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Emergency numbers
- 112: European emergency number, free from any phone, English spoken
- 166: Ambulance (EKAV)
- 100: Police
- 199: Fire brigade
- 108: Coast guard
- 171: Tourist police, 24 hours, in Greek, English, French and German
All numbers plus every hospital in Crete, with tap to call buttons: Emergency numbers.
Health
Crete has public general hospitals in Heraklion (University Hospital and Venizelio), Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia and Ierapetra, plus health centres in many smaller towns. EU visitors should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); everyone should have travel insurance. Pharmacies (green cross) are everywhere and pharmacists give good advice for minor problems; a rota of night and weekend pharmacies is posted on each pharmacy door.
Money
The currency is the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in towns and hotels, but carry some cash for small tavernas, kiosks, parking and village shops. ATMs are common in towns and resorts, rarer in the mountains. Tipping is appreciated: rounding up or around 5–10% in restaurants.
Practical details
- Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2; UTC+3 in summer).
- Electricity: 230 V, European two-pin plugs (types C and F).
- Water: tap water is generally safe in towns but taste and quality vary; bottled water is cheap everywhere. Always carry water on hikes and beach trips.
- Language: Greek; English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A friendly kaliméra (good morning) and efcharistó (thank you) go a long way.
- Sun: the sun is strong even in spring. Use high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and avoid long walks at midday in summer.
Etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting monasteries and churches. Many shops close in the afternoon in smaller places. Respect protected areas: don’t take sand, shells or stones from beaches such as Elafonisi, and never light fires in the countryside.
Updated: 2026-10-29
