SFAKIA-CRETE TRAVEL FAQ

Questions?
Please check the practical info for visitors to Sfakia-page first!
Your answer may be there.

brigitte asked: is there any chance to get from sfakia to loutro after the last ferry has left (19.00). we arrive at sfakia at about 8p.m. If so, what do they charge?

29 April 06: You need to ask your accommodation owner in Loutro to send you a motorboat from Loutro to pick you up. Ask him the price he wants from his own customers.

Kelly McGuffie asked: I am planning a battlefield tour for 45-50 people from 3-8 Jun 06. I need to establish the best deals for travel and accomodation. I am looking to centralise my tour around Maleme. Kindest regards kelly

14 Feb 06: Please contact Diktynna Travel.

Shea asked: We will be visiting Crete in July. We will be coming from Athens. What is the cheapest way to get to Sfakia? The fastest?

12 Feb 06: First by domestic flight to Chania airport, or by ferry to Souda port. Then cheapest way is by public bus, fastest by taxi or rented car to Sfakia.

Raad asked: Please can you tell me the economic way to reach CRETE from Syria or Turky. And can I reach CREETE by sea, if yes the please tell me the nearest port and the cost. I will visit CRETE in May. I would like knowing the economic cost for 10 days in CRETE.

12 Feb 06: Sorry, we don't have information, but you should look for connections to Piraeus port.

Caro asked: Thank you for your answer about catching the bus to Imbros. Alternatively, do you think it could be possible to arrange a private drive to and from Imbros (taxi for example)? And finally: could you tell me the daily cost for a place in the car park of Chora Sfakion? Thanks again.

24 Jan 06: It is possible to arrange a private trip to Imbros from Chora Sfakion. There are 3 possibilities: a) Arrange an official taxi in the harbour front supermarket (not always possible, when the 2 available taxis are on the way to or from the airports); b) Sit for a drink in one of the restaurants and ask them if they could phone somebody from Komitades to bring you up by private car. Both options are not free, and will cost you up to 20 Euro; c) try to hitch hike. The car park in Chora Sfakion is inexpensive. I'm not sure, but it might cost 3-5 Euro for a day. From Komitades (end of the gorge) back to Chora Sfakion: a) a 45 minutes walk along the road; b) arrange a private drive by private car in one of the restaurants in Imbros. No taxi available; c) In summer there is 1 afternoon bus passing Komitades, from Frangokastello to Chora Sfakion, usually 15:30. Ask first!

Nick Worthington asked: We are thinking of staying at the Vritomartis Hotel and would like to know how far it is to walk into the village and how difficult the walk is - we will have a 7 year old with us!

6 Jan 06: Vritomartis hotel is about 2 km out of the village, you need about 20 min to walk on a tarmac road, and the walk is very easy.There is a bus from the hotel to the village and back 4 times at day (at 10:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 19:00 about).

Caro asked: Next July, we plan to walk down the gorge of Imbros: we will leave our car at Komitades and take the bus to Imbros. We would like to know at what time in the morning the bus passes by at Komitades. I heard there are in summer 4 departures from Chora Sfakion to Hania. Could you give me more details ? Many thanks.

6 Jan 06: You need to catch the bus at the crossing outside Komitades. Park at the single tavern, or walk 15 minutes from Komitades. Timetable is here.

Flap Jack asked: Can anyone give me a phone number for the accomodation on GAVDOS?

6 Jan 06: sorry, we don't have.

ann asked: Hi again! I'm planning a tour around Crete for my family (2 adults, 2 students): I would like to go to Frangocastello after visiting the Phaestos/Matala region. To get there by bus we have to travel back to Iraklion and Rethimnon, and then to Sfakia. This will take all day. Is there a possibility to take a taxi from around Phaestos to Frangokastello? Or aren't there any roads going trough along the south coast? How much would such a trip cost by the way? Many thanks, Ann

6 Jan 06: You need to try to arrange a taxi from Phaestos/ Matala, not Sfakia.

JASON ALEXANDER asked: hi im arriving crete 13/09, couple days in Hania then down to South - Sfkia - Fran'lo - Plakias. In your opinion where are the best beaches in this area i.e. sandy - decent shallows etc? Do ferries connect Sfkia to Plakias and is there decent beach fishing to be had in South Crete? Thanks

6 Sept 05: There are just a few sandy beaches, the others are with small pebbles. You find them in Frangokastello. There is no ferry connection between Sfakia and Plakias, or at all East of Chora Sfakion. You can snorkel from every beach, and catch fish with the proper gear. From the harbour jetty in Chora Sfakion you can also fish. Note that there's not much fish left.

mart74 asked: 1.What is the cheapest way to phone or send sms abroad? Any prepaid cards? 2.Is it possible to phone from Samaria gorge to the rest of Crete wheather there's no reach?

6 Sept 05: You can buy prepaid cards in the bigger towns of Crete. There is no telephone reception in Samaria gorge, or in other gorges.

