Is Crete safe for tourists?

Crete is generally a safe, friendly and hospitable place. Thefts, especially, are more likely to be committed by other tourists than locals. … File reports first with the tourist police that have offices in the cities and popular tourist destinations.

Is Crete Greece safe to travel?

As you may have experienced on other Mediterranean islands, Crete is considered a safe place to be. Outside the main cities, the crime rate is impressively low. You may see Cretans leaving cars and even homes unlocked. you may even find that your hotel room has insufficient locking mechanisms.

What are the dangers in Crete?

0 Does Crete have dangerous wildlife?
  • Snakes. There are 4 species of snake on Crete. …
  • Spiders &amp, Scorpions. There are some theoretically venomous spiders on Crete but I have been unable to locate any reports of any causing harm to humans. …
  • Sharks. …
  • Lionfish. …
  • Sea Urchins. …
  • Scorpion fish &amp, weaver fish. …
  • Jellyfish. …
  • Dogs.

Is Crete expensive to visit?

How much money will you need for your trip to Crete? You should plan to spend around €81 ($93) per day on your vacation in Crete, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €28 ($32) on meals for one day and €19 ($21) on local transportation.

What you should never do in Greece?

10 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Greece, Ever
  • Show too much skin when visiting a church.
  • Rely only on credit cards.
  • Take a passive-aggressive attitude with smokers.
  • Take photos of military installations.
  • Throw paper in the toilet.
  • Eat or drink in the metro in Athens.
  • Do the moutza.

Do you have to wear masks in Greece?

Wearing a mask

At present, it is mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor public places, and crowded outdoor spaces, in all areas of Greece.

How Safe Is Greece for tourists?

OVERALL RISK : LOW. Greece is a very safe country to travel to. Tourists are unlikely to experience any crime or violence. The only concern is petty crime on the streets, but if you apply the basic precaution measures, your trip should go smoothly.

Are there poisonous snakes in Crete?

Telescopus fallax) is the only snake in Crete with venom. However, the poison is too weak to hurt humans and is excreted in the back of its mouth, making it actually harmless. The snake feeds on small lizards and uses the poison for relaxing their bodies.

How bad are mosquitoes in Crete?

The mosquitoes in Crete are of different genera than in Central Europe and the first stitch usually causes a violent itching with severe redness. Only after a few weeks the body gets used to these stitches and the effect is then less unpleasant.

Are there sharks around Crete?

No shark attacks have ever been reported in Crete. There are sharks in the Mediterranean but they do not approach the shore. You are safe from jellyfish stings on most Cretan beaches, as the currents keep them away from the shore. … There are no dangerous fish or sea creatures in Crete.

What is the most beautiful part of Crete?

5 Most Picturesque Places to See in Crete
  • Balos Lagoon, Crete.
  • Samaria Gorge, Crete.
  • View of the Island of Spinalonga, Crete.
  • View of Voulisma, Crete.
  • Agios Nikolaos, Crete.
  • Thalassa Villa, St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel &amp, Villas.

How much is a meal in Crete?

Cost of Living in Crete
Restaurants Edit
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 8.00€
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 40.00€
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 10.00€
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 3.25€

What food is Crete known for?

10 Must Try Foods in Crete
  • Olive Oil. Olive oil is referred to as ‘Liquid Gold’ in Crete. …
  • Dakos. Apart from the Cretan Salad, these were my favourite! …
  • Cretan Cheeses. …
  • Sarikopitakia (Cheese Pie) …
  • Kalitsounia (Cheese Pie) …
  • Loukoumades. …
  • Fried Snails (Chochlioi Boubouristi) …
  • Cretan Salad.

What is considered rude in Greece?

Greeks are very hospitable to foreign visitors. Bring a gift to show your gratitude. Don’t thrust the palm of your hand in front of someone’s face, it is considered a very rude gesture, so don’t attempt to do this even jokingly!


What should you not wear in Greece?

An absolute no-no are running shorts or wearing shorts in the evening ! Also avoid wearing socks with shorts. – no open shoes for men in the evening (unless, maybe, in a beach resort). – a big NO-NO are white socks with trousers !

Is it rude to tip in Greece?

Tipping in Greece is customary, but is by no means obligatory. This Greece tipping guide will help you navigate when/where you can leave a little extra for great service.

Is Greece an amber country?

Which international travel rules have changed? Greece remains on the UK government’s “amber” list of countries as travel restrictions continue to ease. Ancient monuments, delicious food and around 200 (populated) islands to explore mean that Greece has long been a firm favourite with British holidaymakers.

