Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea, an island of extraordinary diversity where ancient civilizations, rugged mountains, fertile plains, and some of Europe's finest beaches converge. Home to the Minoan civilization, Europe's oldest advanced culture, Crete offers millennia of history alongside world-class natural beauty.
Crete is one of the safest tourist destinations in Europe. Violent crime is extremely rare and Cretans have a strong culture of hospitality toward visitors. The main hazards are environmental: sun and heat, sea conditions, mountain road driving, and adventure activity risks.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Apply SPF 50 sunscreen every 90 minutes. Avoid unshaded beaches between 12:00 and 16:00 in July–August when the UV index reaches 9–11.
Check flags: green = safe, yellow = caution, red = no swimming. The Libyan Sea south coast can produce sudden swells. Never swim alone in isolated coves.
Wear water shoes when entering the sea over rocks. If spines embed, use olive oil and a needle to remove; seek medical attention if the wound becomes inflamed.
Wear sturdy closed shoes — mandatory at Samaria. Carry 2L water per person. Start early to avoid midday heat. Gorges close in dangerous conditions.
Narrow winding mountain roads with sheer drops and few guardrails. Use your horn on blind bends. The Balos road requires 4WD or careful slow driving.
Rural areas and the south coast may have no petrol station for 30–50km. Fill up when passing through towns. Rural stations may close on Sundays.
Do not leave valuables visible in rental cars. Use hotel safes. Car break-ins at busy beach car parks such as Balos and Elafonisi have been reported.
Check menus before sitting at harbour-front restaurants. Read car hire contracts in full before signing. Only use licensed boat operators at Spinalonga.
Shuffle feet in sandy shallows to deter weaver fish. Wear boots hiking off-trail in rocky mountain areas where a mild viper lives. Kri-kri wild goats are harmless.
EU EHIC/GHIC cards cover public hospital treatment. Private clinics are faster. Pharmacies (green cross sign) advise on minor ailments. Always carry comprehensive travel insurance.
Use only licensed operators for canyoning, diving, and climbing. Check weather forecasts before gorge activities. PADI-certified instructors only for scuba diving.
Police: 100. Ambulance: 166. Fire: 199. Coast Guard: 108. European Emergency: 112. Tourist Police (English-speaking): 171.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Tourist Restaurant Overpricing
Harbour-front and tourist-area restaurants inflate prices significantly. The same dishes cost 30–50% less two streets back from tourist zones.
How to avoid: Walk away from the harbour before choosing a restaurant. Always check the menu and prices before sitting down.
Car Rental Hidden Charges
Some car hire companies add compulsory insurance or damage waiver charges not included in the advertised online price.
How to avoid: Always ask for the total price including all insurance before signing. Read the contract carefully.
Unofficial Boat Operators
Unlicensed boat operators at popular spots like Spinalonga may lack proper insurance or certified skippers.
How to avoid: Use only official licensed boat companies with tickets purchased from the harbour offices at Elounda or Plaka.
Taxi Overcharging
Some taxi drivers charge tourists above the metered rate, particularly from airports and for out-of-city trips.
How to avoid: Insist on the meter within cities. Agree the fare in advance for out-of-city trips before getting in.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Hospitals
- Name
- University General Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI)
- City
- Heraklion
- Phone
- +30 2810 392111
- Name
- Chania General Hospital
- City
- Chania
- Phone
- +30 2821 022000
- Name
- Rethymno General Hospital
- City
- Rethymno
- Phone
- +30 2831 022500
- Pharmacy
- Pharmacies (farmakeio — green cross sign) are well-stocked throughout Crete and open daily. Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and common medications.
- Eu Health Card
- EU citizens with EHIC or GHIC cards are entitled to treatment at Greek public hospitals. Private clinics are faster but charge full fees.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink in major cities (Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos). Carry bottled water for day trips in rural areas.
- Travel Insurance
- Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly one covering medical evacuation and adventure sports activities.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 166
- Fire
- 199
- Coast Guard
- 108
- Tourist Police
- 171
- European Emergency
- 112