GAI Griffin asked: I love Loutro in Sfaki and have been there a dozen times. Is there anywhere else in Sfaki or Crete like Loutro? Somewhere peaceful, possibly only accessible by boat? With nice beaches nearby? Thanks!

27 Aug 05: There are more places a bit like Loutro, but where they are is a bit of a secret, to keep them peaceful. Tour around, and you might find them.

laetitia asked: we would like to walk from sfakia to Plakias on the E4 and i would like to know how if it's possible (good signed trail?), how many days it takes and where we can take a bus going back to Rethymno before Plakias if we're not on time? Thanks a lot for your informations

27 Aug 05: I have no information about this. Not many people do it, and personally I haven't seen a single sign on this route. You might be able to find some info here. There is no bus before Plakias to take you to Rethymnon.

Tomek Sek asked: What is the best way to get to sfakia from Heraklion airport by public transport ?

27 Aug 05: By bus from Heraklion airport to Heraklion town, from there via Rethymnon towards Chania, changing bus at Vrisses, along the way. There the bus Chania - Sfakia will pass. You can find bus timetables here.

Pamela White asked: Can an 11 year old still travel to Crete on his mums passport or does he now require his own?

4 Aug 05: You have to contact the appropriate Ministry in your home country for an answer.

Igor asked: Hi, We are planning to stay one week in a big hotel in Hersonisos at the and of August and we want to walk Samaria gorge. Do we have to book this trip in advance through Internet? Or it will be possible to book it through the hotel when we arrive (it still be 4-5 days in advance in this case). Thank you.

4 Aug 05: You can find offers for trips everywhere i Hersonissos.

Rebecca asked: Hello, I recently sent you a question about hiking in Crete. are there any paths/gorges that are closed in October? Thanks!

4 Aug 05: When it's raining, none of the paths and gorges are good terrain, and get very slippery, and with falling stones in the gorges.

Rebecca asked: Can you recommend some good hiking trails? My husband and I are planning a vacation in Crete. We love hiking but are not at an advanced level--i.e. we don't take huge risks!

4 Aug 05: Please have a look here.

Christie mayo asked: Are there any museums in Sfakia?

4 Aug 05: You'll find most Cretan museums described here. In Sfakia there is to my knowledge only 1 museum: The WW II museum in Askyfou.

Ian asked: Hi There, I'll be coming to Crete on October 1st 2005. I was wondering if it was possible to go to Gavdos for 3 or 4 days? I heard the ferries only travel on Saturday and Sunday. I don't mind staying for a week, but I'm worried that I may miss a ferry and be stuck there for another week. Thanks!

4 Aug 05: ferry timetabes are here. Never go to Gavdos at the end of your holidays, because if the weather is not good (windy), there indeed will be no ferry back.

Dirk Aartsen asked: We will arrive on sunday 17 juli in the afternoon at heraklion. Than we have a car to drive to Sfakia. We want to go to Gavdos at the same day, is it possible to take a water taxi/small boat round 17 or 18 hour?? Because we know there is no ferry in the afternoon on sunday.

4 Aug 05: There is no small boat or water taxi available to Gavdos: too far and too dangerous.

susan krieger asked: What are the weather conditions in Crete during January or Febuary? thanks

4 Aug 05: Weather details you will find here.

jackie goodridge asked: can you let me no the time differace in greece compared to uk? please also as we will come to chania airport how to get to our holiday village of Agia Roumeli by bus or taxi ? and boat ( what time will last boat leave and from were ? journey times would also be helpfull too. my thanks,look forward to hearing from you. Jackie

4 Aug 05: Greece is 2 hours later than UK: GMT +2. To reach Agia Roumeli you have to go by taxi, bus or car to either Sougia or Chora Sfakion, and from there to Agia Roumeli by ferry. You cannot bring the car, since there is no road in Agia Roumeli. (ferry details here)

lucien asked: My friend and I would like to go to samaria by car to do the gorges until Agia Roumeli. Then we'd like to take the boat to Sougia and then come back to Samaria to take back our car. We'd like to know if there are buses or taxis (Prices ?)to bring us back to Samaria from Sougia ? Is it better if we let the car at Omalos ?

4 Aug 05: It's better to leave the car in Chania, take an early bus to Omalos etc. and pick up the car again in Chania.

Kelly asked: Hello, we would like to do the Samaria Gorge by ourselves. Therefor we would like to drive to Omalos with our rental car. Is it possible to take a bus from Sougia, Loutro or Chora Sfakion to Omalos? If so, could you give us the timetables and prices? Thank you.

4 Aug 05: For bus details, see my answer below. There is no road or bus from Loutro. Bus from Sougia to Chania leaves at 18 PM. Latest ferry to catch this bus leaves Agia Roumeli at 17:15 PM. (ferry details here). Bus timetables and prices you find here.

