Crete
Travel Information
LOCAL TRAVEL
The Greek government is determined to improve the country's road accident statistics. In June 2007 they introduced higher penalties for traffic offences.
They are particularly intent on reducing speeding and drink/driving and increasing the use of seat belts and crash helmets.
The number of police checks has increased and tourists are not exempt from penalties.
Greece is often at, or near, the top of European accident statistics -
That said, driving in Crete is safer than the figures suggest but it is advisable to drive defensively and to be aware of local driving customs that don't necessarily comply with the law. You'll find some tips for staying safe here.
On 01 June 2007 the Greek government introduced a new scale of penalties for bad driving. Currently the focus is on incidents of speeding, drink/driving and the use of seat belts and crash helmets.
Many visitors rent a car, scooter or quad bike. All airlines operating between the UK and Crete offer car hire on their web sites, usually with one of the major rental companies but “big name” companies are frequently the most expensive.
It is normally cheaper to rent from a local company either through an Internet search or on arrival. Many of the “majors” and local companies have offices in the airport arrivals area, particularly at Heraklion.
Local rental companies will meet you at Heraklion or Chania airport or ferry port so you have no need to wait for resort transfers or use taxis. Alternatively, you could go to your destination and rent a vehicle there. Most popular resorts have at least one local rental company and these are usually cheaper than the “majors”.
In Crete buses, NOT routes, are numbered. This is OK from, or between, villages -
At the bus station announcements stating destination, bus number and route are made five to ten minutes before departure, usually in Greek and English.
Even when you have a rental car there are times when other transport may be appropriate.
Penalties for drink/drive offences are severe and visitors are not exempt. If you want to enjoy a few drinks it’s safer to use a local taxi than to risk an accident, a big fine and at least one night in jail.
Parking in the centre of major towns can be a nightmare; a bus or taxi avoids the problem.
City buses can be the rattletraps found anywhere but those serving outlying villages are usually luxury coaches. Bus travel in Crete is cheap and often a fun experience, especially in rural areas.
We've heard of people having trouble getting a taxi to return to a village from a city centre but most local taxi drivers are happy to arrange to collect you.
If you walk Samaria or one of the smaller gorges you’ll need to use buses or taxis or have one of your party take your car from the head of the gorge to the end.
Buses based in the main towns serve most of the island including quite remote villages.
Vehicles on routes outside city centres are mostly modern, comfortable, air-
Taxis are cheap in Greece with fares subject to government control. Throughout Greece the meter must be used in cities and large towns.
In smaller towns and villages (i.e. most of Crete) the meter is not used and fares
are charged on a fixed, distance-
There are two meter tariffs:
Tariff 1: Day rate applies between 5 a.m. and midnight within the limits of the city or town where the taxi is registered.
Tariff 2: Night rate applies between midnight and 5 a.m. and beyond the taxi's town or city of registration at any time.
At airports fares to popular destinations are displayed on a large board in the arrivals area or by the taxi rank. Even so, if you are travelling very far from an airport or port ask the driver, before you get into the taxi, how much he expects the journey to cost.
Taxi ranks are common in cities, popular resorts and large villages. You can hire a cab from one of these, by phoning a local cab company (a small surcharge will apply) or by hailing one in the street. If a cab flashes its headlights it's for hire.
It is common in Greece for taxis to be shared. If there is a spare seat in your cab don’t be too surprised if the driver stops to pick up another passenger.
There are far fewer flights to Chania than to Heraklion so many people staying in
western Crete arrive in Heraklion. A taxi fare from there to, say, Almyrida [a popular
resort in W. Crete] and another to return would pay for more than a week’s rental
of a medium sized car. For example, in 2009, when a one-way taxi fare cost around
€130, seven days’ rental of a Peugeot 307 [or equivalent] was quoted by local companies
at around €245.
Child safety seats are available as are crash helmets for hirers of scooters etc.
Remember you will need space for your luggage as well as yourselves. Roof racks are available either free or for a nominal charge.
