Is Crete dangerous?

Crete is generally a safe, friendly and hospitable place. Thefts, especially, are more likely to be committed by other tourists than locals.

What are the dangers in Crete?

Are there bears in 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 people friendly in Crete?

Crete is very safe, which is of benefit to everyone but especially to solo travellers. Solo travellers can enjoy as much solitude as they like — this is not an island where people will bother you. But it’s also a very sociable island, so it’s easy to make new acquaintances. Crete is also a very family-friendly island.

Is it safe to live in Crete?

Despite this though, Crete is extremely safe and has been for quite a long time. In fact, it’s so safe that it’s not uncommon for locals to leave things unlocked. Hotel rooms often have limited locking mechanisms, and this could be the same for a property you potentially buy.

Do you get sharks in 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.

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 pigs on Crete?

Animals of Crete – the most common animals to be found on Crete these days are domesticated farm animals such as dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, sheep, pigs and chickens.

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).

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).

Is Crete a poor country?

These were followed by Thessaly (52 percent), Central Macedonia (53 pct), the Peloponnese (56 pct), Crete (57 pct), Western Macedonia (59 pct), Central Greece and the Ionian Islands (62 pct), and the Southern Aegean (72 pct). …

Is it worth it to go to Crete?

GORGEOUS CITIES, TOWNS, AND VILLAGES

From cities like Chania with its colorful old town to charming coastal towns and villages like Agia Galini and Agios Nikolaos, Crete proves it’s worth visiting even if you’re not looking for a typical sunny vacation.

Is Crete in Greece safe?

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. … It may take some getting used to, but crime is simply not a serious problem on Crete.

Is Crete similar to Cyprus?

Cyprus and Crete: two similar yet very different islands. Cyprus is an independent state where, as myth has it, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the sea. Crete is part of Greece, the motherland of the Aegean civilization where, according to myth, Zeus the god of thunder was born.

Where should I move in Crete?

Are there crocodiles in Crete?

Crocodiles are not native to Crete, which explains why his appearance was such a shock. This is not the first time that a crocodile has unexpectedly turned up in European lakes and rivers. Back in 2001, a South American reptile was rescued by Austrian firemen from the Danube, and taken to a zoo in Vienna.

Is tap water safe 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.

Are there any poisonous animals in Greece?

Ohia Snakes

The Ohia snake is the only venomous snake you will find in Greece, but they are fairly common. … You can avoid a painful bite from one of these snakes by staying alert when you’re in areas where they might be roaming.

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.

Are there bats in Crete Greece?

European Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida teniotis)

It is the most common species on Crete, although populations seem to decrease. A bat has a body length of 8.4-9.4 cm, a tail of 4.8-5.6 cm, and a wing length of 5.7-6.5 cm.

Are there lizards on Crete?

The wall lizard of Crete (scient. Podarcis cretensis) is the only endemic species of lizard on the island, which was identified as a seperate species (from Podarcis erhardii) just a few years ago.

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.

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.

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.

Are there rats in Crete?

The brown rat (scient. Rattus norvegicus) is the most common rat in the cities of Crete, and in Europe generally. It is also known as the Norwegian rat, common rat and harbor rat. It lives in basements, warehouses and mostly in sewers, where it builds nests similar to those of birds.

Are there whales in Crete?

Especially in the Mediterranean, most whales, some hundreds, live in the very deep waters south of Crete (especially south of Sougia).

Are there pelicans in Crete?

Red-rumped Swallow, Collared Pratincole, Yellow Wagtail, Pygmy Cormorant, Black-winged Stilt, Pelicans. While Spring and Autumn are the best times of the year for observing the migrants, there are birds at Agia Lake all year round. The area is rich in natural springs which feed the reservoir.

Are there dolphins in Crete?

The Common Bottlenose Dolphin (scient. Tursiops truncates) is a common species in Greek waters, widespread throughout the world. It is often found near the coasts of Crete, even very close to the shore, forming groups of up to 100 individuals. … The bottlenose dolphin has a length of 2.5-3m and can reach 350kg in weight.

Are there wolves in Greece?

“The wolf in Greece occupies a great variety of habitats, from degraded, hilly areas to densely forested mountains. The greater numbers are found in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas with low human population. Up until the 1930’s the species distribution extended to the whole of the mainland country.

How many cats are in Crete?

Can you flush toilet paper in Crete?