Mark Bower asked: My wife, daughter & I wish to walk the Samaria Gorge from Omalos, in the morning starting say 8.00 am & without staying in Omalos. We will drive by hire car to Sfakia, where we would like to stay for the first night. Next morning, can we leave the car at Sfakia for 24 hrs, take a bus from Sfakia to Omalos, in time to walk the Gorge to Agia Roumeli. We would then like to take to boat to Loutro to stay over that night, returning to Sfakia next morning to return to the car and travel back to our hotel. I would welcome your suggestions as to if this is practical, and if so what is the time for the first bus from Sfakia to Omalos?

4 Aug 05: First bus from Chora Sfakion to Chania is at 7 AM, you will be in Chania round 9 AM. My advise is to take a taxi from there to Omalos, to save time (bus leaves at 8:30 or 14:00). You can leave your car in Chora Sfakion on a paid and protected parking lot.

Fab asked: Hello, I plan to go to Crete the last week of may for trekking and I would like to know if there is a lot of snow on Mount Ida and Mount Gingilos. Do you think it is necessary to have crampons ? Thank you

4 Aug 05: The last week of May there still will be snow. Abut crampons I don't know.

Claude asked: Is there in 2005 still a boat going from Agia Galini to the Agios Pavlos beach (Agios Pavlos near Saktouria)? It used to go every day around noon. Thank you for you answer.

4 May 05: We have no idea. Aga Galini is not in our region of Sfakia, but 50 km east of it. You can better ask here.

steve calos asked: I would like information on hiking in Sfakia. Thank you. Steve Calos

4 May 05: Please have a look here.

Sirpa Kokslien asked: I am arriving at Iraklion Airport on Sunday, May 8. How do I get fastest possbible to Loutre? Local buss? I can't find a busstable from Iraklion to Loutre. Thank you.

30 April 05: It is not possible to reach Chora Sfakion by bus from Heraklion on the same day, if you arrive at Heraklion airport on 12:00 hrs.

First you have to take a bus from the airport to Heraklion town and bus station. From there you take the bus Heraklion - Rethymnon - Chania. Between Rethymnon and Chania in Vrisses you leave the bus, and wait for the connecting bus Chania - Vrisses - Chora Sfakion. The latest connection Vrisses - Chora Sfakion leaves Vrisses at 14:30 hrs afternoon. It is not possible to be there on time.

If you have accommodation booked in Sfakia: you can ask your hotel manager to send you a taxi. Price is about Euro 95 total, for 4 persons together. Or you can order the taxi yourself. Look here for details.

phil mcgill asked: can we go out in a boat trip to see dolphins in crete does any company organise swim with the dolphins day out trips in crete

16 April 05: There is mention of such trips here.

Caroline asked: I'm aware that the Samaria Gorge can get very crowded with tourists - should we avoid weekends for doing the walk? Is it likely to be very busy during the last week of May?

16 April 05: No matter what day of the week: it will be quite busy. If you really want to walk without crowds you can consider spending the night in Omalos at the top of the gorge, and walk the gorge first thing in the morning, before the buses arrive. You could also start from the other side: Agia Roumeli, and walk up until you meet the crowds.

Caroline asked: I'm trying to work out how to get from Loutro to Paleohora on May 31st in order to pick up my hire car and drive back to Hania to catch a flight at 15.20 - is this possible?! Thanks in advance for your help.

16 April 05: This is not possible on the same day, since the ferry connection Agia Roumeli - Paleochora is only available in the afternoon.

Philip Laris asked: What is the weather like in May?

10 April 05: full Spring, with usually sunny weather and some short rain showers. Temperatures range from 25° C early May until low thirties in June. This period is great for outdoor activities, like walking and mountain hiking, or for sunbathing and swimming. More details you will find here.

Margarita asked: The more I read about Sfakia and Loutro the more charming they seem to me. Thank you for this great and well-functioning page! The question: is it possible for a middle-aged, middle-fit lady to walk from Chora Sfakion to Loutro?

10 April 05: yes, if you have a reasonably good condition and don't suffer from vertigo. You find a pictorial about the trip here.

Ian Ahmed asked: Hi Great website! I am thinking of visiting Sfakia in the first week of May. Will the resort be busy then, with everything open? I don't like it when a place is too quiet. Also, do you know of any hotels or apartments with swimming pools? Thanks, Ian

4 March 05: Sfakia opens its doors to guests in the end of March, this year. Usually May is quite busy, because of the start of the walking season, and the nice weather. Only this hotel has a swimming pool.

wilmke asked: do you no some outdoor campagnies on crete, were i can work?? tx greets wilmke

4 March 05: Sorry, we don't. Maybe you can try Google?

joyce asked: my english is pool.i can use simple English i want to know how can i go to crete after i go to GREECE

4 March 05: By domestic flight from Athens to Heraklion or Chania airport, or by ferry from Piraeus.

John Wallace asked: My wife and I want to walk the Samaria Gorge in September. We want to leave our car in Skafia and take the bus to Chania to stay in a hotel so we can take the bus to Omalos the next day to walk the Gorge. My question is, is there a place in Sfakia we can leave our car for one day.

