Travel to Crete

Travel to Crete

Crete is the largest of Greeces islands and also the fifth biggest island in the Mediterranean. It is also one of Greeces most popular holiday destinations and is home to more attractions and sites of interest than any other.

Farming was traditionally the islands main industry, with olives, olive oil and olive products being the main exports; however, with the decreased cost and increased availability of flights, tourism has now become the number one source of income. Spectacular mountainous scenery within which ancient ruins, enigmatic caves and stunning beaches can be found, are just a few of the reasons why so many people flock to Crete for their vacation. The scorching summers and mild winters are, of course, another good reason to holiday at this popular Greek destination.

Transportation to Crete

Cretes Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, located in Heraklion, is the islands chief air gateway, although a new airport has recently opened in Sitia, which serves a small number of flights from mainland Greece. The airport at Heraklion (also called Iraklion) is a small facility with limited passenger amenities, featuring bare basics such as financial services and shopping and dining options. From the airport, you can take a bus to the town of Heraklion and to other major destinations on the island. Taxis are also available from outside the terminal building, while car hire companies have desks inside the building. Reputable hotels invariably provide free shuttle vehicles.

A bus service, with a reputation for being cheap and reliable, runs to most of the islands major towns and villages, although schedules can be a little restrictivefor sightseers. Taxis are also available and drivers who speak English can be useful as guides. Should you hire a car, youll find the major roads are fairly well signposted, but navigating those off the beaten track may prove tricky without a good map.

What to see

The list of things to see here is endless, especially if you like historical sights. In this category youll find favourites such as Gortyna, Knossos Palace, Cave of Zeus, Phaistos and the monasteries of Arkadi, Toplou Moni Toplou and Preveli. If you have a hire car at your disposal, you should buy a decent map and dedicate at least three or four days out of a two-week holiday to checking out some of Cretes magnificent historical sites.

Daytrips

There are tour operators and hotels in all of the major resorts offering organised trips to various places, accessible by land or sea. Trips to Marathi or Bali are popular, as are the tours that are geared towards giving visitors views of the local dolphin colonies. Other trips take in many of the islands most popular natural and historical sites, relieving you of the worry of having tofind them yourself or rely on public transport.

Activities and leisure

Onthe islands beaches, there are opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, while those visitors who like to take part in scuba diving, windsurfing, paragliding, waterskiing and jet-skiing will find local companies providing all the equipment and know-how necessary to assist you. Away from the beach, the islands varied terrain lends itself well to various pursuits such as horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking.

Safety issues

Corfu presents a safe environment in which young singles, couples and family holidaymakers can enjoy their vacations. Exercising a little care and attention can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft, while avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to the sun can also reduce your chances of requiring medical attention. Local residents have a welcoming attitude towards visitors as they appreciate that their livelihoods depend on them; consequently, violence from Cretans towards tourists is very rare.

Taking out a comprehensive insurance policy prior to embarking on your trip can give you peace of mind that should anything unfortunate occur that involves expense on your part, you will be reimbursed.