The visitors of Crete can arrive in the island by aeroplane in one of the two airports, in Chania and Heraklion (135 km far one from each other). During summer many direct flights from most European countries to both airports are provided.
You can also fly to Athens and then take a ferry boat or a flight with Aegean Airlines to Crete, or you can arrive in Thessaloniki and then get a second "cheaper" flight with Ryanair or Aegean Airlines to Chania.
Ryanair, Novair, Finnair, Primera Air, Norwegian Airlines, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Monarch, Jet time, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Danish Air transport, Tuifly Nordic, Airberlin, Aegain Airlines and many more airlines fly to Chania or Heraklion by the middle of April until the end of October.
Chania airport is linked to Paphos in Cyprus and Thesaloniki in north Greece during all the year with Ryanair. The airport of Heraklion is also linked to Rhodes (all year long) and to Santorini, Mykonos and Paros during summer.
Driving
The visitors of Crete should be very careful while driving since the roads are rather narrow and curving. Please be advised that the Greek drivers do not usually follow the driving rules.
Sun protection
You should be aware that a high-factor sunscreen or sunblock should be used because the sun is very hot and it would be dangerous to sunbathe (without protection) for endless hours during the summer.
Save Money
An easy way for the visitors to save money is to go for shopping in large supermarkets (INKA, CARREFOUR MARINOPOULOS, CHALKIADAKIS, LIDDLE) since they are usually much cheaper than the mini markets. Please note that there are many shops in the centres of the cities or the villages to buy clothes and souvenis, however they may be expensive and it may take some time to search for reasonable prices. Regarding the food, in Crete the visitors can find excellent traditional cuisine and many international restaurants. If you want to eat cheap you can order just a Greek salad with two beers or a Greek souvlaki. The prices are always exhibited outside the restaurants so you can check them before having lunch or dinner.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend to have your own private travel (health) insurance since health system in Greece is quite complicated. There are a few public hospitals but it takes much longer to serve people and the doctors usually do not have time to work on minor injuries. There are a few private doctors in any area of Crete.
Your travel insurance should also cover the loss or theft of belongings and the expenses incurred due to delayed or cancelled flights.
Cretan hospitality
Cretans are usually very friendly and hospitable with the tourists even if they are not asked to. In most cases locals can communicate very well in the English language.
Safe destination
Crete has a very low crime rate and it is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. Please take sensible precautions including locking rental cars, hotel rooms and villas, please keep your passports, tickets and cash in safe boxes, and please watch your belongings in public places.
Tourist Police and public Police (please call 100) are specialised in the protection of the million of tourists that visit the island every year.
International Travel Insurance
Travelguard: http://www.travelguard.com
