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General Information

In this section of our Website you'll find the further information regarding your choice.

Highlights
Climate Information
Additional Information
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Highlights

Map of Crete

Places of interest

Samaria Gorges - Crete has the longest gorge in Europe and second in the world to the Grand Canyon. You get to it by a ferry and you stop on your way at a village called Lutra, only accessible by boat. The gorge cuts through the White Mountains. Apart from its beauty, the gorge is teeming with wildlife and there are incredible wildflowers during spring.
Knossos Palace - This palace, in a beautiful site just 5 km southeast of Heraklion, is the most magnificent and evocative of Crete's Minoan sites. Admission is around 6 Euros, 4 Euros students with official ID and people of 65 or over. Apr to mid-Oct, open daily 8am-8pm. Mid-Oct to Mar, open from Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
The Archaeological museum in Heraklion - It is famous for its huge Minoan collection.
Opening times: April to mid-October: Tuesday to Sunday 8am-8 pm / Monday 12.30-8 pm. Mid - October to March: closes daily at 5 pm.
Around 10 Euros for adults and 6 Euros for students with official ID and people of 65 and over.
Chania Area - Stroll through the streets of the old town that is an intact neighbourhood of the original Venetian buildings. The fortifications date from the 13th century. There is an archaeological and a naval museum, as well as the Historical Archives of Crete. Its picturesque Venetian Harbour is also well worth to visit.
Spinalonga Island - made famous as the setting of the film 'who pays the ferryman?' Thousands of visitors come here every year to see the ruins of the Venetian Fortress and Leper colony. You take a boat ride over and you are given plenty of time to explore the island. It is a great place to enjoy a barbeque of real Greek food and have a swim in the beautiful water before heading back. A very relaxing day out.

Beaches

Malia Beaches - Malia has a good choice of sandy beaches. These range from the busy Dolphin and Agapi beaches at the bottom of Beach Road where you'll find sun loungers and water sports - to the larger and quieter Tropical, a popular choice with families. All conveniently offer snacks and drinks.
The beach in Malia is just the coolest place to be in the day time. There are also 3 or 4 Water Sports centres.
Stalis - vast expanse of beautiful sandy beach. It is a short taxi ride from Hersonissos. It can be a little crowded during the summer months but will give you a change of scenery and there are lots of amenities close at hand.
Preveli beach in Rethymnon - It is one of the most attractive of the island. It boastsboastsboastsboasts crystal clear waters and many palm trees. Follow the river beds of Kourtaliotis River, which ends up at Preveli beach forming natural pools of river water among the boulders.

Activities

Crete is a veritable paradise for trekking, provided you don't come during the hot summer months.
Cycle through the escarpment villages and valleys of the north coast, the Mesara Plain of the south and on and down from the plateaus.
Water park
Watersports generally available in the tourist areas.

Things to Buy

Tsikoudia or Raki local high street spirit
Traditional woven fabrics, Cretan Rugs and Blankets
Ceramics
Silverware

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Climate

In the north of Crete the climate is typically Mediterranean; in the south it's almost subtropical. Spring comes early with average temperatures of 15C/61F in March and 20C/68F in April.

Summers are baking hot and dry but with strong sea breezes. July and August are the hottest (and windiest) months - temperatures average 25.9C/85F and can reach 40C/104F.

From November to March the weather is cooler and damper, although even in January the average temperature is 12C. During this period, many attractions close, and it can be very cold indeed in the mountains, where snow falls regularly.

Max Temp F	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct
Crete (east)	61	66	73	77	77	73	68
Crete (west)	61	68	76	79	79	74	67
London	56	61	68	71	70	66	56

Sunshine Hours	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct
Crete	7.6	9.7	11.7	12	11.2	9.4	6.4
London	5	6	7	6	6	5	3

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Additional Information

Great Excursions

Samaria Gorge

Visit the Gorge of Samaria deep in White Mountains on the western side of Crete

Knossos and Museum

Gain an insight into the history of Crete with this tour of Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Museum

Barbeque Cruise

Sail away to a quiet cove then feast, bathe and soak up the sun.

City Water Park

Spend a fantastic day in this fun filled Water park

Due to high demand and limited places available, we advise you to confirm your places on any of our days or nights out at the Welcome Get Together, on the day following your arrival.

To get there:

By plane: Fly to Heraklion or Chania from the UK airports

- Heraklion's airport is about 5km (3 miles) east of the city, along the coast.
- Chania's airport is located 15km (10 miles) out of town on the Akrotiri.

To get around:

-Heraklion:

By Boat: There are now several excursion boats that take visitors on day trips to offshore islands or isolated beaches as well as to the wonderful island of Santorini.

By Bus: Public buses remain a solid possibility for seeing much of Crete. They're inexpensive, relatively frequent, and connect to all but the most isolated villages. The downside is that the schedules are not always the most convenient for travellers with limited time. Certainly you can take them between all major resorts and towns.

By Taxi: Taxis are reasonable if two or three people are sharing a trip to a site; no place on Crete is more than a day?s round-trip from Heraklion.

By Car: Rental cars and Jeeps are available from our representatives, including full comprehensive insurance.

-Chania:

Almost any place you will want to visit in Chania itself is best reached by foot. There are public buses available. If you want to explore the countryside or more remote points in western Crete, we recommend renting a car to make the best use of your time

By Bus: There are almost hourly buses from early in the morning until about 10:30pm (depending on the season), connecting Chania to Rethymnon and Iraklion. There are less frequent (and often inconvenient) buses between destinations in western Crete. The main bus station (to points all over Crete) is at 25 Kidonias (&28210/93-306)

By Car: Rental cars and Jeeps are available from our representatives and include full comprehensive insurance.

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