14 February 05: Along the ferry pier and on the bus square of Chora Sfakion is an inexpensive parking lot with surveillance.

Krzycztof Bogacz asked: I'm interesting in diving? is there any possibility to dive in Sfakia or in the region? thanks a lot for answers!

7 February 05: In Chora Sfakion is a diving club: Notos Mare. Their website is here.

Nina asked: We will be in Crete from the 26th decemeber until the 6th jan 2005. What ferries will take me to Santorini from Crete and return at this time of the year ?

12 December 04: Please have a look here for all domestic ferries information.

jim pratt asked: Do the car ferries operate from Hora Sfakion to Paleohora during October? If so - at what imes and an idea of prices please - thankyou!

28 Sept 04: There are 2 car ferries/ day from Chora Sfakion to Agia Roumeli, where you have to change boat, to continue to Paleochora. Until 31 October daily at 10:30 AM, until 14 October daily at 13:00 PM, and from 15 - 31 October daily except on Mondays and Wednesdays at 13:00 PM. Daily and only departure from Agia Roumeli is at 16:45 PM, arriving in Paleochora at 18:15 PM. Prices: Chora Sfakion - Paleochora Euro 11.40 per person, plus Euro 26.40 for a car.

bob lewis asked: I am looking for a timetable of ferries from Sfakia to Palachora (go & return). I have clicked the the link for South West coast ferries but the infomation is not there

11 Aug 04: The link is working here... Please click again the ferry timetable link.

Matthias Luik asked: We are at Frangokastello at September. Where are nudist beaches or where is nudism allowed near Frangokastello? Thank you for the informations

30 July 04: East of Frangokastello is a beach where nudism is possible: Orthi Ammos, about 300 metres from the castle. Officially it's not allowed, like in all of Greece, but you won't get any problems, if you don't go close to locals.

Vittorio asked: Hello ! I read the question of Ela Wisniewska : "..I was advised not to travel by car in the area when it is dark...". Why ? Is It dangerous ?

13 July 04: It is not dangerous, but many roads in the Sfakia area are in the mountains, with sometimes a deep gorge beside the road, and some people don't like to drive on these roads when it is dark, although then it is also very quiet on the roads.

Louise asked: I work in a travel agents in Dublin and really need to get hold of the Bellos Apatments, Hersonissos, Crete, fax number. Can you help?

12 July 04: Tel.: +30 28970 21091, Fax: +30 28970 21092

Ela Wisniewska asked: Hello, hello, the site is just great! And I take the opportunity to ask what time does it get dark in Sfakia at the end of August. I was advised not to travel by car in the area when it is dark and since I intend to arrive from the airport at around 9 PM I am afraid it could be somehow adrenaline bumping. Thank you for you answer!

1 July 04: Beginning of July twilight starts around 9 PM. At this link, under 'Astronomy', you'll find the actual times. In August it will be dark earlier.

Margaret Korolczuk asked: I want to get to Sfakia from he Heraklion by some bus. It is possible? My plane arrives on 20th of June about 6pm and if it will be possible I would like to get to Sfakia the same day. Thank you in advance for your help.

14 June 04: It's NOT possible to reach Sfakia from Heraklion when you arrive at 6:00 hrs PM. Last bus from Heraklion to reach Sfakia on the same day is 11:30 hrs AM. All information regarding public buses can be found here. You can order a taxi here: price is Euro 90 one way.

orla mc morrow asked: hi we are going to hersonisos and staying in the bellos apartment, i have searched the net widely and am unable to get a review from some one who stayed in it? please help me

13 June 04: Sorry, we can't help. Sfakia is in the Southwest, and Hersonissos in the Northeast. But Google has information for you: click here.

manuela asked: How can I reach Kalamaki/Matala from Chora Sfakion

13 June 04: This is complicated: by bus to Heraklion, and then back south to Matala.

Inus asked: I want to go to Loutro early morning, have breakfast there, look around. Then go to Sweetwaterbay (boat at 11am??), and back to Sfakia again. I can only find ferries on the web that goes there at 10;30, which is too late to connect with the Loutro-SWB boat. How can I do my plan??

13 June 04: Take your breakfast in Chora Sfakion, take the direct Sweetwater Beach boat ("Delfini") at 10:30 AM, walk to Loutro, have a late lunch there, and back with the regular ferry to Chora Sfakion. Or: walk early along the coastal path to Loutro, and complete your original plan.

Juhan asked: Hi! I will visit Crete in this May (Chania - walk through Lefka Ori - Samaria Gorge - Hora Sfakion). I'm interested in WWII memorials in Crete. Can You suggest something in Sfakia region (museums, battlefields, cementaries etc)? Or even maybe some WWII vets (partisans) who are willing to tell their stories?

13 June 04: In Chora Sfakion is a WWII memorial on the ferry pier, and on the backside of the hill with the castle is another one. There's a war museum in Askyfou, and also more statues and a battlefield. The Imbros gorge is a battlefield too, and in Chora Sfakion you can visit Ammoudi Beach and the nearby Agios Haralambos chapel, from where the Allied Forces disembarked to Africa.