What time is curfew in Greece?

The night-time curfew does apply between 06:00 p.m. and 05:00 a.m. (local time) and exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Update 2020-12-18 (1): The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) updated its list of global risk areas on Friday (18 December).

Is Greece in the green list?

Some of the main tourist destinations are: The Bahamas, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Greece (including islands), Italy, Portugal (Madeira is on the green watchlist and The Azores will move to the green list), Saudi Arabia, Spain (including the Canary and Balearic Islands), the …

Where is the nicest place in Greece?

15 Best places to visit in Greece
  • Santorini. Located in the Aegean Sea, the Santorini archipelago is a destination for travellers from all over the world. …
  • Mykonos. …
  • Corfu. …
  • Athens. …
  • Navagio Beach. …
  • Meteora. …
  • Lindos. …
  • Asos.

Is it safe to travel to Greece alone as a woman?

Yes, Greece is generally very safe for solo females. Greek people can be friendly and helpful. … When you solo travel to Greece, especially Athens, be careful at night and keep a close eye on your belongings, just as you would in any other large city.

Is Greece considered a Third World country?

Greece has already left the European Union in a manner of speaking: it is now part of the Third World. … The experience of other Third World countries, which have gone through their own debt crises, offers some lessons in that regard.

Is Crete poor?

Giorgos Pitsoulis, revealed during an event in Heraklion, 7.330 families on the island are living in poverty. More specific, 16.083 people are living in poverty (according to facts from the Municipalities of the island).

Are there lions in Crete?

Although a wild population of lions on Crete can be discounted, it is possible that lions were brought to Crete in the Late Minoan period, as Younger puts it, as a ‘palace showpiece’ (1988: xi).

Are there any poisonous animals in Crete?

Crete is the safest island for the lovers of outdoor sports. In the island there are no dangerous wild animals, poisonous snakes or dangerous fish. According to mythology, the Father of gods Zeus to thank the Cretans (ancient Curetes) who protect him as an infant, relieved the island from the poisonous snakes.

Is there crime in Crete?

The crime rate on Crete is much lower than in other Southern European countries such as Spain and Italy. Theft is much less prevalent than in Britain. Locals frequently do not lock their cars and doors, harking back to more innocent times for many British people. … Theft is rare, but it still pays to be vigilant.

Can you drink the tap water in Crete?

The Cretan water is clear and safe to drink. The conductivity of Cretan waters are between 9 ºf to 19 ºf grad during the winter and between 19 ºf grad to 25 ºf grad during the summer.

How do you say hello in Crete?

Hello – Yassou (Yah-Soo) – This can also be shortened to ‘ya’ in an informal setting, but in a more formal setting say ‘Yassas’ such as when addressing a stranger or an older person.

Are there bears on Crete?

Because Crete is an island it lacks certain animals found on the mainland, particular large predators: there are no wolves, foxes or bears nor are there any boars or deers.

Are there cockroaches in Crete?

Of course there are cockroaches in Crete, as there are all over Greece &amp, the islands. Don’t worry, they won’t be a problem &amp, the probability is that you will never even see one.

Is the sea in Crete warm?

The sea is still really warm and there are far less tourists. The Cretans – especially the ones who work with tourism – although tired from the summer season are getting more relaxed. It is also one of the preferred period for hikers.

Is Crete a quiet island?

Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and parts that are barely touched by tourism.

Does it get cold in Crete Greece?

Crete, the largest Greek island, has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. … For its southern location, Crete is less exposed to cold spells than other Greek islands, however, the temperature at night can sometimes approach freezing (0 °C or 32 °F).

How long would it take to drive around Crete?

There’re are many reasons why driving is the best way to explore Crete. Not only Crete is the biggest Greek island but it’s also as unique natural landscapes. A road trip from the extreme west to the extreme east can take you from 5 to 6 hours.

Which side of Crete is best?

The best place to stay in Crete is Chania area or western Crete that actually has the best beaches of the island and some of the best hotels along with the beautiful Chania town with its elegant restaurants, the picturesque Old Town of Chania, and the incredible Samaria Gorge (which you should hike).

Is Crete affordable?

There have been many discussions whether Crete is a cheap place for vacation or not. Whilst prices have risen in Crete, as elsewhere of late, many still find that Crete remains a place where you will get good value for your money compared with other European destinations.

What is the best time of year to visit Crete?

The best time to visit Crete is from mid-May to June or from September to October. May brings with it warmer waters and beautiful wildflowers that can be spotted throughout the island’s natural attractions.

