The language
The main language spoken in Crete is Greek. However, Greeks are such intensive travellers, sailors and migrants that you will find at least one person in every village with a smattering of English. Here are a few words and phrases that you may find useful during your stay and appreciated by the locals too.
| Good morning | kalimEra |
| Good evening | kalispEra |
| yes/no | ne/Oshi |
| how are you | ti kAnis |
| please | parakalO |
| thank you | epharistO |
Local transport
Buses
KTEL operate an efficient and inexpensive bus service throughout Crete. The major bus stations are in Heraklion [East and West terminals], Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia and Lerapetra. You should purchase tickets for your journey in the ticket office. If you board the bus at an official stop outside the terminal, you should pay the conductor or driver.
Heraklion has two bus stations. The East bus station is located by the port, and buses run to Agios Nikolaos [and stops in between] and to Knossos and the west terminal. The West bus station is situated near the National Stadium and buses run to Rethymno and Chania [and stops in between]
Timetables vary throughout the season.
Mopeds and mountain bikes
You can hire bicycles & mountain bikes and motorbikes from a number of outlets around Crete. Please ALWAYS wear the helmet provided. We recommend that you do not hire mopeds, motorbikes or quad bikes.
Taxis
All official taxis use a meter system for the fare, but there will be additional charges for luggage and after hours journeys. It is the custom to tip taxi drivers in Crete, provided you are happy with the service received. In some rural areas your driver may stop and pick up another fare. This is customary and you will be charged separately. There are Taxi ranks in all towns and most tourist villages. If you find a good taxi driver ask him for his card so that you may contact him direct. All drivers have mobiles.
Ferries
Crete is a main ferry route and you can get car ferries from Souda, Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitea to Piraeus (Athens) in one direction and Rhodes (stopping at some of the Islands on route).There are also now High Speed Ferries cutting the travel time in half and at most ports you can get a Catamaran to Santorini stopping at Paros, Naxos, Ios and some of the other Islands depending on the day of travel. We suggest that if you decide to do some Island Hopping, you do so at the start of your holiday so as not to be grounded due to weather. The ferries will not run in a force 8 wind.
Etiquette and dress code
Beachside:It is incorrect to enter tavernas and shops, even by the sea, in swimwear.
Nude or topless sunbathing is now tolerated on a number of beaches throughout the island, although a few remain where it is expressly forbidden. These tend to be located close to churches, monasteries and dwelling houses. As a general rule, if you wish to sunbathe or swim nude, avoid roadside areas of beach, local houses and places where Greek families are likely to congregate.
Churches: When visiting a church or monastery you should remember that shorts are unacceptable for either sex and that women are expected to cover their arms and wear long skirts.
