Find general Infos-Geography-history at :

Experience aspects of Cretan life! - Suggestions:

Rent a car
All cars to rent in Greece are new models. Prices dont vary to much according the agency. Rental prices (unlimited kms -all included ) can start in small agencies ,from 140 euros/week in low season and 150 euros/week for high season.

Going to beach
 All sea front in Greece is free for the public. Therefore cannot exist private beaches (even hotels). Most beaches in Crete are accorded with EU blue flag wich means (pure water-free showers-cleaning-WC etc).
You can eventually rent if you wish , a Sun shelter and a long arm chair for 5-7 euros/day. You will find also a cantine for a toast and drinks.

Taverns-restaurants
Usually restaurants and taverns always display inside their place ,
a large window with all plates available to customers. So, prior to have
a table by the sea side ,go inside ,give look on what is available and then you are more informed about delicacies ! ***
****Demand local wine of the restaurant. Usually is good and cheaper than bottled !

Enjoy
Look at the electric posts or trees in each village square. Usually there are announcements with photos of musicians advertising local festivals where there is always food, music and all night dancing!
Wherever you find a wedding, do not hesitate, join the fun. You will be welcomed and will definitely eat and drink wine (sometimes by polite and forced invitation).

Security
 You can feel secure in Crete. Although many immigrants came and work in the island , rarelly create a problem for locals or foreigners.
So children are always and everywhere wellcome, loosing a camera or credit card is usually reported to the owner by some local person who find it. A lonely woman walking in the streets doesnt have any bother.

Driving
If you can not drive like a greek ( eyes closed and full power ), use the extreme right side of the road. and you are safe in whatever slow you drive - drive over the long continuous line on the right side to allow space for others behind to pass you safely.

Health
In case of a minor medical problem , you can visit for free, HEALTH Public Centers near major villages (in Greek- KENTRO IGIAS)
In case of a very serious problem , drive directly to main HOSPITAL
of Chania (indication panel on National main road outside the city-direction to West of the Island).

Going to Church !
Wake up early Sunday morning (from 7 am to 10 am ) and go to
a Greek church. In small cities or big villages, you will experience
a completely different religious ritual, coming straight from the begining of Christian religion, with many elements of ancient Greek rituals , antique theatre, and chants in Bible's original language .

Must visit and buy

While in Crete, when you are in major cities of Chania and Retymnon , ask people for "Laiki". This is an open popular market wich is every day in a different neighborhood.
There ,are together all producers coming from mountain villages and sell vegetables-fruits-the famus cretan cheeses-honey-and mountain teas .
There is lot of colour, and ambience ..