What do they drink in Crete?

Raki is the national drink of Crete (and Naxos), as opposed to the mainland, where ouzo is drunk. It’s a spirit created from the distilled leftovers of wine-production.

What can I buy in Crete?

What to buy in Crete?
  • Olive oil. Olive oil is central to Greek and Cretan cooking and is also the most important agricultural product on the island. …
  • Wine. …
  • Honey. …
  • Raki. …
  • Herbs. …
  • Beauty products. …
  • Jewellery. …
  • Ceramics.

Is Crete very windy?

High winds in Crete can also be super strong. Crete’s long sandy beaches are very open to the winds. In fact, swimming is not allowed on very windy days, as it can be very dangerous.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Greece?

Shorts. It is acceptable to wear shorts, whether you are a woman or a man. … Also, if you plan to do a walking tour of Athens, ditch the shorts and opt for a dress – if you are a woman – or a pair of long pants – if you are a man. Shorts are acceptable on the beach or when going from the beach to the shops near-by.

Can you wear jeans in Greece?

When planning what to wear in Greece in spring, include jeans and smart capri trousers in darker shades that you can team with bright tank tops and blouses for the warmer days and long sleeve shirts and 3/4 tops for cooler days. Bring a light jacket for the evenings to ward off the chill.

How do I not look like a tourist in Greece?

Visiting Athens for the first time? These 12 helpful Athens travel tips will help you NOT look like a tourist
  1. Don’t visit in August. …
  2. Do drink coffee several times a day. …
  3. Don’t wear the “ancient Greece” themed clothes sold in souvenir shops. …
  4. Don’t talk about how you visited “the Greek islands” …
  5. Do wear black – all year.

What religion is in Greece?

Greece is an overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian nation – much like Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. And, like many Eastern Europeans, Greeks embrace Christianity as a key part of their national identity.

Is there a dress code in Greece?

Most monasteries and to a lesser extent churches impose a fairly strict dress code for visitors: no shorts, with women expected to cover their arms and wear skirts (though most Greek women visitors will be in trousers), the necessary wraps are sometimes provided on the spot.

Can I flush toilet paper in Greece?

In most places throughout Greece you can’t put toilet paper down the toilet. Instead, you must put your toilet paper in the bin beside the loo. So long as the bins are tightly closed and emptied daily, the health risks are minimal to anyone who uses this method.

How do you say cheers in Greek?

The Greek version of “cheers” is ya mas, which means “to our health”. As in other countries, you clink glasses when you toast.

Can you drink tap water in Greece?

A lot of people visiting the country wonder if they can drink tap water in Greece. The tap water is not potable throughout the country. Although it is perfectly safe to drink water from the tap in Athens and Thessaloniki it is better to ask in all the other places or even better buy bottled water which is fairly cheap.

Is Crete in the Mediterranean?

Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest of the islands forming part of modern Greece.

Is Greece going to Red List?

Thankfully, Greece is not one of the seven countries that remains on the red list for flying into England.

Will Greece move to Red List?

Could Greece go red? It’s very unlikely. Daily case rates in Greece are dropping and the Beta variant, which had previously caused the Government some concern, is now being outperformed by the Delta variant across Europe.

Do you have to wear a mask in Greece?

At present, it is mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor public places, and crowded outdoor spaces, in all areas of Greece.

What diseases are in Greece?

Five of the Top Diseases in Greece
  • Coronary Heart Disease. According to WHO, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the top diseases in Greece, responsible for 26.17% of the country’s total deaths. …
  • Stroke. …
  • Malaria. …
  • Legionnaires’ disease. …
  • West Nile virus.

Can I go to Greece right now?

Country-Specific Information: The Department of State has issued a Travel Advisory Level 4 for Greece advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Greece due to COVID-19. Greek authorities have announced record high numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country during the week of November 29, 2021.

What color represents Greece?

Blue and white are the national colours of Greece, as blue symbolizes the sky and seas and white denotes the purity of the Greek independence struggle.

Which Greek island is Mamma Mia set on?

Sometimes the understudy exceeds expectations. In the original “Mamma Mia,” the Greek island of Skopelos played the fictional island of Kalokairi. But to shoot “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” filmmakers turned to the island of Vis, off the coast of Croatia.

Does Greece stay on the amber list?

Most of Europe’s tourism big hitters fail to go green

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a review of its green, amber and red lists, with changes due to come into effect at 4am on 30 August. Mainland Spain, Greece and Italy have all remained on the amber list in the latest reshuffle.