Practical A–Z

Crete is a very safe travel destination — violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare, medical care is good, and there are hardly any dangerous animals. The biggest risks are sunburn, dehydration, and excessive Raki consumption.

Medical Care

• Hospitals: There are public hospitals in Heraklion (PAGNI — University Hospital, the best on the island), Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos. English-speaking doctors are easy to find in tourist areas.
• Pharmacies (Farmakeio): Recognizable by the green cross. Available in every city and many villages. Many medications that require a prescription in Germany are available over the counter in Greece (antibiotics, strong painkillers).
• EHIC: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted in public hospitals and by contract doctors. However, a travel health insurance is recommended — it covers private treatments and repatriation.

Sun & Heat

The greatest health hazard in Crete is the sun. UV radiation is extreme in summer (UV index 9–11, comparable to North Africa). Sun protection with SPF 50, hat, and sunglasses are mandatory. Between 12:00 and 4:00 PM stay out of direct sunlight — Cretans take a siesta for good reason. Drink at least 2–3 liters of water per day, significantly more during hikes.

Safety

• Crime: Crete is very safe. Pickpocketing is rare in tourist hotspots (Heraklion, Chania), but usual caution is advisable.
• Road traffic: The biggest real risk. Cretan roads are sometimes in poor condition, driving is wild, and mountain roads rarely have guardrails. Drive carefully, especially at night and on side roads.
• Sea urchins: Be careful on rocky beaches — the black sea urchins (Echinus) are painful if stepped on. Bathing shoes are recommended for rocky entries.
• Currents: Strong currents can occur at open beaches on the north coast during Meltemi winds. Watch for red flags and don't swim far out in strong winds.

Crete is well connected — but there are differences between coastal cities and remote mountain regions:

Mobile & Internet

Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German phone in Crete at domestic rates — no additional costs for calls, SMS, and data usage (observe fair-use policy). Network coverage is good in coastal cities and tourist areas (4G/LTE almost everywhere). In the mountains, gorges, and remote southern coastal villages, the signal can be weak or nonexistent — for example, there is no reception in the Samaria Gorge.

Wi-Fi: Hotels, restaurants, and cafes almost always offer free Wi-Fi. The speed varies — good in modern hotels, sometimes slow in rural guesthouses. Many kafenia (traditional cafes) in the villages also have Wi-Fi — just ask for the password.

Useful Apps

• Google Maps: Works reliably on Crete (also offline-capable). Download the Crete map offline — essential for mountain roads without reception.
• e-ktel.com: KTEL bus schedules and tickets online.
• Beat: Taxi app (works in Heraklion and Chania).
• Ferry Scanner: Ferry tickets for all connections.
• WikiCamps Greece: Camping and parking spots on Crete.

Language

In tourist areas, English is spoken throughout — in hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies, and attractions, you can get by without any problems. In remote mountain villages, older residents sometimes only speak Greek — but with gestures, feet, and a smile, communication always works. Basic Greek words are highly appreciated:

• Kalimera (Good morning) / Kalispera (Good evening)
• Efcharisto (Thank you) / Parakalo (Please / You're welcome)
• Yia sou (Hello / Goodbye, informal)
• Stin yia mas! (Cheers! — when toasting with Raki)
• Poso kani? (How much does it cost?)
• To logariasmo, parakalo (The bill, please)

What you absolutely must have with you on Crete — and what you can confidently leave at home:

Essentials

• Sunscreen SPF 50 — The Cretan sun is brutal. Apply even on cloudy days.
• Good hiking shoes — Essential for the Samaria Gorge and mountain trails. Sturdy trekking sandals are sufficient for shorter hikes.
• Water shoes / Bathing shoes — For rocky beaches and sea urchin protection. Cheap to buy in Greece (5–10€).
• Hat / Cap — Sunstroke is a real danger, especially at Knossos and in the Samaria Gorge (little shade!).
• Reusable water bottle — Saves money and plastic. Refill at fountains in cities (tap water in Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno is drinkable).
• Light scarf / Cardigan — For church visits (covered shoulders/knees required) and cool evenings in the mountains.
• Socket adapter — Not needed! Crete has Type C/F — German plugs fit.
• Snorkeling gear — Crete's coast is a snorkeling paradise. Can also be bought locally at a low price (10–20€).

Practical Tips

• Respect siesta: Between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM is quiet time in Crete. Many shops close. Don't be loud in residential areas.
• Toilet paper: In many Greek buildings (especially older ones), toilet paper belongs in the bin next to the toilet — not in the WC. The pipes are too narrow. A sign will often indicate this.
• Church etiquette: Covered shoulders and knees. Many monasteries provide cloths at the entrance.
• Opening hours: Museums and archaeological sites often close at 3:00–4:00 PM (except in high season). Check in advance! Taverns open for dinner only at 7:00–8:00 PM.
• Cash: Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. In mountain villages, small taverns, and remote beaches, cash is essential. Always have at least 50€ in cash. ATMs are available in all cities.
• Photos in churches: Usually allowed, but without flash. In some monasteries prohibited — pay attention to signs.