BEING A RESPONSIBLE VISITOR

Understanding Local Customs

Respect Siesta

In Crete, between 2 pm and 5 pm, it's quiet time. Locals eat and then rest: it's sacred!During this time, avoid loud noises and don't disturb anyone. Noisy activities are frowned upon.

Always Carry Some Cash

Many tavernas, taxis, and small shops don't accept credit cards.Always carry some cash to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Before Taking a Photo…

In churches, never photograph:

• The high altar

• Monks or nuns

It's a real taboo in Crete.

⚠️ Using flash is prohibited in museums and ancient sites: it damages the objects.

It is also strictly forbidden to take Photos of military areas or buildings.

Tip: If there is no sign, always ask if photography is permitted.

‍♂️ Beware of gestures that may be misinterpreted

Raising your hand, as if to say hello, can be misinterpreted. And the "OK" gesture with the thumb and forefinger is considered rude.It's best to keep your gestures simple!

Dress code in religious places

• Cover your shoulders and legs.

• Remove your hat upon entry.

• Avoid clothing that is too short or too revealing. A little respect for dress is always appreciated.

When to go to Crete?

The best times:

• From March to mid-June

• From mid-September to November

Fewer crowds, mild temperatures, magnificent scenery. Winter is quiet, but less ideal for Sea.

To enjoy the beach without the crowds:

• Arrive before noon (around 10 am is perfect!)

• Avoid the northern beaches, which are often crowded.

• Opt for the south or west for more tranquility.

Looking for authenticity?

Explore the interior! Crete is full of small mountain villages,

where locals organize festivals almost all year round. It's a chance to experience genuine and warm moments. Walk, you'll see better.

Even though Crete is large, it's best explored on foot:

• Impressive gorges

• Cypress forests

• Olive and orange groves as far as the eye can see

Forget the car, and discover the real Crete! Discover the neighborhoods locals love! Avoid tourist traps, discover the real gems Want to get off the beaten path and discover a more authentic Crete?

Don't hesitate to ask us for advice: we'd be happy to share our favorite spots with you!

Explore local life

To experience Crete like a local, take the time to explore the neighborhoods favored by locals.

In Chania, don't miss the Halepa and Nea Chora districts.

In Heraklion, discover Lakkos, the former "red-light district."

This once underground neighborhood is now one of the city's most vibrant: urban art, small tavernas, and a creative atmosphere await.

Buy local and authentic

Want to bring back a unique souvenir? ?

In Crete, you'll find high-quality leather goods, jewelry, and local crafts.

Head to Stivanadika Street in the heart of Chania's old town, or to the villages of Anogia, Zoniana, and Zaros.

For traditional ceramics, head to the villages of Margarites and Thrapsano, renowned for their craftsmanship passed down through generations.

And what about wine?

The best option is to buy directly from the wineries: you'll often get better prices, and you might even have the chance to taste before you buy!

A Plastic-Free Crete

Statistics tell us that of the 4 million tourists who visit Greece each year, at least 1 million choose Crete for their holidays. This makes us Cretans very happy, as we welcome more and more people to our island every year! However, it's inevitable that the island will be overflowing with waste and single-use plastics at the end of each summer, when the last waves of tourists depart. For this reason, our agency tries every year to encourage our clients to be more mindful of their plastic use.

✏️ Below are some tips to help you achieve this!

🌍 Pack light when preparing your suitcases; every kilo counts on the plane. The heavier a plane is, the more carbon emissions it produces. Only take what you need – the environment will thank you.

🌍 Avoid printing your tickets; there's really no reason to! Scan your smartphone, Save a tree (not really, but almost).

🌍 Unfortunately, recent events related to the COVID-19 pandemic have forced many hotels to use single-use plastics in their food service, at reception, or even inside your room (for example, the TV remote might be wrapped in plastic). We strongly suggest you avoid choosing buffet options that are wrapped in plastic (cookies, croissants) and avoid removing plastic lids in your room.

🌍 Our island is famous worldwide for its beautiful beaches. But, as you can imagine, not all travelers are responsible with their trash. Try to carry a trash bag with you so you leave nothing on the beach but your footprints!

🌍 Sunscreen is important when traveling in Greece! Be mindful of the sunscreen you use. In July 2018, Hawaii became the first US state to ban it. The sale of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which increase coral bleaching, is a concern. Until we Greeks ban them too, it's up to each of us to make the right choice!

🌍 Be mindful of your activities if you choose to participate in an excursion not offered by us. For example, do some research on the organizers' policies to ensure they follow all the necessary rules to avoid further damaging the environment.

🌍 Stay on the path; When hiking, always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter. Going off the beaten path could mean trampling protected or endangered plants.

🌍 Be mindful of your water usage; Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth; turn it off as soon as possible during a shower; turn it off when shaving or washing your hands; And finally, try not to flush anything down the toilet. Here in Greece, you'll find a small bin, emptied regularly, next to almost every toilet for your waste and toilet paper. Flushing things down the toilet can impair its functionality, cause leaks, and more.

🌍 Turn off the lights and the television in the room. Of course, some light bulbs are more affected by how often they're switched on and off than by how long they stay on, but a good rule of thumb is to turn off any lights you don't need. Reducing energy consumption = reducing emissions from power plants = protecting the air = preventing climate change.

♻️ And finally, recycling! Even though Cretans and Greeks in general aren't so used to the concept of recycling, there are bins everywhere in the towns. We know it's just a minor concern during your vacation, but we can't stress enough how important recycling is for the environment.