Inus Prinsloo asked: Wife and I are visiting southern Crete (Sfakia to Matala) for 6 days in early July'04. How busy is it there this period. (We dont like beaches too quiet.) Can we expect some other people on beaches like Glyka Nera, Fylaki, Plakias beaches, Ag. Pavlos, Kommos etc? Are the nudist beaches Clothing Optional or is it expected to go completely nude? Could you recommend an itinerary and availability of local busses between Sfakia up to Matala? Thanks

25 February 04: The beaches will be moderately busy, with 30 - 60 people. All beaches mentioned are not official nudist beaches, except Filaki. But they all have at least a Clothing Optional corner. All information regarding public busses can be found here. Itineraries are here. There is no direct connection by bus between Agia Galini and Matala (via Heraklion).

Roy asked: When do the hotels in Sfakion open early season 2004?

8 January 04: Hotel Stavris opens March 28, 2004, 2 weeks before Easter. Most other accommodations soon after that.

Lech asked: are there any naturist beaches near Georgioupoli

Donna DiLorenzo asked: I am planning to visit Sfakia around Oct. 15 this year..I was wondering if it will be warm enough to swim at this time?

21 September 03: Yes, the water will be warm, about 24° C/ 75° F. For more details please look here.

Elizabeth asked: We have just booked a holiday to Hersonissos, we are staying in the Sfakianakis apts. What are they like and where can we find pictures?? Thanks

25 August 03: Sfakia is in South-West Crete, Hersonissos in the North-East. So we have no idea. The name of the apartment is not indicating it is located in Sfakia.

sandler asked: Time shedule and prices ferry from Crete to Santorini and back

25 August 03: here

Katia asked: Is there a bus from Iraklio to Frangocastello?

25 August 03: Yes. Please have a look at the timetables here.

Ladek Piasecki asked: How can I get information about Holy Masses in catholic churches in Crete? I want to go to Chania and I would like to know schedule of worship both in Chania and in nearby places.

Kathy asked: Is there a ATM machine in south-Crete? Can't find any info about it. Thanks.

21 June 03: There is an ATM/ money cash machine at the village square of Chora Sfakion, at the corner with the ferry pier.

Anna Alexandrakis asked: My other question is if you can help me locate some recent pics of the area. It will be so helpful..

Anna Alexandrakis asked: Unfortunately, I can only stay two nights at Crete this summer, but my question is, since i have not been to Agia Roumeli for almost five years, which restaurants do you recommend. I want to make a good impression. Can you help? Something romantic?

K. CALDWELL asked: I NEED TO FIND OUT WHERE I CAN BOOK THE KONAKI APPARTMENTS MALEME CHANIA CAN YOU HELP

anil asked: What is the cost of taxi transfer from Heraklion airport to a hotel in Hersonissos? Thank you

16 April 03: Price is about Euro 22 one way. You can find taxis outside the airport.

zvonko kracun asked: how much is it to rent a bicycle for 1 day or 1 week.

31 March 03: It's not possible to rent bicycles in Sfakia, or in any other mountainous region of Crete. For this you need to go to Chania, Rethymnon or Heraklion. We have no addresses or prices available.

David Casey asked: I was wondering what the Dia Apartments in Hersonisis are like?

02 March 03: We have no information about Hersonissos. This is located in the Northeast of Crete, and we are in Sfakia, in the Southwest. But you could try to search on Google. Click here for the results (27).

Harold asked: When is Cretan easter in 2003?

02 March 03: April 27, 2003 is Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday; April 20, 2003 is Catholic and Protestant Easter.

Jon Bacal asked: What is the average high and low temperature and also rainfall in Crete in late November and early December?

02 March 03: Please have a look at our Cretan climate page.

Dan asked: Hello, could you give me some price indication for renting of scooters for 1 or more days? thanks Dan

02 March 03: It's not possible to rent scooters in Sfakia.

Neal Marsden asked: I arrive in Crete on 19th October, for one week. Is it possible to still walk the Samaria Gorge? Guidebooks say it is open until 'mid-October' or 'late-October'; do you know the exact date it closes? Thanks. Neal.

02 March 03: It closes officially on November 1st, but usually before this date, depending on the weather. If there is heavy rainfall before November 1st, Samaria Gorge will close down for the season.

Geert Hamaekers asked: Next week we will travel to Crete. We will come by plane, arriving in Chania. Are there lockers in the Airport where we can leave some luggage? Regards, Geert.

06 Sept 02: We have never noticed any luggage lockers on Chania airport, but we're not sure.

John Corcoran asked: I am looking for the name of an apartment/bungalow sytle accomodation I steyed in before..it is beside the Bellos Apts on the west side of Hersonisis..about 20 bungalows with small pool in nice gardens...anyway I could track down the name?Thank you!

