Crete Travel Advice

Key facts
Capital Athens
Language Greek
Timezone GMT +2
Population 11,319,048
Currency EUR:Euro
Flight duration 4 to 5 hrs from dublin

Crete Travel Advice

Best time to go to Crete

Summers in Crete start early and last long into the year. Already in April the mercury is on the rise and, by the time May rolls around, temperatures are averaging 24°C. In July and August the thermometer regularly reaches 3o°C, although it never seems terribly hot, thanks to the seasonal summer breezes. You can still head to the beach in September and October, as the temperatures continue to hover between the low and high 20s. As far as rain is concerned, it usually confines itself to the winter months of November to March, with only an occasional shower during the rest of the year.

Passports & Visas

Irish citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/greece/

Just so you know, the Greek government has a Climate Resilience Tax in place for all those visiting Greece. It was previously known as the Greek Tourism Tax. It's calculated per room, per night and is payable by cash or card when you check in at your accommodation. For stays between April and October, the fees are €2 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €5 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €10 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and €15 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation and villas. For stays between November and March, the fees are €0.50 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €1.50 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €3 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and lastly, €4 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation. These fees are subject to change and are based on the Greek official rating and not our own TUI tour operator T-rating.

Health & Safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to get a European Health Insurance Card – or EHIC – before leaving Ireland. Though it’s not a substitute for travel insurance, it entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. It won't, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. For the latest health and safety info, visit https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/greece/