DAILY LIFE

Restaurants and Bars
In Crete, you'll find many restaurants, typical tavernas, and "kafeneia" (plural for "kafeneio," a traditional Greek café where Greek coffee, light meals, and raki are often served).

Most restaurants and tavernas are open all day (from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, often later, depending on how busy it is).

🚬 Smoking is prohibited in local restaurants, except in open-air restaurants or gardens.

🍷 Alcohol is served to adults over 18. ID may be required to confirm age.

Shops

🕐 Shops in Crete are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

🕐 On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, shops are also open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

🕐 In summer, Many shops remain open all day, even on Sundays. This depends on each shop's opening hours. For children/families/students/over 65s, discounts may apply to attractions, cinemas and even some travel options, so always check if one is available to you.

Discounts/Offers

1. Don’t be shy to ask
In many small shops, family tavernas, and local services, discounts aren’t advertised. Asking politely “Is there a better price?” often works — especially outside peak season.

2. Shoulder season is your secret weapon
April–June and September–October are golden. Hotels, car rentals, excursions, and even boat trips are more flexible with prices, and sometimes throw in extras instead of lowering the rate.

3. Cash helps
Paying in cash can occasionally unlock a small discount — especially in local tavernas, souvenir shops, or for private services. It’s not expected, but it’s common.

4. Long stays = better deals
Staying more than a few nights? Ask for a weekly or extended-stay rate. Many small hotels, studios, and guesthouses are happy to adjust the price.

5. Families, students & seniors
Reduced prices are common for:

• Children

• Students (with ID)

• Seniors

You’ll see this for museums, archaeological sites, ferries, and sometimes tours.

6. Eat where locals eat
Lunch menus (especially in towns) are cheaper than dinner and often include full meals. The best value tavernas rarely have someone outside inviting you in.

7. Tours & activities
Booking directly with the operator — not through big platforms — often gets you a better price or something extra (longer tour, extra stop, or a drink at the end).

8. Happy hours exist — quietly
Bars rarely advertise them loudly. Early-evening cocktails, especially near sunset, often come with better prices if you ask or check the menu carefully.

9. End-of-season shopping
In late September and October, souvenir shops and local craft stores are more open to bargaining — especially for handmade items, olive oil, wine, or ceramics.

10. Kindness goes a long way
In Crete, hospitality is personal. A smile, a short chat, or a genuine interest in local life often leads to an extra dessert, a free raki, or a “better price for you”.

Tipping

💸 Greece doesn't have a strong tipping culture, and while it's not expected, it's always appreciated!

💸 It's usually only when you feel the service deserves it—then tip!

• B&Bs - not necessary/expected

• Bars - no tip for your bartender - however, if the bar/pub, etc., offers table/lounge service, you can leave a few euros for your server at the end of the night.

• Hotels - at your discretion - housekeeping might be €1/€2 at the end of your stay, as might the porter.

• Restaurants - between 5% and 10% - more if you feel the service deserves it.

• Taxis - not expected - but you can add €1/€2 to the fare if you wish, or perhaps simply round up to the nearest euro.

Accommodation

🏠 You can usually check in after 3:00 PM (in some Hotels also have earlier/later arrival times.

If you arrive at the hotel early, you may have to wait before checking into your room. You can, however, store your luggage at reception during this time.

If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know regarding breakfast. We will then inform the accommodations accordingly.