06 Sept 02: We are sorry, but we have no specific information about that part of Crete.

Bernhard asked: we like to mountain hike in september in the white mountains. any recommandations ?

06 Sept 02: For some ideas please have a look here and here.

robert peel asked: hello...what is the actual beach water temperature at AGHIA MARINA ?...thanks a lot, robert peel, denmark

09 July 02: Now in July about 25° C.

Barbara asked: Are there any swimming pools in your place?

06 July 02: Yes, 1 very big one with very fresh water. It's called the Libyan Sea ;-) Seriously, there currently is no swimming pool in a publicly accessible place. Hotel Vritomartis has a big swimming pool for its guests. And a new apartments complex is being built, which will also have a swimming pool (Kavros).

massimo&monica asked: We are planning to visit Sfakia and Frangokastello during the last week of June and we would like to have information about prices regarding eating-out in tavernas...what restaurants and tavernas with good food at good prices in these areas can one suggest to us? and what are the relative prices of meals and drinks (soft-drinks and wine or beer)? We also plan to spend a few days in Gavdos, if possible could the same questions be answered for Gavdos in the areas of Agios Ioannas, Potamos or Lavrakas)?

240602: I have no information about Gavdos, but it might be more expensive there, because of extra transport charges. In Sfakia you can have a great dinner with drinks for less than Euro 18 for two persons together. All restaurants are good, specially the ones with local customers. Good food can be found at tavernas, which usually have tube lights inside. Fresh fish is VERY expensive. Half a litre of beer is Euro 1,50, half a litre of wine Euro 2,40, fresh orange juice Euro 1,30 and cola Euro 1,20.

dawn taylor asked: are there dolphins still on the island of crete

240602: Several dolphins have been seen along the south coast, between Paleochora and Chora Sfakion.

James Gertmenian asked: Please tell me about weather during the period of March 1 - April 15. Also, are restaurants and other businesses open during this period? I am considering a six week stay in March-April 2003.

240602: The tourist season will start around Greek Orthodox Easter. In 2003 Easter Sunday will be on April 27. So most restaurants and hotels outside the main cities will still be closed before April 15, 2003. Info about the weather can be found here.

Julie Senger asked: I will be going to Frangokastello this July. Is there a supermarket or roadside market selling fruit and vegis in Frangokastello? Also what is the best way to go from one end of the island to the other?

240602: There are at least 3 minimarkets in Frangokastello. A rented car is the most convenient way to cross the island. But it can be done by local bus, if you have enough time.

J. Hoeksma asked: Hello, Is it possible to take a taxi from Vrisses to Sfakia and how much will this cost? Thank you for the information in advance. J. Hoeksma

240602: Yes, that's possible. It costs about Euro 32 one way for up to 4 persons. For more information and bookings please have a look here.

Ross Thompson-Butler asked: could anyone tell me an email address where i could get tourism data in a graphical form about crete. thanks

Jerry asked: are there any naturist beaches near Sfakia

240602: Yes, several. For more information please have a look here.

Roger Michielsen asked: Hi, Is there a timetable available of the Olympic Airways bus from Chania airport to Chania city ? I cannot find it on the internet. We will arive May 20th and will certainly visit sfakia ! Thanks for helping.

Bess asked: Can you tell me roughly the prices of food/ drink in Hersonissos, and how much money you would recommend that I take for a week's holiday with accomodation already paid for?

240602: Hersonissos is one of the most expensive places in Crete. How much money you need of course depends greatly on how often you want to go to bars etc. You can expect the same level of prices as in holiday resorts in the UK.

catherine weisnewski asked: me and my friend are going to be getting an apartment in Ios and settling there. However; I would like to be able to spend a week or longer visiting Crete. We will be pressed for money and I am wondering where our best bet would be to go that is close to Ios and fun for people our age (20)?

240602: If you like to spend less money: stay out of the mass tourism areas, which are mainly situated along the north coast. There are several villages along the south coast that cater to younger people, with nightclubs, bars and discos: Paleochora, Plakias, Agia Galini. But none of them are close to Ios ;-)

Ross Thompson-Butler asked: how does crete or rethimnon maximise the positive impacts of tourism and minimise the possible negative impacts of tourism development. including economic, enviromental and socio-cultural. i would appreciate this greatly. thank you

050202: Perhaps you would like to discuss this interesting topic on our forum? Please click here.

lacy doremus asked: We plan to visit Crete in May or June of 2002. My husband wants to visit archelogical historical sites I wish to hike (guided walking ) Do you know of any touring company that combines both. We would be coming from Germany. Thank you.

042402: Perhaps you could contact White Mountain Experience for guided walks. Their guide speaks German.

shyam diwakar asked: my friend and i would be visiting heraklion for a conference at Royal knossos village hotel(we'll be there around jun 21-30). We are students from India and do have a really small allowance to spend. hence we would like to know where and how the cheapest accomodation will be available. how can we manage some tours around the beautiful country.Also we shall be arriving only at Athens. how will we be able to reach our destination. what kind of transport medium is cheap. What food do we get there ? will there be any seasonal variations in prices. how much do travel in Greece cost. Thanks in advance.

