their company, and thank them with your kind words! 

12. Don’t Hope for a Hearty Breakfast

Breakfast in Greece is not a hearty affair. The same applies to Crete. Some cereals, yogurt, or a few slices of bread with jam are usual meals that Greeks have in the morning, and sometimes even worse! 

Eating late dinner also helps go away with a light breakfast. As a result, it can be hard to find a restaurant or tavern that offers a great variety of breakfast dishes. 

Many stores are even open after 11 am. Do not let that put you off. Just act like a Greek. If you are hungry, visit the local bakery and get all the supplies. And don’t forget to get an iced espresso or frappe to make it feel really Cretan.

13. Don’t Eat Only Greek Salad and Moussaka

You will spend many evenings dining in a traditional tavern in Crete. Although at the beginning, you may want to try the infamous moussaka and the standard xoriatiki salad (AKA Greek Salad), there is much more to discover than these two traditional Greek dishes.

Besides other popular Greek dishes, such as pastitsio, taste the specialties of Cretan cuisine and try at least some of the many vegetarian-friendly dishes made on the island.

Try the local Dakos, the Gamopilafo rice dish, or the delicious smoked pork (apaki), usually found in the villages. No matter where you go, ask the waiter to recommend a traditional dish and order it. You will not regret it.

14. Don’t Go Overboard when Tipping 

Tipping is not customary in Greece, especially for a small meal or coffee. Although you are expected to tip if you dine at a fine restaurant or tavern, know that the waiters have a salary and the tips are extras. As a result, you do not need to go overboard with it. 

At the same time, if you feel that the service was exemplary, feel free to tip as much as you want. 

They appreciate the gesture even though they do not expect or demand anything. Once you offer the tip, their smile will be the best reward you can get.

15. Don’t Ignore Supermarkets

Dining at a traditional tavern is the best way to experience an authentic Cretan meal. However, if you find Cretan food appealing, you can go to a grocery store and equip your hotel room with delicious specialties. 

And then prepare yourself a gorgeous breakfast or lunch for the next day! You can self-cater with authentic food: your wallet will feel the difference!

Even better, you can bring some of those items back to your home country. There is no better way to remind yourself of your holidays in Crete than to taste its cuisine.

16. Don’t Forget Sunscreen Protection

Unfortunately, tourists often have another more unpleasant reminder of their Crete holidays. And that is their skin color. Although we all want this darker skin, the in-between phase is often not too appealing or comfortable. 

Everyone has been sunburned at some point, but not everyone takes action to avoid it. In short, when you come to the island, you will appreciate the benefits of sunscreen lotion more than ever. Just listen to the stories of sunburned tourists who have temporary skin problems after their Greek holidays. It is easy to avoid such issues; use sunscreen protection. 

17. Don’t Book the First Hotel You See 

Although some hotels are nothing short of amazing, reviews on any booking platform do not guarantee that you will love your selected stay in Crete. The island is too beautiful to go for a standard, unappealing accommodation option. And it is certainly a pity not to experience authentic Cretan hospitality. 

Fortunately, it is not hard to feel how welcoming and open Cretans can be. You only have to be around them to see their quality. It will help if you avoid the main tourist spots. Although many hotels are known for their hospitality, you can also stay at a real house and taste local life at its best.

18. Don’t Do Only What the Guidebook Suggests

Although useful, guidebooks are not supposed to determine every single bit of your itinerary. Regardless of how elaborate they are, no single guide can capture the full beauty of Crete in any definite amount of pages. 

Guides are there to help you get the main picture and show you the places to visit first. Always allow your guts and appetite to divert or dictate your next move, no matter how silly your idea may initially sound. You never know how the next adventure may start. In the end, you will remember those unexpected moments more than any planned activity.

19. Don’t Flush Toilet Paper

This may come as a shock to many, but you are not supposed to flush toilet paper down the toilet in Crete. This is true in all Greek islands and most cities in the country.

Greek sewage pipes are too thin to handle any amount of toilet paper. There will always be garbage bins next to your toilet, wherever you are in Crete. You can kindly use those, and the locals will appreciate your gesture.

Don’t forget that if the paper gets stuck to the thin pipes, you may witness a rather unpleasant situation in your toilet. You do not want that.

20. Don’t Pack Too Much 

Do not let the sheer size of Crete tempt you into packing an oversized suitcase. The peace of mind you will get from bringing lots of clothes is nothing compared to the discomfort of carrying a piece of hefty baggage around the island. 

Pack light and your holidays in Crete can open up a world of adventure! If you dare. Try to only bring one backpack with you. It is not as difficult as it may initially sound. With the right backpack, you can carry more clothes than you will ever need. After all, do not forget that you can wear only one set of clothes at a time. 

One thing you do not want to forget to pack is your mood. Keep positive, avoid the above mistakes, and enjoy your holidays. You are in paradise, after all!

Have you made any of these mistakes?

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Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Crete

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