Don’t flush toilet paper in Greece

The Greek pipes just get clogged. They don’t call them ‘modern conveniences’ for nothing. … The ancient Greeks were modern for their time. A Minoan king of Crete invented the first flushing toilet more than 2,800 years ago.

Is Crete a desert?

Is Crete a party island?

Crete Nightlife Greece. When it comes to Crete’s nightlife scene, there really is something for everyone. The island has earned a reputation as one of Greece’s best party islands, and lively resorts like Malia and Stalis are firm favourites among ravers who want to dance until dawn.

What is the richest city in Greece?

What is the poorest area in Greece?

The poorest area in Greece, East Macedonia-Thrace, occupies eleventh place amongst the poorest twenty EU regions. Area residents there have only 46 percent of the EU-average GDP per capita.

Is Crete Greek or Turkish?

Crete, Modern Greek Kríti, Ancient Greek Crete or Krete, Latin Creta, Turkish Kirid, Venetian Candia, island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that is one of 13 administrative regions (periféreies) of Greece.

Should I visit Crete or Santorini?

Crete has more small traditional (non-touristy) villages. Santorini is more romantic and better suited to a honeymoon. Santorini has better and more unique luxury hotels. Both Santorini and Crete have a longer tourism season than most Greek islands.

Should I visit Crete or Mykonos?

Mykonos is chic and has a great bar and restaurant scene. Crete is huge and offers greater variety and is a two week holiday in itself. Personally, Mykonos wins easily, the nightlife is fantastic it is also expensive however.

Is Crete too touristy?

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.

Do they speak English in Crete?

The official language spoken in Crete is in fact Greek, but you will find that many locals speak English – they are keen to make you feel at home, so why not do the same? The Greek language is one of the oldest European languages, featuring in written documents from around 3,400 years ago!

Can you fly directly to Crete?

Generally, there are regular direct flights to Crete from all over Europe and many other countries of the world. Keep in mind that you can also fly to Athens or other Greek destinations like Rhodes and then take another flight or a ferry to Crete.

Do they speak English in Greece?

Although the official language in Greece and Athens is Greek, English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn’t experience any problems when visiting the city. English is very widely spoken in Greece, especially in the most touristy parts of the city.

Is Greece or Cyprus better?

Cyprus vs Greece: Which one should you choose? Both make fantastic holiday destinations, and if time and money were limitless we would recommend both! However if you’re looking for an island hopping adventure packed with culture, ancient history, and breathtaking beauty, then Greece is the better choice.

Is Cyprus hotter than Greece?

Cyprus is located in the south-east of the Mediterranean, just 380 kilometers from Egypt, so the climate here is warmer than in Greece. … In Greece, the thermometer often passes the thirty plus mark in summer as well, but in general there is less heat than in Cyprus, especially in the northern part of the country.

Is Crete more south than Cyprus?

Cyprus is a bit southern than Crete, and of course eastern than Crete, so theoritically will be somehow warmer.

Is it expensive to live on Crete?

Cost of Living in Crete

As in the mainland, the cost of living is often about 50% of what you’d expect to spend in the U.S. You can expect housing prices in the big cities of Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno to be more expensive than in the surrounding towns.

Is it easy to move to Greece?

There are a lot of international people living in Greece. It is relatively easy for EU citizens to move here regardless of whether you are self-employed, seeking work, or hoping to retire in Greece. … The process of moving to Greece is a little more difficult for those hoping to relocate from outside of Europe.

Can I retire to Greece from UK?

UK, US, and Australian citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece and can stay in country without one for up to three months. But as a retiree, you’ll eventually need to apply for a residency permit. … Greece is happy to welcome retiring expats and their spending money.

Are earthquakes common in Crete?

As been mentioned Crete is an ‘active’ area with small earthquakes every year.

Can you buy property in Crete?

Anyone can purchase property in here in Crete! Anyone can purchase property in Greece … … Once you have found the home or land that meets your requirements, you will need to enter into an agreement with the estate agency and arrange to make a non-refundable deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price.

Do crocodiles live in Greece?

With crocodiles being a rather rare sight in Greece, Mr. Mamagakis believes that the crocodile may have been kept as a pet at a home or by a visiting zoo and was subsequently abandoned.

What is the main language spoken in Crete?

With crocodiles being a rather rare sight in Greece, Mr. Mamagakis believes that the crocodile may have been kept as a pet at a home or by a visiting zoo and was subsequently abandoned.