042402: The cheapest accommodation can be found away from the mass tourism areas, so NOT along the North coast, but inland and along the South coast. In every village there are rooms to rent, for about Euro 20/ night for two persons. You can tour around the island using public buses. The local food consists of meat of lamb, goat and pork and vegetables, fish and salads. It is not spicy, just natural flavour. All prices stay the same during the year, except for accommodation, which is most expensive in July and August.

From Athens you have to go to Piraeus harbour, from where you can take a ferry boat to Heraklion. Timetable and prices can be found here.

stefy asked: We are going in Crete in May 2002. Where can we go in the easter week??? We want stay in a place where we can look cretan easter's tradition!!! Thanks PS: Sorry for my english

042402: In every small village in Crete you can experience the traditions of Greek Orthodox Easter, in 2002 the week before Sunday May 5th, Easter Sunday.

Phung Thanh Phuong asked: I would like to know some major features about your country'history and cultural features, the most important holidays and some most prominent features about life in your country that make it different from other countries in the world.

031702: Please have a look at our site summary, where you can find links to all the information you want about Crete.

Wendy asked: My husband and I will be arriving in Crete this June. We are planning on arriving by ferry. Can you tell me the cheapest way to get to Sfakia from the port. Taxis I belive are more then 70. Euros and we are trying to do this trip on a budget. Thankyou, Wendy

030302: The cheapest way for transport is the public bus service of KTEL. You can find their timetables here. A taxi indeed is more expensive: Euro 48 from Chania (Souda) to Chora Sfakion and Euro 78 from Heraklion. A rented car can be affordable, if you rent it for a longer time.

Victor Wood asked: My wife and I intend to visit your area in May of 2002. We both very much enjoy live Greek folk music. Which village would you suggest if we are interested in listening to local musicians in the evenings?

030302: I do not know of regular music performances in any village. In Chania town you can find Cafe Kriti with live music. In several villages you might find spontaneous performances, but they are usually not announced previously. IF a performance is announced you can find it through leaflets hanging on trees and electricity poles, or small window posters in public places.

Nic asked: Myself and my girlfriend are travelling to Chania, Crete around the middle of August/start of Sept for about 5 weeks. I am wondering about how easy it is to get rental accomodation over this period. We would want a small furnished place, that isn't flash but isn't filthy either. How much would we be looking at for something like this?? would appreciate any assistance.

022602: August is high season in Crete, so it will be the busiest time regarding tourism. Both foreign tourists and the Greeks themselves are having their holidays. So it will be relatively more difficult to find the accommodation you want, without a prior booking. And along the North coast this will be more difficult them along the south coast. Because of high season prices also will be up, starting from about Euro 30/ night for 2 persons together for a small studio (self catering room + kitchenette), or Euro 21/ night for a double room without kitchenette in a hotel or private house. Villas and detached houses are much more expensive of course: Euro 500/ week and up. If you plan to travel around: be sure to arrive around noon in a village, when customers are supposed to leave their accommodation at the end of their stay, or ask your accommodation manager to make a phone call to an accommodation in your next stop. September still is quite busy too.

Roger Farr asked: This is fantastic sight! I'm wondering about scooter rental and operation in Paleohora and Plakias. Will scooters be available in these places by mid to late April, 2002, and are they suitable for trips to nearby sights and gorges (Plakias to Imbros for example), or would a car be better? Many Thanks.

022302: Because Paleochora and Plakias are out of the region of Sfakia we have no information about scooter rentals there. In Sfakia anyway it's not possible to rent one, but I believe in Plakias it could be. A scooter is only useful on flat roads, not in the mountains. So you could take one to drive from Plakias to Komitades, at the foot of the Imbros gorge, but not to Imbros village, which is 650 metres up in the mountains. The tourist season starts about March 23, 2002 so if there is a shop renting out scooters it should be open in April.

Lambert asked: Hi, I plan to walk the Asfedou gorge from Kares in mid april. Is there busservice Sfakion-Agios Nektarios v.v.?

022002: During the summer season there is a daily bus Chora Sfakion - Frangokastello v.v., but it appears from the official timetable that there is none in mid April. It's a good idea to check locally though (ask your hotel manager), since the situation might have changed by then. If not: usually it's easy to hitch hike on this road. If even this does not work, you can call for a taxi at (08250) 91269.

Edmond asked: Sir, I hope you can help me. We like to walk the Samaria gorge and we are coming from Chania, after that we stay one night at Agia Roumeli and the next morning we walk to Sfakia and stay there for a few days, is there a way to get out lugage from chania to Sfakia?

