a. Local Transportation
Getting around Heraklion is straightforward. Visitors can use:
- Taxi services throughout the city. Easily retrieved online, English speaking operators.
- Public buses operated by Heraklion Urban Bus Company & KTEL Heraklion.
- Rental cars for exploring the island.
- Walking in the historic centre.
Typical taxi fares:
- Airport to Heraklion city centre: approximately €20–25, travel time 10-15 minutes.
- Airport to Amoudara Beach: approximately €25-30, travel time 15-20 minutes.
- Taxi fares may vary depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and luggage. Taxi ranks are located directly outside the airport arrivals area.
Public transportation:
- The airport bus runs frequently between the airport and the city centre, the journey lasts 15-20 minutes, the cost is less than 2€. Tickets can be bought at ticket machines or kiosks near bus stops, through the local bus mobile application and possibly on the bus.
b. Useful Information
- Country calling code: +30
- Currency: Euro
- Language: Greek, although English is widely spoken in tourism, hospitality and academic environment.
- Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz (European standard plug types C and F)
- Time Zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC/GMT +2 hours, and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC/GMT +3 hours during daylight saving time (including September).
- Emergency numbers:
- European emergency number: 112
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 166
- Fire service: 199
c. Weather in September
September is one of the most pleasant months to visit Crete. The weather is typically warm and sunny.
Average conditions include:
- Daytime temperatures: 25-30 °C
- Evening temperatures: 20-24 °C
- Sea temperature: 25 °C
Light summer clothing is recommended, along with comfortable shoes for walking, and perhaps a light jacket for the evenings.