Is Athens safe?

Athens is considered a very safe city, even for solo female travelers. The crime rate is very low and as long as you take normal precautions, you will feel safe here. Most visits are trouble-free, but the theft of passports and wallets are common on the metro and in crowded tourist sights.

Which Greek word means water?

The Greek cognate húdōr (‘water’) is the basis of numerous English words with the prefix hydr-, including hydrate, hydrant, hydrangea, hydraulic, hydrogen (the element that generates water when oxidised), hydrocarbon, hydroelectric, hydrofoil and a whole host of more specialized scientific words.

What are the dangers in Greece?

Are there sharks in 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.

Do snakes live in Greece?

The majority of snakes in Greece are harmless but some are venomous and can be dangerous. Some of them are also rare and endangered so seeing them can be an incredible experience. So long as you are careful and respectful of the snakes and their habitat.

Does Crete get snow?

Most snow in Crete falls in the mountainous areas, like the Lefka Ori, Ida and Dikti. In November the sea temperature is not lower than in June (19-20°C). The lowest temperatures occur in January, February, and March, but never fall below 14°C.

What is it like to live in Crete?

Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that you’re sure to get help as you age. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. Life on Crete moves at a slower pace than on mainland Greece or much of Europe, which can be very enjoyable and perfect for retirement.

Are there any 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.

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 big cats in Greece?

According to historians, by the year 70 the giant cats were restricted to northern Greece, in the area between the rivers Aliakmon and Nestus. By the year 100 they became extinct in Eastern Europe as well.

Is there wolves in 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 scorpions in Crete?

There are at least three species of scorpions in Crete. … Cretan scorpions are smaller than most tourists think. Some species like the frequent black Euscorpius Carpathicus are only 3-4 cm long. The species Mesobuthus Gibbosus are lighter and much bigger, growing up to 12 cm long, and pretty scary!

What animals live in Crete?

Both of Greece’s only two native mammal species are found on Crete – the Cretan Shrew and the Cretan Spiny Mouse. Other mammals found on the island are the Cretan marten, badger and dormouse. There are also many reptiles, frogs, insects and molluscs adding to the ecology of the island.

Does Crete have hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs are commonly met animals on the island of Crete, belonging to two different species, Erinaceus concolor and Erinaceus roumanicus. Unfortunately, they are considered a delicacy for some, and there several cases in Crete when these animals are eaten (mainly by Roma people).

Is Crete safe to walk at night?

Yes, perfectly safe. Solo females (I’m one) can walk around in Heraklion, and indeed anywhere in Crete, at any hour without worrying. Generally speaking heraklion is a safe place and there are a lot of people walking in the streets at that time so I think you will feel very safe.

What is crime like in Crete?

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 cockroaches common in Greece?

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.

How did the cockroach get its name?

The name cockroach comes from the Spanish term cucaracha, which derives from the Latin blatta, “an insect that shines the light.” It comes from the insect order Blattodea, which also includes termites. Cockroaches are an ancient bug, with fossils indicating they’ve been around for more than 200 million years.

Do you get sharks in Greece?

There are some sharks in the Aegean Sea, but very few.

The few sharks spotted or caught around Greece were harmless like the basking shark, thresher shark, and the dogfish. … Since then, great white sharks have been decreasing in numbers and are extremely rare due to years of being hunted by humans.

Are there bats in Crete Greece?

European Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida teniotis)

It is the most common species on Crete, although populations seem to decrease. A bat has a body length of 8.4-9.4 cm, a tail of 4.8-5.6 cm, and a wing length of 5.7-6.5 cm.

Is Crete volcanic?

The secret to Crete’s rise from the Tethys sea lies in the science behind the creation of mountain ranges. … Although the majority of Crete is created from buckling tectonic plates, there is some evidence that volcanic lava deposits had some effect in the formation of Crete, too.

Are there cows on Crete?

On another topic, the mountains of Crete are infested with feral goats, called kri-kri’s. … Kri-kri’s only live on Crete, Athens didn’t have kri-kri signs in stock, so they sent what they had: cattle signs. There are no cattle on Crete.

Are there lizards on Crete?

The wall lizard of Crete (scient. Podarcis cretensis) is the only endemic species of lizard on the island, which was identified as a seperate species (from Podarcis erhardii) just a few years ago.