021102: First of all: I hope you know how long the walk from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia is: about 7 hours. On sunny and warm days the biggest problem is the heat and the possible shortage of drinking water. There is no shade at all along the entire route. Nevertheless, it can be done, and you could always decide to take the ferry for the last part, Loutro - Chora Sfakion. The walk isn't difficult, but the path may be not well maintained in parts, and if you have vertigo...
About the luggage: the only solution I see for that is to arrange a taxi, to bring your luggage from Chania to your hotel in Chora Sfakion. Price is Euro 48. We can arrange both the stay in a hotel and the taxi. Please contact us, if you want.

claire asked: Do you have any information about the economics of Crets in the last 2000 yrs? I have seen the tourism influenced economics but not a more general data set?

020102: Are you kidding? If you can send me the economical data of the UK, or from Manchester, from the last 2000 years I will promise to do my best for Crete :-) Best is to derive this information from historical data available for Crete, to get an indication. Of course there are hardly any statistics available before the 18th century. From this time on travellers from the UK have written several books about their time in Crete. Specially Robert Pashley has published interesting statistics in his 'Travels in Crete', London, 1837. A reprint can be obtained here and a copy can be found in your University library.

Peter asked: When will you post the new ferries timetables?

020102: As soon as they become available they will be published here.

Tobi & Isa asked: We have some questions about travelling to your area in march: Is there a ferry connection between Paleochora-Agia Roumeli-Loutro-Chora Sfakion? Or what are the other possibilities to get there? Is it a problem to find open hotels and restaurants? Do the weather conditions allow to do 2- or more- day hikes?

012102: There is a ferry connection Paleochora-Sougia-Agia Roumeli (change boats)-Loutro-Chora Sfakion. More info you can find here, although the new timetable for 2002 is not available yet. By road Chora Sfakion is connected to the north and east. All accommodations will open about 1 week before Easter, so around March 23. Before that 2 rent rooms are open in Chora Sfakion, as well as 2 restaurants. Before Easter it will be easy to find a room, during Easter time it might get busy. Weather conditions may vary: it can be very nice and warm, but also windy, rainy and cold. If it is rainy, mountain hikes are not a good idea, because of slippery tracks. If it has been raining a lot before, paths may have been damaged. Please ask locally about the present conditions. If your hikes involve an overnight's stay in the mountains: please note it is still very cold there. Have a good trip.

Ralph Parrott asked: My wife and I are planning a three week tour of Crete in October 2002. We like to rent a car and drive without reservations. We also like to visit out of the way places and enjoy the country side and to avoid the most touristy places. We are also beach freaks. We will arrive via military space available flight to Souda Bay. Could you suggest an itenerary for us? Thank you very much. Ralph Parrott

122701: Our best advice is to limit the number of places and regions you want to visit on Crete. Crete is way too big to see it all in 3 weeks. It would be best to choose for one area: West, middle or East, to avoid being in the car all day. Please note that it takes more than 1 day to go from West to East. Suggestions for the West: Chania town, westwards to Kastelli, south to Paleochora, by ferry along the coast, visiting all places, ending in Chora Sfakion (not possible to take the car on the ferry!), explore from here the White Mountains and the inland, on to Frangokastello, Plakias and Spili, North to Rethymnon and surroundings, back to Souda. This round trip is absolutely great and a very good way to explore the West: you will have it all: away from mass tourism, beaches, mountains, sea and the friendliest people you ever saw. But this is also possible in the other parts of Crete. You just have to realise that mass tourism is concentrated along the North coast, mainly between Chania and Agios Nikolaos. But even there you might find lovely and more quiet spots.

Kieran Chamberlain asked: Hi there. Would it be possible for all the best alternatives for travelling to Crete in both pictures and words to be sent to me please. Also maybe some statistics. Thnks for your help whatever is possible. Bye

122701: I'm very sorry, but apart from maintaining this informative site there are no other means by which we provide information. A little web searching here and there might help you. Please have a look at our site summary, or try Google search engine.

Qanita asked: as part of my investigation in Geography i would like to know what the environmental, social and economical impacts have been on Crete as a result of tourism.

122701: You can find tourism statistics here. The impact of tourism on every day life and economics are of course huge. It varies greatly per region how much. There are still many places on Crete with a very low influence.

Noam Coleman asked: Dear Sir/Madam, I am looking for: 1. A Domata to stay in Chania 2. Excursion from Chania to Samaria Gorge. 3. I am also interested in more places to stay at Rethymnon, Santorini, Iraklio, Agios Nekolaos. Thank you, Noam Coleman

101801: It's easy to find a room yourself in Chania. Walk in the neighborhood you like and watch for 'Rent Rooms' signs. Close to the harbor the rooms are most expensive. Travel agents offer Samaria tours everywhere in Chania. You can also buy a 'round trip' ticket at the bus station. For info on other cities in Crete you might want to explore the Top 100 Cretan Travel Sites, with many good sites.

Thomas Duffy asked: Can we get a bus from Heraklion Airport to Chania. We are staying at Platanias and there will be ten of us so the taxis will work out to expensive, we would hope to get taxis from chania to Platanias

091101: There are several buses a day between Heraklion city and Chania. First you have to take the bus from the airport into the city. The timetables can be found here.